Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Transmission Torque Converter

[SLangone]

My current transmission has 158k miles on it. I was wondering would it be acceptable to just install a more efficient torque converter instead of replacing or rebuilding the transmission.

 

[Dieseldemon]

If the trans is working right then go ahead and replace the torque conv.

 

[SLangone]

As far as I know everything is good. Only issue I ran into was it shift around 2,000 rpm's which if I read correctly is not an uncommon occurrence. As you can see in my sig there has been some upgrades without the modification to the transmission I don't know how long these have been in place but think the transmission can benefit from a torque converter.

 

[JMcCoy]

Changing the torque converter couldn't hurt. The transmission is probably on it's last leg with that many miles on it. It would stink to change the converter just to have the transmission go in 10,000 miles. On the other hand you may get 100,000 out of it. It would break up the cost though. $1,200 to $1,300 spent now will be that much less to spend later. It's a tough call. Driving style has a lot to do with it. Personally, with your upgrades, I believe your transmission is not long for this world. I hope I'm wrong. Good luck

 

[SLangone]

Is it common for these transmissions to wait and shift at 2,000 rpms? That seemed high just want some insurance. I hope I can get around 100,000 miles out of it. My options are rebuild which is cheaper or have a new transmission put in place.

Thanks for your reply

 

[JMcCoy]

I will drive my truck today to see where it shifts and get back to you.

 

[WilsonF]

I just got my trans out for the same reason, change torque converter, but I'm rebuilding the trans too, its got 200K. Its too much work to pull it to have to do it again a little later, just insurance.

Floyd

 

[fest3er]

Is it common for these transmissions to wait and shift at 2,000 rpms? That seemed high just want some insurance. I hope I can get around 100,000 miles out of it. My options are rebuild which is cheaper or have a new transmission put in place.



Thanks for your reply

Yes. Stock, mine would shift under moderate acceleration around 1800-2000 RPM. After the ATS TC and VB were installed, it would not get above 1200 RPM or so and was an absolute dog until I slid the plate forward. Then it went right back to shifting around 1800-2000 RPM (but pulling a little better ). They shift around there so that the turbo can be spooled up.



I've got 270K on my auto and it's still behaving very nicely. It was R&R'ed once to install the purple VB and TC; never rebuilt or repaired. I've had Amsoil in it since 90K miles. If you've kept a quality synthetic lube in it and haven't beaten it half to death, your trans is probably in fine shape. Have you tracked what the filters look like when they're changed?

 

[JMcCoy]

I'm averaging around 1500-1700 rpm at half throttle. I also need lower gears though.

 

[RMcKinney]

Depends on what our going to do.
My 95 (128500 miles 2002). Worked fine but after I drove it for a couple months i decided to keep it forever so i added a heavy duty torque converter then told the guy to go through and make it as good as new. Worked out great.

 

[SLangone]

Thats not a bad idea. Did he find anything wrong with it when he went through the transmission?

 

[RMcKinney]

SLangone,

Sorry it took so long been out of town. Nothing other than normal clutch wear.

RMcKinney.

 

[SLangone]

Just got home! Coming back from Niagara Falls (9hr drive) The trucks transmission finally gave out at 160,023 miles. I made it all but the last 30min home. Luckily I had USAA road side assistance and was able to have the truck towed to the transmission shop so they can look at it tomorrow. My plans are to repair the transmission and install a triple disc converter. If you all have any input please let me know before I begin

Thanks

 

[JMcCoy]

Sorry to hear about your transmission. At least it made your decision easy.



I am very happy with the ATS products. I would stick with a transmission shop that mills their own parts and have a good reputation for building 47re transmissions. If you tow heavy or are hard on your transmission, I would also recommend a performance flexplate and a billet input shaft. Lock-up controller was also a good investment, especially if you have plans for an exhaust brake. Good luck.

 

[SLangone]

Thank you for the input. I don't tow with the truck I just plan on making mild horsepower improvements maybe around 500hp around 1000 pounds of torque.

 

[SLangone]

So far what I am doing is I purchased a torque converter (BD 1071215X Enhanced Stall) from Streetsideauto and a BM deep pan (10280) for 1,308. 15 (not including the 300 core rebate). The transmission shop rebuild will cost around 2,500 dollars. At the same time I have the shop looking at the crush sleeve in both axles that have been leaking for about 1 year.

 

[WilsonF]

I just finished my rebuild/ T. C. swap every thing works great, what I found in the trans was clutches and bands in the main case looked good many miles left on them, clutches in the OD unit were burned and about to go out, I don't know why.

Floyd

 

[cerberusiam]

clutches in the OD unit were burned and about to go out, I don't know why.



Floyd

Which clutches, the directs or OD?



The OD clutches need to be clearanced more than factory calls for or they burn out too fast. They bind because they engage before the directs release most of the time.

 

[SLangone]

Alright I stopped by the shop that is rebuilding my transmission. It seems that a few of the bands had bad burnt marks (if I remember correctly). Also in the valve body there was some metal shavings that had been found in the valve body. Also one of the small metal balls on the valve body had been damaged. There was also engraved markings of TSI or TST? on the valve body and he said that it was turned up a bit.

 

[SLangone]

Just picked the truck up tonight. What a difference, the rebuild and the torque converter has made. I can really tell when the transmission locks up. I also have noticed that the Rpms on highway driving stay well below 1800. I also had the shop replace a pinion seal in the rear axle, and they said that the transfer case bushing was dry roted and replaced with out any charge. Very good shop (County Transmission In Vienna, VA) I know I will be a returning customer. The complete complete job cost 2,500 and the deep pan and torque converter cost was 1,300 (streetsideauto) without the core refund for a total of $3,800. 00.