Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) ATS on the way

[CMBOld]

Hi, I've been lurking in and out for a while,found a bunch of great info here. Been dealing with Jennings in Essex since my 93 now a 99. Got a price for ATS upgrade, full transmission rebuild is 5600, tc,vb,commander is 3700 hope to have enough transmission left to need just the upgrade. 92000 miles on this thing but mostly highway and light towing. First shudder happened on the way back from vacation, got home, got on the phone got a loan, got heartburn. JC at Jennings says 2-3 problem needs looked into while they're at it. Amsoil since new,warms up in neutral, no lugging in too high a gear, hope I've done enough to save 3 grand. Your advise and concerns welcome... . Mike

 

[Snow man]

5600 is alot of dough,i hope you are getting a billet input shaft and upgraded parts for that big number. Is the commander for an exhaust brake,or something else? i wouldnt even think of upgrading a trans with 92000 miles on it,just rebuild it fully and have piece of mind,its not worth the risk.

 

[diesel4power]

Snowman is right, 5600 is a lot, unless like he said it includes billet input shaft. My ATS stage IV was about 4800. Its a lot of cash to part with but you won't regret it.



Paul

 

[CMBOld]

gonna find out

Me again, I'll make sure to ask just what my 5600 is buying. I'll call ATS again before asking Jennings what is included in the higher priced estimate. If this price is for an ATS transmission and includes installation, how far off the mark are we? Jennings has a good reputation in these parts,they can probably get higher prices because of it. Tell me what you all think, we're keeping this truck so somebody is getting the job..... Mike

 

[ctd8999]

auto trans

CMT Check out some others give Dave Goerend a call great trans and torque converters for a fair price. 563-778-2719 its worth the call. Thanks Steve

 

[Snow man]

Do your homework,compare what your getting there are alot of vendors out there. I know the input shaft is very commonly broken when shifting locked(using a controller),or using an exhaust brake,if you plan to do either,id get it. If that big number doesnt include billet shafts,do they warranty the stocker,or is that a chance your taking. In addition to Goerend, theres DTT and Suncoast.

 

[RDLeader]

Dave Goerend

I'll throw another vote in for Dave. Bottom line is he is one of the most helpful individuals I have ever met. I called all of the transmission builders and then I called Dave. It just made more sense to go with him. Better price, better product, better warranty. Better way to go IMO.



Roman

 

[BigDan]

Hell I was quoted $6,300 installed for Stage V !!!!!!



Thats why I went w/ DTT for close to 2K cheeper

 

[DLausche]

Just got my ATS Stage 4 this past Monday. $5600 is what I paid. That amount included the trans, TC, valve body, lockup controller, tax, fluid, installation and an Edge Comp too. I did not get the billet shafts upon their recommendation as my engine is stock at this point and I plan on only moderate upgrades there.



I am very happy with what I received for the $ spent. It is more expensive than others. The TripleLok and 3 yr warranty parts and labor are what swayed me the ATS direction.



-Deon

 

[Snow man]

Deon, is your stock input shaft warrantied? Since they recommended the stocker,I would think it is. Im just curious as to what happens if your input breaks,who pays parts labor,tow,further damage,etc... If it isnt covered, the warranty isnt worth much,since that will break first. A lot of local guys have had full trannys done and then broke the input shaft,the labor on the job isnt much less than a full rebuild,and there can be more damage to the pump and tc. . After seeing them break,I wouldn't go without it for any kind of performance use,lock to lock shifting,or e brake use. I got lucky with mine it lasted til i put a billet in,but others havent been so lucky. Also,you just said its basically stock ,then in the same sentence you got a comp box? :-laf . just,so you know mines stock too

 

[OTRPU]

I'd have to say no on any warranty, since my stock input shaft went out and I had to pay $1,700 to have the solid billet shaft installed even though nothing was said when I had the work done first time. Mods are very mild in my case and mostly haul MT trailers. I have receipts for close to 10 grand, (includes brake, controller & header), and I ain't sure it's right yet.



Cheers,

OTRPU

 

[DLausche]

Deon, is your stock input shaft warrantied? Since they recommended the stocker,I would think it is. Im just curious as to what happens if your input breaks,who pays parts labor,tow,further damage,etc... If it isnt covered, the warranty isnt worth much,since that will break first. A lot of local guys have had full trannys done and then broke the input shaft,the labor on the job isnt much less than a full rebuild,and there can be more damage to the pump and tc. . After seeing them break,I wouldn't go without it for any kind of performance use,lock to lock shifting,or e brake use. I got lucky with mine it lasted til i put a billet in,but others havent been so lucky. Also,you just said its basically stock ,then in the same sentence you got a comp box? :-laf . just,so you know mines stock too

I'm not sure about the warranty on the input shaft but I don't plan on having problems with it either as I don't tow heavy, have an exhust brake or plan on heavy "performance use". They recommend the non-billet shaft up to 450Hp. I don't plan on anything near that so I think I will be ok. Then again, maybe I should have gone with the billet shaft and drum up front. Time will tell I guess.



Yes, stock as of now, but the comp will go in not too long from now. Not sure what to expect from that. Maybe I've underestimated what that will be like. I really hoping the non-billet shaft will hold up and I think it will. I guess I'm more concerned with the bands/clutches/etc because of how the stock transmission went out and the ATS warranty there protects me.



Cheers,

-Deon