All you've ever wanted to know about DSM ATs...

Are the DSM turbo FWD and AWD transmissions the same? No. Different because of viscous disks, transfer case, gearing, etc.

Do DSM Automatic Transmissions use friction disks? Yes. Although the torque convertor replaces the MT's engaging friction disks, the ATs still use hydraulic presses to engage the friction plates.

If they both use clutch plates, will warranty companies pay for an automatic's friction plates? Warranty companies would pay for them. The only question is if you maintained the transmission fluid level, changed the fluid regularly, etc. Most of the time, tho, they don't question it but have the receipts around anyway. If you're maintaining the thing, tho, it shouldn't be a problem.

Can you get aftermarket AT internal friction plates? No. These are Mitsu parts which have to be ordered from the dealer. Most aftermarket places such as NAPA and the rest generally don't have certain Mitsu parts. (Will look into this one further). This usually causes delays because Mitsubishi warehouses often run out of parts.

DSM turbo vs. NA car transmissions--Are they Mitsu or Chrysler transmissions? It depends on which car you have. If you have a turbo, it's the Mitsu tranny. If you have an NA car, it's Chrysler.

To find out more about DSM ATs, read what happened to my transmission.

DSM Internal
Friction Plates
(These have been completely fried...)

More friction plates

What about DSM FWD Open-differential vs. AWD limited slip. My FWD has an open-differential, right? Right.

What about an AWD? Is there limited slip on both the rear *and* front, or is it limited slip only on the rears, still open-differential on the fronts? (Had to think about this one. Grabbed more guys and books.) No, AWDs have limited slip all the way around. There are 2 viscous disks, 1 on the front, 1 on the rear, that transfers power around.

What should we know abuot towing DSMs? FWD vs. AWD? Never, never, NEVER tow an AWD without a flatbed. Sure, flatbeds are always better, but tow trucks will usually strap down the front wheels and let the rears spin. Well, even in neutral, the rear and front tires are linked and both will want to turn. It's not uncommon when DSMs are towed, tow companies screw up and do $4000 worth of damage. If they screw up your car, they are responsible for the repairs to your car (naturally). FWDs, of course, don't have that problem. But those non-flatbed tow truck guys can still be careless, giving a new name to the term "Super Dragger." 

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