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Automatic Transmissions

BOMB'ed Emissions

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Okay Y'all,
In a moment of weakness, I ordered my new Ram 2500 with an automatic. This being my first Cummins, I want to do the natural thing, BOMB the h--- out of it. There-in lies the problem, the transmission. Does anyone out there have any suggestions on which products/manufactures I should go with. Thanks in advance,
Big Ugly

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Y2K 2500, 4X4, Auto, Quad Cab, SWB, 4. 10, Black. Yea, though I drive through the valley of Fords, I shall fear no PowerStroke, For I... am Rammin' with a Cummins.
 
bigugly, i am in the same boat , have an auto and a VERY heavy left foot , the jury is still out on what the trans can really handle, i talked to a guy with a 96 2500 that had the trans replaced once in his truck and hasn't had any problems since and it has 101k on the clock, but his is a stock 12 valve , i also had a salesman tell me that the problems with the autos went away in 98 , but that may have been him just trying to sell me a truck he had on the lot

as far as bombing goes heres my direction :

1. the VA box , connects via a plug instead of scotchlock connectors , can be easily removed if it needs to go in for service , and has a modest gain that the transmission should handle

2. injectors , whether they will be , stock bosche 275hp , DD stage I , maybe stage II or whatever Ted J sells as a stage I which is his reccomendation for an auto impaired ram.

3. this should be actually the fist thing , K+N air filter whether it be in the stock air box or some sort of scotty system this will help get more air in the turbo faster due to less restricton

4. some sort of exhaust mod , whether it be a full 4" system , or just removing at least the stock restrictive muffler , and possibbly the stock resonator in favor of a straight thru mufflrer to at least keep the sound police somewhat happy ,or just stick in a piece of pipe in place of the removed pieces for maximum noise when you have your foot in it , i prefer to draw as little attention as possible while exceeding the posted speed limit. again the exhaust is probably a #1 to go hand in hand with the air filter mod.

i tried to put this in some order but this is my plan of attack , i can tell you this much the stock air filter and exhaust will not see more than 1000 miles , ( they lasted 3 weeks for air filter and 6000 miles for exhaust on my 98 gas job) if not removed the day after i pick up the truck , it will be hard to do in the dealer lot and i want to put a few miles , probably 2k before the VA , i may order one next week but if i do it will be hard not to pull over down the street from the dealership and pop it in for my 300 to 500 mile break in run on the ride home ... but go to the links page and get in contact with ted j racing , TST , BD , and DD injection service and ask them about their suggested mods and go from there ...

a side note the upper levels of BOMBing will probably require a new torque convertor , shift kit and possibly a rebuild kit using improved bands and clutches , i myself am toying with the idea of buying a core trans to modify and install leaving my stock with the warranty still intact trans in the corner of the garage should i grenade the beefed up unit from to much BOMBifications

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John W. in N. H.
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Y2K on order, status: painted 12/14 ,stuck in QUALITY HOLD HELL 12/24, ship date 12/??, 2500, SLT+, Quadcab, 4x4, CUMMINS, Auto, TT, CS, 3. 54 LSD, Driftwood, Camel Leather and LOADED, aspiring to B. O. M. B.

1969 Dodge Superbee, Black on Black, 383, 4spd , BOMBed
 
I have two thoughts on the subject. First, from what I have heard on this web-site, I believe that our Auto-trans will handle up to 300 h. p. As long as you be careful. If you plan to go crazy BOMB'in then A. New torque converter. B. New clutch packs and bands. C. Trans fluid temp. gauge. Second, I went in to my dealer for a transmission problem about 6 months ago. Turns out the PCM just needed to be re-flashed and fixed the problem. But I got to pick the transmission mechanics brain will I was there. I told him I think the A/T is the weak link in the truck and was real scared to BOMB. His reply was that DC has built a far superior A/T now. He has not seen one come apart yet, he has had problems with moduals and other peripheral items but he thought the A/T itself was a very good product.

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98 SWB QC ISB A/T Metallic Red w/ tan cloth interior Monroe Gas Magnums Armor Tuff spray in bed liner Goodyear Wrangler ATS 285/75r/16
 
So what changed in 98?

FIY, I have a 95 auto with 116k miles. The last 45k have been with a TST 230HP kit. I installed a TransGo shiftkit a couple thousand miles before the plate and also use a "mystery switch". I use a temp gauge and have dual Hayden coolers (the stock one was taken out by a piece of granite). The trans is still real strong. The converter can't handle the torque and wastes alot of power before it locks up. A new converter is in my future but it is only to satisfy my need for speed.

