auto transmission maint? upgrades?

[Bailman]

I decided not to take delivery of the 2002, was not at all satisfied with the dealer, and the changes to the paperwork before delivery!! That goes to show, you really need to examine the papers before signing- but that is another story. I found a good deal (I think, you guys tell me if you think so) 99' SLT all options, 4x4, auto, CTD, 33000 miles- listed price is $23000, and I think I can get for between $21500 and $22000! Seems like a good deal to me- what do you think? Here is my question, what regular maint. needs to be done to the auto to be reliable? No real hauling or towing? Also, what do I need to do as far as upgrades to handle more power, EZ? Thanks, let me know about the truck- if it is a good deal? I ran it through carfax and it is good, no red flage! Thanks again

 

[Steve G]

I would check Kelley Blue Book for the price in your zip code and compare to what their asking. As far as upgrades it depends on how much hp your going to be adding. Give Bill Kondolay at Diesel Transmission Tech. a call and talk to him. He will give you straight answers to all your questions.



Steve

 

[Cooker]

How many miles?

 

[Bailman]

sorry, just edited the post- 33000 miles!

 

[boonsur]

My '99 is also for sale - The classified ad hasn't been "approved by the moderator, but should be there Monday. Watch for it.



I have an EZ box only and it seems to be O. K with the stock transmission, but you can "feel" that any more power would spell trouble. Also, because I'm so freaked out about it, I have never let the pedal touch the floor (I'm too afraid to drive it).



I think the trannys are fine as long as you don't slip the clutch (too much power, all at once), or let the fluid overheat (pulling heavy, hard). I had mine serviced at 38K miles and everything checked O. K. (fluid good and no excessive "bads" in the filter). If you can keep it gentle, you should be O. K. If you're going to get on it, you'll have to look into beefing it up. That can get expensive, and that's the cross-road that I've chosen not to take. You just have to figure out exactly what you want to do with the truck.

 

[csutton7]

Bailman--more power = transmission T/C and ValveBody upgrade---guages to monitor the ever so important engine, fuel system upgrade maybe(depends who you talk to ) and then plug and bolt on and maintain as usual ---check my sig --397hp on #2----chris

 

[BigFun]

Bailman,



Look here: http://www.dieselram.com/reviews/properorder.htm



Good information in a no-nonsense presentation. First and formost, think gauges: pyro, boost, transmission temp. Establish a baseline and press on!



As far a regular maintenance, buy the factory service manual and follow the regular maintenance schedule. Factory manual needs to be Required Reading of all diesel owners. Monitor your fluid consumption, (oil, transfluid, etc) and change it on schedule. Mods bring with it other issues as you'll discover. But that's a topic for another post. Good luck with your new truck!



Bud