Auto transmission Questions

[Scollins]

My BOMB plans include adding power in the near future (250 HP/635 Tq plate. ) I'm now wondering about what I should do to my auto transmission to make sure it survives, as well as putting all the new power to the ground. I know this will probably include a DTT VB and TC.

But, here is my question: Can I just upgrade the VB now and wait on the TC until later? Cash flow is the problem. I will probably add the new Mag-Hytec double deep pan also.

Next question: How can I assess the condition of my currently stock tranmission? I have about 105,000 miles on it, and I don't think the previous owner did any modificiations or major repairs. I do know that the previous owner was meticulous about maintainence though. How can I tell if the clutch packs and bands are ok? I don't want to install a new VB, and later a new TC, only to have the rest of the transmission fall apart and destroy Bill's nice parts. Any advice?

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Scott Collins
'98 Ram 2500 4x4 12 Valve Cummins. Slightly BOMBed! #ad

Renton, WA

[This message has been edited by Scollins (edited 03-10-2001). ]

 

[John_P]

Scott:

I just posted a reply to "dieseldual"
on this same subject. The title of his
entry was: "No 1st gear (auto) Help!!"
Go to that entry in this subject (12
Valve Engine and Drivetrain) and you
can see what I told him.

If you have 105,000 miles on that
transmission I would recommend you
be careful about what you do. A valve
body or shift kit can be installed
reasonably easy, but I can't tell
you how long it will "hold" with that
many miles on it. You can bet the clutch
packs and seals are getting worn. Mine
sure were as you will see when you that
entry above.

The only way the clutch pack, seals etc.
can be "checked and inspected" is to take
the transmission out and tear it apart.
Believe me, I just went through it!

And as you said, if you put the new
parts in and something does fail you
are now "out that money. " I would
recommend saving some more money and
THEN having the transmission completely
rebuilt with all new parts, TC, valve
body etc. I think you would be alot
happier doing that.

Good luck!

--------
John_P


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Red '96 4x4 2500 Auto 3. 54, TST #5, Major Pump Mods(By "Scheid Diesel") 370 Diamond B Injectors, Gov. Spring kit, AFC Spring kit, Banks Exhaust, Prime Loc, Cummins Chrome Kit,Psychotty Air Filter, Pro-Torque Converter, BD Valve Body, BD Pressure Loc, Isspro Gauges, Sendel 16" Alum Wheels w/ 33" BFGs

 

[Bill Kondolay]

Good advice John,

Increasing your transmission line pressures at this point, can in reality shorten the remaining life of your transmission if the seals are worn down.

You can however bump up the line pressure slightly on your stock vb,
98 and earlier trucks came with approx. 52psi at an idle in drive, you can generally take it up to 60-64psi safely.

I would not suggest you go above this point.

Bill Kondolay
Diesel Transmission Technology

 

[tschwab]

Scott,

I just returned from Bill K's Shop (DTT) last weekend after getting a VB & TC installed (See post in Product/accesory forum).

My advice - Do your plate, VB & TC all at once so Bill and his shop can fine tune and make your shift points all work in harmony.

Give Bill a call for a consoltation - They are a first rate shop and you will not be disapointed with the outcome and performance!

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'98. 4 Bright White Quad Cab SLT, 2WD, 12 Valves & the BIG "P" Pump! 3. 54, AT, Trailer Tow PKG, Camper PKG, Cab Lights, DTT VB & TC, Pump Mod's, TST #8, Three pod A pillar gauge mount, EGT pre-turbo, 4" Exhaust Turndown, K&N Air Filter, 5th W. Hitch, Pace Edwards Roll-Top, Tint, 265 Michelins and turbo silencer ring AWOL!

24,576 miles - 3/4/01