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Diagnosing The Hemi Tick: Exhaust Manifold Leaks Vs. Roller Lifter Failure

“Hemi Tick” is a term that strikes fear into the hearts of many Dodge, Ram, and Jeep owners. However, while it can indicate an expensive problem, not every tick is a death sentence for your engine. The Hemi platform is legendary for its power, and some would say equally as famous for developing this distinct rhythmic…

Diagnosing Cold Start Rattle: Ford EcoBoost 3.5L Cam Phaser Rattle

If you own a Ford F-150 or Expedition equipped with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine, you may have experienced a jarring, metallic rattling sound immediately after turning the key on a cold morning. This sound, which usually lasts for only a few seconds before disappearing, is not only annoying – it’s a warning sign of a significant mechanical failure.…

The Chevy LS Engine Family – All You Need To Know

The Chevrolet small block is arguably the most produced engine in automotive history. For decades, the venerable 350 reigned supreme. However, as times changed, the need for better emissions, performance, and durability grew. While the 350 evolved continuously from its debut in 1967 until its phase-out in 2003, the arrival of the LS engine family…

Diagnosing The Chevy Shake: 8L90 Transmission Shudder

February 25, 2026

If you own a modern GM truck or SUV, you may have experienced an unsettling vibration at highway speeds, often described as driving over rumble strips. Sometimes referred to as the Chevy Shake, this issue is frequently caused by issues in your 8L90 automatic transmission. This issue has plagued thousands of drivers, and understanding the cause is the first step toward a smooth ride. The Chevy Shake is a symptom of internal transmission fatigue that requires a precision engineered fix. Understanding The Shudder The 8L90 transmission shudder is typically caused by the torque converter clutch (TCC). Over time, moisture buildup in the fluid…

Stock vs Upgraded Transmissions

December 17, 2025

may seem like the most convenient option when it’s time for replacement, but is it the best? The reality is that factory transmissions are often built with cost-saving compromises, and many weren’t originally engineered to handle the stress of modern use, such as towing, racing, or heavy loads. This is where a remanufactured upgraded transmission from Powertrain Products can make all the difference. Stock vs Upgraded Transmission: What’s the Real Difference? “Is it worth upgrading your transmission?” Stock (OEM) transmissions are made to meet minimum performance standards under ideal conditions. But most drivers don’t operate in “ideal.” Whether you tow,…

How To Extend The Life Of Your Transmission

December 5, 2025

Taking care of your vehicle’s transmission can help you avoid costly repairs by maximizing its lifespan. Below is a practical transmission care guide with tips on how to make your transmission last longer. Top Tips To Extend Transmission Life We’ll start with 10 tips that can help to extend the life of your transmission, then we’ll answer your frequently asked transmission questions. 1. Check Transmission Fluid Regularly One of the simplest transmission maintenance tips is to keep an eye on your transmission fluid. This fluid can break down for various reasons – from rough driving to extreme environments. Best to…

Ford 6R80 Transmission FAQs

November 24, 2025

The 6R80 was a popular automatic transmission used in several Ford models over the years. It was based on a German ZF design, and aside from a few common faults, it is a solid and dependable unit. Let’s cover the basics of this transmission, and the common issues we see with them. What Fords Use The 6R80 Transmission? The 6R80 transmission is a six-speed automatic used widely in Ford trucks and SUVs from around 2009 to 2020. You’ll find it in models like the F-150, Expedition, Bronco, and V8 Mustangs. It’s built to handle moderate to heavy loads, making it a…

GM 8L90E Transmission FAQs

November 14, 2025

Are you considering replacing your GM 8L90E transmission? Read on to learn everything you need to know about these transmissions, from common issues to service requirements and the best course of action if your transmission is failing. The GM 8L90E is a heavy-duty 8-speed automatic transmission based on the German ZF transmission. It was first introduced in 2015 on various GM products. What Vehicles Are Compatible With The GM 8L90E Transmission? The GM8L90E (officially called the GM8L90) is an 8-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. It has been used in a variety of sedans, vans, SUVs, and sports cars since its…

Dodge RAM A518/A618 Transmissions: All You Need To Know

October 22, 2025

The A518 and A618 are four-speed automatic transmissions and form part of Chrysler’s TorqueFlite transmission range. Let’s dive into everything need to know about these units, from everyday issues to service requirements and what a replacement unit can cost. What Vehicles Are Compatible With The Dodge Ram A518/A618 Transmission? Introduced in 1990, the A518 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive that was used in several Chrysler products and was later renamed the 46RH and 46RE following some running changes. The vehicles this transmission was fitted to include: Model Year Vehicle Details 1993, 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.2 and 5.9-liter V8 1996…

How To Know If Your 65RFE or 66RFE Transmission Is Failing

September 24, 2025

The Chrysler 65RFE/66RFE six-speed automatic transmissions were introduced in 2012 for use in the Ram 1500, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Durango, and various other models. We cover everything you need to know about the differences between these transmissions, common issues, and the symptoms to look out for when they are failing. What Is The Difference Between The 65RFE And The 66RFE Transmissions? The Chrysler 65RFE and 66RFE are part of the same family of transmissions and both use electronic controls for the shifting process. However, they do have some significant differences. The 65RFE is a development of the 545RFE transmission.…

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