Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) #6 plate coming out

[TGaines]

Well, I guess I can say I've been there, done that. The #6 plate I installed a couple weeks ago is coming out asap! I finally got to drive it with the plate installed and no leaks and at first I didn't notice much difference. When I got on the highway, I don't think my acceleration is much better, but boy when that transmission locks up Hang on! Unfortunately, I have a crappy stock transmission that can't handle the power. I got a slight shudder on lock up so I took it easy the rest of the drive. No guages and stock transmission is just too risky a combination for me. I was just trying to see what it was like on the dark side. I can see how you guys love your trucks so much when you get them turned up. I can just imagine how awesome this thing would be if I had a decent transmission. My tires wouldn't last long that's for sure. I don't even think I have it close to being dialed in either. I'm not getting any smoke on acceleration and I know there should be some. I guess I could twist the star wheel, but I would say that's just asking for trouble. I can't believe TST said I could tow with this plate safely. I would have made it half a day before smoking my transmission. I guess it's a good thing I didn't get it installed before I moved. I have been putting off guages for so long, and now the wife wants to sell the truck. Don't really need it anymore. Little things are starting to go wrong and it's getting frustrating. My steering box is leaking I think as is the drain plug on the oil pan. It seems it's a never ending cycle. Sorry for the long post.



Travis

 

[Jim Fulmer]

Travis, a #10 matched with a set of 3K springs will do much better in your truck, the 10's half moon fuel curve will let you get some RPM (pump speed on the transmission) before it fuels hard and that will help a stock auto. You can set a 10 up like this very tame or agressive, it's up to you!



Jim

 

[TGaines]

Thanks for the advice Jim. I appreciate your wisdom. When I called TST over a year ago they advised against the #10 saying the #6 was better in my truck. They also said the #6 doesn't work well with the 3K springs. I guess I should have come to the source of who has tried what to see what was better. I think they recommended the #10 for people who had manual trannys and the #6 for autos. I told my wife I was afraid to drive it now due to the transmission issues. I can only imagine how awesome it would be with a tight tc and 3k springs. I defuel really early, and it's more noticable with the higher power rating.



Travis

 

[jimk]

plate

Thanks for the advice Jim. I appreciate your wisdom. When I called TST over a year ago they advised against the #10 saying the #6 was better in my truck. They also said the #6 doesn't work well with the 3K springs. I guess I should have come to the source of who has tried what to see what was better. I think they recommended the #10 for people who had manual trannys and the #6 for autos. I told my wife I was afraid to drive it now due to the transmission issues. I can only imagine how awesome it would be with a tight tc and 3k springs. I defuel really early, and it's more noticable with the higher power rating.



Travis

I went from the #6 to a #10, I like the plate a lot better. TST told me the same thing about the plate. I since added some rebuilt 215 injectors. With a good air cleaner, 17. 5 timing, 3k governor kit the truck runs ok. The automatic works as it did at 50k miles when I bought it. I have 103k miles on the transmission. I have since found a 2001, 4x4 quad cab, with 68k miles and it is a 5 speed. My dislike for a 24 valve is less than a automatic transmission. good luck Jim

 

[onstottc]

I'll help you out! No need to have that #6 hanging around taking up space. Plus, I think the EPA considers them toxic. Just ship it off to me. I'll make sure it gets "disposed of" properly.

 

[DBrickel]

I'll help you out! No need to have that #6 hanging around taking up space. Plus, I think the EPA considers them toxic. Just ship it off to me. I'll make sure it gets "disposed of" properly.

:-laf :-laf

 

[rs454]

TST told me to use a 6 also I then purchased a 10 and 3gsk from piers I think that the Peirs 10 is different from TSTs 10 plate. If someone knows more about this please chime in. I would choose which maker you want to use and go with their suggestion.

Piers said use the 10 and 3gsk and slide the plate . 030 forward from the factory setting. I have a friend that is running a 6 plate from TST . He is very happy with it.

Rich

 

[jimk]

Plate

TST told me to use a 6 also I then purchased a 10 and 3gsk from piers I think that the Peirs 10 is different from TSTs 10 plate. If someone knows more about this please chime in. I would choose which maker you want to use and go with their suggestion.

Piers said use the 10 and 3gsk and slide the plate . 030 forward from the factory setting. I have a friend that is running a 6 plate from TST . He is very happy with it.

Rich

I to bought my plate from PIERS, not because it was cheaper but because the guys there allways answer my questions and they are friendly. That means a lot to me. If I need help I call Piers. The price would have to be a lot higher for me to change , Jim

 

[onstottc]

But seriously, if you are interested in selling your #6, I am looking for a deal on a used one for my '95. The #6 is the plate that they recommend for my wussy 160hp pump.

 

[TGaines]

Thinking

I will let you know if I want to let the plate go. Piers has them for 175 right now on sale.

 

[onstottc]

Doesnt Piers also offer a discount for TDR members?

 

[RHARVEY]

Some places offer a trade for one plate to another with a small fee. . Might be worth asking to see. I went from a #11 plate to a #10 plate for a small fee of $50.

I like the way this plate fuels better than I did the #11 plate.



Rick

 

[tgrfan2]

TGaines, I have the #6 TST in my 95 & 98. I bought it to tow and have never had the 95 slip in OD lockup towing 9K TT. My 98 will slip at 24-26# boost in OD lockup towing the 13K fiver. I don't really try to get on them much until locked up because both are OE trannies. The 98 has 140K and the 95 has 90K on it since put in the plate. I like the #6 for towing and it will blow the doors off PSD's that want to check me out on the interstate. I think the #10 and GSK would have been a better choice on the 98 since I could downshift and still run 70 up hills with my gear. Now I have to back off on several bad hills to keep the transmission from slipping.

 

[ProMac1K]

Ahhh, you're missing out of all the fun! I, too, have an OE transmission with a #6, 370's, and a calibrated "pulling" pump, and my trans is still going strong. As a matter of fact, I whipped up on a souped up Edelbrock-equipped 318 Dodge in a late-70's early-80's 1/2 ton 2wd (with a homeade rear locker) 3 times yesterday. It was a buddy of mine that asked me if I wanted to line my truck up with his after work. So we brought them out to a safe paved location with no traffic. I said that we should warm the trucks up a bit first so we did. I got the holeshot the first time, back end broke loose though after a spooled up powerbrake, and took him easily, so I slowed down for him to let him catch up and he rode my rear for awhile, then all of a sudden I saw him coming up fast around me so I went back on her and got him again that time after going by him. Then we both stopped and he made some excuse that his engine choked out the first time. Sure didn't sound like it but oh well, he wanted to run them again. So I agreed, and guess what, that last time was fun. I got the holeshot again by spooling up to about 7lbs while powerbraking, then he came up on me and we basically stayed neck and neck until a few seconds after I dropped into lockup of OD, then I started pulling away from him. He couldn't believe it, and neither could I. That engine was built pretty good and has a free flowing exhaust. But I did all of this with a what I believe OE transmission and the trans temp gauge never got out of the white level. And the trans performs as good as it ever did! I've never experienced a true shudder or any of the symptoms that other people have had, and I work my trans pretty hard. I plan to treat the Dodge trans like I would any trans. It's not that it is a terrible trans, just has gotten a bad rap over the years.



Disclaimer: The possibility that I have gotten lucky with my trans "can be/is" probable. Take the above information as you want. In the event that something does happen to yours, don't hold me responsible.