Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) 400hp Auto

[Justin1889]

I have a 98 4x4 12v auto with a rebuild with 12k miles on it ,but I want to be in the 400hp range. What are the advantages of getting a whole new aftermarket transmission and T/C or getiing a good Triple disc T/C and a VB?Also what would my transmission and t/c be worth if I was to sell it?

 

[fox]

The difference is the quality of the base trans.

If you get it rebuilt by a highly trained professional, it will be gone thru completely.

Just throwing a VB and converter in it does not address the leakages- internal- that cause most failures.



In my opinion, if it is done correctly, one clutch in the converter is plenty.

Few people realize that the slippage we all assume to be the converter clutch, can be the direct and or the forward clutches slipping instead.

As far as the value of what you have, the easy answer is core value. Maybe $250

 

[ctd8999]

Auto-400HP

1889 The difference between a good aftermarket trans and a stock rebuild is nite and day,you'll think your in a totally different truck. Shop around there are 3 or 4 good companies out there. I'm very happy with may set-up. Thanks Steve B.

 

[AWray]

When I bought my trans from ATS, I had to send them my old one in exchange. Most likely, you will not be able to sell your current trans to offset the cost of an aftermarket trans.

 

[NMongeau]

Good choice in wanting to rebuild your transmission before you build your engine. I oopsed and built my engine first. I figured it would hold together for 6 or 7 months before I had the money to rebuild it. Wrong. Now I have a useless truck in my driveway. Better luck with yours.



If your want to spend some money look into ATS they are a little pricey but they have a quality product that you'll like. I had a ride in an ATS equipped truck and it felt as if the engine was directly attached to the axle.

 

[JoshPeters]

Check out DTT, ATS, and Goerend Brothers. I personally like the Goerends. Dave is a stand up guy, builds his converters in house(as I'm sure DTT and ATS do), and has a patent on a converter configuration. I have that converter and I am VERY impressed. I had a Suncoast before this..... and I won't go into details, but I am very dissatisified.



Josh

 

[ProMac1K]

I would say go to whatever is the closest to you, for warranty reasons and for shipping reasons. If you're in the East, call Suncoast. If you're in the West-Northwest, call DTT. If you're in the Midwest, call Goerand. If you're in the West, call ATS. My opinion is each company is capable of handling the power, in their own way. Or else, if you have any doubts or if you're looking for something specific, do a search here in the archives. Those are my best opinions!

 

[DieselTweaker]

I would recommend finding a good transmission guy, freshen up the trans, new clutch's and bands and any seals that need replaced, new frt pump, and after an aftermarket T/C and V/B, just use factory frt pump and clutch's they will take alot, we have done a few transmission's that way and hold up fine I wouldnt waste the money on a complete trans, one guy pulls 14,000 + all day long and a pretty hot 24v if you have any questions feel free to pm me.

 

[Lsfarm]

Sorry I can't agree

I certainly can't agree with the above post. The stock clutches are too few, and clearances aren't set up right. The factory servo's leak like a sieve and just bumping up the pressure is band-aiding the problem.



With a good TC the stock input shaft will break, and probably take the oil pump with it. And of course leave you stranded, [been there done that!]



A good trans guy can build a good stock trans, but don't short-change yourself by not getting all the good stuff while you are paying for a rebuild. The difference between paying for a stock rebuild and a properly upgraded trans is not the labor, it is the for-Diesel-application specialized parts and proceedures that make the difference.



The Devoted-to-Diesel trans companies have hundreds and hundreds if not thousands of transmissions behind turned up diesel engines, and they have the experience needed to make a virtually bulletproof trans.



Again: don't pay for a stock rebuild, you'll just be paying again! Especially at 400HP [which will be 800-950 Torque!]



Example: I have several guys in my area that have gone the 'cheap' route and got the local super-duper [gas-engine] transmission guy to build their trans, and they have many issues, basically the trans was the same before and after the rebuild. Two of them took their trucks back to the trans builder for slipping clutches and TC's and were told that the engine was just too powerfull !! LOL Yes, we know that!



So now they have to pay for a second rebuild and upgrade by a Diesel trans shop with all the attention and details and parts and proceedures that make a trans work [and live] behind a turned-up diesel engine. So they are paying twice for labor and basic parts.



Feel free to PM me for specific details