Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Auto Owners Bummed to be BOMB'd?

[rblomquist]

Anyone else bummed out that we can do only a little HP upgrading before we run into that auto-transmission limfac?



Just got my DD TTPM module today and it's great but now I'm bummed that I have to wait until my transmission goes south and then dish out serious coin before I'll have a good reliable transmission that can handle more power BOMBing i. e. DDIIs or IIIs.

 

[Smokin Joes 2500]

auto transmission

Sucks... especially since I dropped about 2 grand to have a transmission built for my race car, now I have to do it again. I feel your pain. Oh well clutches for stick guys converters for us guess thats the price we pay to own the best trucks on the globe.

 

[LSMITH]

If you are less than about 75K miles go get a TC and a VB, between 75 and 100K go get it checked out for pressures and leakages ETC, it may still be solid enough for just a TC and VB. If you are over that don't hold your breath waiting for the transmission to die, it may go 250K easily even with the DD TTPM on it.

 

[LSMITH]

BTW, my bone stock auto transmission has over 60K miles at 300 RWHP, over 20K miles at 350 RWHP, and over 120K miles total on it! They are not as weak as we are told, but I would not advise anyone to do what I have done, the risks are real and the consequences expensive if it goes bad for you.

 

[Cummins4Life]

I'm bummed I'm not bombed enough.

 

[tgbol]

Don't feel too bad about it. Those of us with sticks soon find out the the clutch decides to take a vacation. DC only builds them to their minimum specs. When we bomb them we open a can of worms.

 

[jwilliams3]

Dont be bummed!

After you get a transmission upgrade, you'll be very happy.

I went ATS, I would not go back to a stock transmission.

Too much slush!



For under 350rwhp you can get away with a TC and VB upgrade.



Good luck!



--Justin

 

[Fred Swanson]

Don't be mis-lead by just a TC and VB upgrade. Anytime you increase pressures, you're going to have to address other internals, that will die sooner than you think.



Yes, it is lousy that Dodge didn't build it stronger, like it should be, but once you build it right, you'll be amazed at the difference it makes.

 

[CumminsPuller]

Fred, Are you referring to an update kit when you stated "you will have to address other internals"... ... ..... Just curious. . I am going throught the process of deciding what to do transmission wise... ... . Thanks



Jason

 

[DavidC]

Fred just rebuilt my trans. 36000 original miles. He found a scored drum a band that was just about toast and some clutches pretty well worn out. He installed the update kit and added clutches ,new seals . TC, and valve body. When this thing changes gears now it is actually a lunge forward and a slight lifting of the front end. At idle in 1st gear the truck will actually roll down the road at about 7 mph. This is the way the trans. should come from the factory, it's kind of a shame that you have to put this kind of money into a vehicle that you paid a good amount of money to buy in the first place. This truck has never really been abused, it would pull a 6k travel trailer about once every six weeks for 2 years and then we upgraded to the Citation 5th wheel at 10k. I do not see anything out of the ordinary with the use of this truck that would warrant that kind of damage to the trans. other than not being properly designed to be behind a diesel. So far since the rebuild life has been good. THANKS FRED AND DTT.



Dave

 

[Mtngoat]

Just curious...

What power and what kind of power mods can I make to my 2000 CTD auto with the stock auto? It has 36K miles and is working perfectly.



Robin

 

[Cummins4Life]

Re: Just curious...

Originally posted by Mtngoat

What power and what kind of power mods can I make to my 2000 CTD auto with the stock auto? It has 36K miles and is working perfectly.



Robin

An EZ or 275's would be all you would want to run



I put in an EZ at 36k, ran it hard for 4 thousand miles (never towed with it though) knowing an upgrade was not far away. The stock transmission held fine. However this is not an endorsement for anyone to do the same.

 

[BFC]

I. m not bummed at all, expensive yes but worth it. Read the stick threads, a lot of the guys end up buying clutches 'cause the first upgrade can't hold enough power. I think it evens out. If you want to play... ... ... ... .....



Glenn

 

[Fred Swanson]

Jason, yes I'm talking about the update kit, which contains vital components to address key areas of concern with a stock automatic. And depending on your individual truck, some newer components may be needed.

This is an ever evolving process. New techniques and new information lead to newer parts that address areas that can be improved upon.

 

[RobbyRam]

My Auto transmission went south when I added DD2's to my truck.

Now with a 4" exhaust and a completely rebuilt DTT transmission,

I can tow my 26' Prowler Trailer at 7 mph in idle.

Bob in Sacto.

 

[rblomquist]

Originally posted by DavidC

. When this thing changes gears now it is actually a lunge forward and a slight lifting of the front end. At idle in 1st gear the truck will actually roll down the road at about 7 mph. This is the way the trans. should come from the factory, it's kind of a shame that you have to put this kind of money into a vehicle that you paid a good amount of money to buy in the first place.



Dave

Dave I envy you idle speed and shifting characteristics and a Big AMEN to the rest of your post. Guess I'm just going to have to break down and go further in debt and do something as mine sucks. Their's no lurching on shifts with mine; little Toyota pickups can out-accel me stoplight to stoplight. Once it's locked up it's fun to drive but getting there is a brutal test of patience.



I've got out the feelers (emails) to DTT and ATS on what they think I can do i. e. rebuild with new TC, VB etc or just junk the whole thing and plug in some fresh components. Diesel Dynamics won't do anything except a whole sale change-out with DTT stuff; that's some serious coin though.

 

[DavidC]

rblomquist,



I know most people do not want to hear this. If you try to skimp on the trans. I believe you will regret it. The trans. is coming out for a new TC anyway and the internals are a few bolts and a pump away. The pan is coming off to work on the valve body also. With all the work that's being done it is almost a sin not to do it right the first time. I personally had to make the same decision and bit the bullet (or credit card). If you do modify your trans. you will not regret it although the bank account will suffer for a while (last I heard you cannot take it with you).



Dave

 

[Hummin Cummins]

I'm at these crossroads myself. At 125000 miles, there is no question I should go with a complete transmission. Now, where to go? Lots of phone calls to be made. The decision of what type of house to build was not nearly as difficult as a transmission decision. Whats wrong with that picture?