Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Auto transmission solutions......Need advice!

[jwilliams3]

I recently purchased a 96 3500 4x4 for towing purposes possibly other things... eventually.



I have decided that I am probably going to piece together a transmission for now to hold around 250rwhp maybe 300rwhp at best.



The transmission is in excellent shape. Shifts like normal and is quite firm. The truck has 102k miles on it on it now and it is bone stock and has been bone stock for all of its life(hard to believe huh?).



I am thinking about getting a used triplelok converter, and a used towing or the like valve body. I am not real partial to brands but want a multi disc converter.



I have already purchased a double deep transmission pan.



Do you guys think the transmission will hold up for say 30k-50k towing once a week with 250-300hp? And of course some daily driving (no racing or pulling)?



Also if I do smoke the transmission will the converter and valve body still be in good shape if I get it rebuilt?



The purpose of all this is that I want to save some money on this project and end up with a decent auto transmission. I know there are some pieced together units out there holding up great.



Thanks for any advice or guidance!

 

[Bandit1]

i wouldnt touch it, if it has lasted this long and still shifts good run it. once you put in a new tc and vb that will up the line pressure (most likely) then that may over stress the older more worn parts (ie clutch packs, and seals) and possibly blow out a seal causing a mess of probs. that is what happen to me, i upgraded the vb on a stock trans (50K on it) and ended up blowing out the front lip seal and smoke second gear. i have a buddy that used to two very heavy with his 94, and it has a 5 plate, 215 injectors and the pump has been on the test stand and his stock trans lasted 275k with the abuse of snow plowing since 94. i would run it and start saving for a built auto. if you put in a vb and tc then smoke the trans that is going to put debris through the entire trans, plus then you will be putting a used tc back into a fully built new auto. just me . 02

 

[KingS]

I some what agree the transmission is going to go eventually any way save the money if you put in convetor in when it locks up that is putting alot of stress on old worn plates the valve body actually may help do to increase pressure may help hold the components together harder to eliminate slippage but not sure on that I'm no trans guy.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

I thought a single disk TC is the better choice unless you're going for big HP.

 

[zstroken]

You want a triple for towing. IF your running at full throttle all the time, a single will work. The reason for the triple is at low RPM and low throttle position, you have low line pressures. Only thing bad about running it stock is since it is your tow vehicle the transmission might let you down at the least oppurtune time. The 96's are some the the trannys that gave dodge a bad name. If the previous owner worked it hard and didn't have any issues I would bet that it would be good to go for awhile. With 100K on it and planning on using it to tow the pimp mobile around, I wouldn't put a convertor in it. Either rebuild it yourself, put in a new input shaft, throw on that VB and convertor and go.

 

[Skydiver]

I do feel lucky. My 96 pulls a 12,300 lb. 5th wheel and has held up so far. I always ease up on the pedal some when the torque converter starts to lock. Seems like the power flush did mine more good than anything. I am running basically stock hp.

 

[Bandit1]

i dont agree with the needed triple for towing, but that is my . 02. i know plenty of guys that tow with a single with more power than i have and have zero problems, of course they are all DTT autos. If my 25 yr old memory serves me correctly the bling about the triple disk tc's was that you didnt need to increase line pressure that the multi disks took that variable out of the equation. if anyone would like to know what line pressure i am running at different rpm's/TP i can tell you, i have a 2 gauge system set up on the trans with mainline and 3rd gear pressure being monitored at all times. just my opinion. josh