Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Transmission overheating

[JSawtelle]

Only the trans.

When towing up a steep grade, I am reduced to use second gear and it over heats quickly... . Host Yellowstone Camper 4500 lbs and 7000 lbs of rock crawler on the back.

Trans rebuilt by reputable local source with triple clutch billet converter. Locks up great in drive and O/D. Pulls very hard at hiway speeds up 5-6% grades with my smarty on 6.

1. Is there a way to lock up 2nd gear?

2. Will my transmission guy kill me if i do this? ie no warranty?

3. Would this slove my problem?



The grade I am pulling is Highway 9 out of Saratoga in California, its a windy steep little bugger.

Any help is appreciated, Thanks

 

[bmoeller]

Ya, you need a lock up switch to lock the t/c in 2nd gear. Either that, or more power so you can stay in 3rd. :-laf

 

[JSawtelle]

Thanks, road is too twisty for those speeds in third gear. I imagine there is a thread to do the Lockup conversion,
I will research... ...

 

[Grumpy John 4x4]

trans

Do you have larger trans pan? like Mag-Hytech and do you use Amsoil ATF Synthetic every little bit helps!

 

[JSawtelle]

Got the pan but using Dino trans fluid... transmission guy tells me not to use the Synthetic. I thought that the Syn Fluid would help too... ... but if it is going to flash as well..... that's an expensive propostion to change. Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[SnoKing]

DTT's Valve Body and smart controller work with a micro switch on the linkage to lock the TC in second gear. Give them a call. SNOKING

 

[JSawtelle]

Thanks Snoking, youve alway given great advice.

I called DTT and Bill is gone till monday. I will call him then.

Thanks again.

 

[BDaugherty]

Lockup switch on the trans for sure. See TST or Suncoast websites for info. Your extra capacity trans pan will help the trans stay cool longer, but it only delays the inevitable. I like the synthetic trans fluid, but I really don't think it will help your heat problems. However, when you run a trans hard like that, you should be changing the fluid often and synthetic will sure cost you a lot more.

 

[JSawtelle]

Thanks for the response BDaugherty. I am going to be taking the truck in next week for analysis by a Trans Shop. I was told to just add a bigger Cooler to solve the problem and I feel that is just a band aid to a bigger problem.



How do you guys feel about having a smarty set to 6 stacked with an Edge Comp set on 2X3???

The guy who built the trans is telling me to take the programers out of the picture. This sure comes as a dissappointment since I told him What I was going to throw at the trans before he built it.

 

[SnoKing]

How do you get down step grades without burning your brakes out? You really should have a truck with a manual transmission and an exhaust brake. Auto's are not good for towing like you are doing. Where are you measuring transmission temps. Output line reacts very fast and the pan can stay cool. I have a sender in both places. I run Amsoil fluid. Keep the pan below 220, however you can let the output go quite a bit higher to the low 300's.



SNOKING

 

[Midnite]

Thanks for the response BDaugherty. I am going to be taking the truck in next week for analysis by a Trans Shop. I was told to just add a bigger Cooler to solve the problem and I feel that is just a band aid to a bigger problem.

A bigger cooler is never a bad idea, just be sure to use one with 1/2" lines and not 3/8" so you don't compromise flow.

The guy who built the trans is telling me to take the programers out of the picture. This sure comes as a dissappointment since I told him What I was going to throw at the trans before he built it.

I'm not sure why the transmission guy is telling you that. Is it because he thinks you have too much power and are overwhelming the transmission? I'm also confused why the transmission guy would tell you not to use synthetic fluid--synthetic will handle higher temps than regular fluid.

When you talk to Bill at DTT you'll get the real story, and I'd go with whatever he recommends. He can also help you set up an exhaust brake to work with your automatic, should you choose to go that route. (and even though it's outside the scope of your question, I'd strongly recommend an exhaust brake at the weight you're towing and the grades you mentioned)

Mike

 

[DavidC]

If your using ATF 4 it is synthetic. I have not seen ATF 3 for at least a year now,maybe two years.



Dave

 

[JSawtelle]

Getting a second opinion. Something about a check ball in the cooler will obstruct the flow... ..... Will keep you all posted.

"How do you get down step grades without burning your brakes out?"

I have put slotted rotors with performance pads and I use 1st gear alot ... . Not the greatest of compression but it helps. I am one of those people who just takes it nice and slow downhill.

 

[JSawtelle]

okay... . So the flow is good and nothing bad in the pan. so i am going to call Bill @ DTT today!