Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) 2001 CTD DTT Automatic

[GQuigley]

About 8 or 9 years ago I had a DTT transmission installed with almost everything heavy duty in it. I think I didn't put one heavy duty item in it but I don't remember what. Maybe I should call Shanti and ask her. I have put about 120,000 miles on it about 10,000 of it towing my 30' 5th wheel. Ever since Bill's son was murdered he really has lost heart and desire in doing what he used to do. Granted, with all of the computerized new transmissions his product for today's market isn't as strong. I really loved my trans and it acted more like a stick than an automatic. My question is this, my trans is starting to show its age and I suspect it is the the torque converter and since DTT doesn't have one on their web site I assume they don't sell them anymore. I left TDR a few years ago but I just signed up with them again in order to find out what was new and different! I'm trying to find out a good source for a strong well engineered torque converter. I was never very impressed with a triple lock because I suspected the engineering on them wasn't that good back then. Don't know about now, maybe they got some real good engineers on them or maybe just one brand. I don't race or sled pull and all I will do is tow my 5th wheel. Is there a good strong torque converter out there that has proven track record from a proven manufacturer? I would prefer a standard type but a triple lock isn't out of the question. Your help would be greatly be appreciated.
Thank You
Gary

 

[SnoKing]

Gary, where are you located? I had to have my late 2004 time frame DTT rebuilt a year and half ago. I had one of the last single disc TC that DTT used. You will need to go thru the transmission again, as the 120K will have TC clutch lining junk through out the transmission. I used North State Auto Clinic in Marysville, Wa. (360) 659-3333 Mike is an old horse that has been inside torque flight for many years. Tell him I sent you if you use them.

BTW! They were loosing interest in the business and more into racing way before the murder. SNOKING

 

[Cummins12V98]

"BTW! They were loosing interest in the business and more into racing way before the murder"

And basically telling their long time customers to F-off!

 

[Bob4x4]

"BTW! They were loosing interest in the business and more into racing way before the murder"

And basically telling their long time customers to F-off!

I never got that treatment, Bill,, Stephan and Shanti always did right by me and my customers

 

[Cummins12V98]

I never got that treatment, Bill,, Stephan and Shanti always did right by me and my customers

I think it depends on the timeframe. I had them do my transmission twice. First one failed because of some internal seal, per Bill. Second one was supposed to be ready at a certain time so I had someone drop me off. I was in the shop BS ing with the guys and they almost had the trans in and they realized the bolts were too long for something , I can't remember now but they had to remove the trans and re install. They used LocTite the first install on the flex plate bolts but neglected to do so on the re install.

So a couple years later the trans started making strange noises while I was in SoCal with no recommended shops around I limped home. Bill basically did not really give a rats azz about my problem. After I made it home I wanted him to take care of the problem and all I got was bring it up to so and so and pay them to fix the problem but Bill was NOT going to help at all! The problem was the blots all came either loose or fell out that hold the flex plate to the crank. I paid Randy's Off Road to do the work. They had to re drill and tap the crank and install a new BD flex plate that had to have the holes machined larger. It all worked out but even when I asked bill to replace the flex plate at least he said to send it up and he would have someone fix it but still charge me!

This is happened after they shut down their shop, really sad because I defended them many times on the forums and I spent at least 9-10 K in two trans and had my Dad have his built by them at over 5K along with a friend that they built their Ford trans, installed a engine brake and a engine controller at a tune of 10K. And several other I recommended to them.

Yes they did have great customer support and were nice people to deal with but the fact is they lost interest and spent all their time and energy racing and blew off many people!

 

[ed9824v]

I have the DTT in my truck, was bought that way from po. It has performed flawlessly. I have another diesel truck crashed that I purchased because it had a DTT. So I have another trans with almost zero mileage before it was his head on. An exhaust brake was done at the same time. So sorry this company took a dump, when I first got the truck I called them and they were so helpful I called a few year later and they were unable to answer a simple question. So we are on our own, I had my trans service recently befor a 4000 mile trip pulling my 5th wheel all was good, even seems like the truck is just breaking in at 150k miles. I did take the 4:10s out of the extra truck and put them in my truck.

 

[SnoKing]

The gear change was a good idea. The 24V likes 4:10 for towing. SNOKING

 

[Tinman]

I have a DTT in my 01 (and 06). At about 150K on it I had Chip's trans in Tennessee "refresh" it, Standard rebuild. John said it looked real good on the inside. I drive hard at about 350hp but rarely tow. Only thing was the TC was done. It was a DTT single apparently weighted to balance it at DTT ??? The weights had come off and it was significantly out of balance. I had them put in a new Precision triple. According to Phil at Chip's, Precision designed the origin triples TC that did so well. Something to do with a design that eliminated the drag on something. ATS used the patented design without permission and ultimately loss a suit and is why ATS uses a 5 disc now. I don't know about all that, but the Precision convertor I have now is awesome. Instant lockup, firm and crisp. Wish I had one in my 06. I would suggest your hard parts a probably fine. New clutches and seals, etc and a modern triple convertor and you'll be good for a long time.

 

[Bob Wagner]

My DTT trans is now 15 years old with zero issues from day one.

 

[SnoKing]

Bob do you tow heavy?

 

[GQuigley]

I finally went over to Fred Swanson in Arizona, who is an old DTT transmission specialist and he found out my trans problem in short order. He knows all the DTT trans pressures and items and he found out in very short order that I had a disconnected wire on one of DTT's items. He then adjusted my Smart Controller and the trans runs the best since I first got it! He apologized that I had to drive over to Waddell, Az from San Bernardino, Ca for such an easy fix. I told him that to get it fixed was well worth it. I would highly recommend Fred to anybody who is having any trouble with DTT transmission's or for that matter any transmissions to contact him! Although I had never seen him before I knew of his reputation in quality and honesty from years past. He did say if I was going to Alaska (next summer I hope) to bring it over for a "refresh" which isn't a rebuild but just generally checking all parts out making sure everything is "good to go". I am very pleased with the way my truck is running, it's like a kid again!
Gary

 

[Regcabguy]

Fred installed my DTT. I had a couple of issues which he and DTT took care of but the 5.5 drive wasn't fun.
I miss that trans. The CEL light was always on with the addition of a Smart controller and Pacbrake.
I'm assuming the truck's out of state now as smogging it would be a hassle.