My take on it is that the trans will handle 300HP and atleast 700lb/ft. If I were doing it with a new truck the shift kit would be the first mod. It just makes sense and is insurance. If the trans pukes good luck getting it warrantied but for my money I don't think you can go wrong. Also, use a temp gauge. It'll let you know if you're abusing it. And change the filter and fluid. Wish I had a nickel for every guy who NEVER changes trans fluid.

Just my . 02.

Chris

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Chris
95 CC SLT Cummins auto
TST 230hp kit, TC lockup switch, TransGo.
Isspro EGT, trans/rearend temp, boost gauges
A-Pillar Mounted
Scotty Air System
 
According to the auto transmission tech. at Timberline Dodge in Portland,Or. The most common destructor of the trannys that hes seen has been oil starvation. Whether thats a pump problem ie: towing in O/D at too low an RPM,a seal problem, a maintenance problem or a high engine torque problem can only be speculated. The most important thing needed is a temp guage.

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1999 2500 Cummins w/4spd auto,Quad Cab,SWB,4x4,Flame red ,all options less leather and radio controls on steering wheel,OEM color matched runningboards,DeeZee bedrails painted black,Power Vision Mirrors,OEM ventshades,Oem sill covers,OEM underrail bedliner
 
rrxp689 , really don't know what changed , i know they went to the electronic controlled trans in 98 , possibly 97 , i know this much i towed my 98 gasser close to rated capacity over grades thru new jersey and PA , not that they were real long , i would switch out of od when not on the flats and i drove the thing like it had 400 hp and had no problems with the trans , i put 46k miles on it in 19 months , my only complaints were the lockup surge and sometimes it would do a double shift ( so to speak) when i was doing a hard acceleration , say 3/4 throttle , would shift funny , go 2nd to 3rd then i think into lockup very quickly , if i didn't get the cummins i was going to put in a shift kit and tc in the truck to fix the problems that bugged me more than anything ...

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John W. in N. H.
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Y2K on order, status: painted 12/14 ,stuck in QUALITY HOLD HELL 12/24, ship date 12/??, 2500, SLT+, Quadcab, 4x4, CUMMINS, Auto, TT, CS, 3. 54 LSD, Driftwood, Camel Leather and LOADED, aspiring to B. O. M. B.

1969 Dodge Superbee, Black on Black, 383, 4spd , BOMBed
 
Mike Brolin,

I wonder if that "oil starvation" that mechanic is refering is the old melted plastic cooler line connectors that causes all the fluid to puke out onto the pavement.




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96 RAM 2500 4x4 Ext Cab Auto
 
Big U, When I (we) bought our '94, I didn't even consider a manual transmission because my bride has had knee surgery that left her unable to shift a standard. That was 118K+ miles ago, and our 47RH transmission is still original and going strong.

We are retired, live in and pull a HEAVY (13,800+ lbs) 35' HitchHiker Premier Wide Body 5th wheel all over the country, from Ohio to Arizona by way of Washington State, and back three times. .

As you can see by my signature, I have the TST 230/605 fuel plate and a few more goodies to make her run better, and I have had NO problems so far.

When we decide to buy another truck, it definitely will be another Turbo Diesel with an automatic transmission!!!

just my (our) two cents worth!

Rob. .



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'94 2500SLT, LB, 3. 54, Auto (still original), TST 230 Fuel Plate, K&N Filter, PacBrake, AutoLoc, EGT Gage, DeeZee Chrome Full Length Running Boards, Vent Shades,. Pull 35' HitchHiker 5th Whl (13,850+ lbs) 118,770 miles as of 12-22-99. Full Time RV'ers, Portsmouth, Ohio is "home".



[This message has been edited by RamRunnerRob (edited 12-30-1999). ]
 
I hope they fixed that line problem. Wouldnt take long to burn up the transmission. My trannys doing fine. From 35mph and up, pulling my trailer and O/D off,the locked TC gets the job done. It has some drawbacks but Im lazy and dont know if I could drive stick again.

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1999 2500 Cummins w/4spd auto,Quad Cab,SWB,4x4,Flame red ,all options less leather and radio controls on steering wheel,OEM color matched runningboards,DeeZee bedrails painted black,Power Vision Mirrors,OEM ventshades,Oem sill covers,OEM underrail bedliner
 
I agree with RamRunnerRob. I didn't buy my 95 because I wanted it but because I needed A truck, ANY KIND of truck and needed it yesterday. Anyway, I found it and it was a deal and have not regretted it. I've started thinking new and was wanting a 6 speed just because it is the "ultimate". Well, the longer my old RH keeps doing the job the more fond I become of it. And the older I get the less I like to shift. I'd buy another auto in a second. And from the sound of things on the F@%D site the DC trans is probably holding together better than there autos. I guess that is to be expected because we all know the PSD makes way more power than our little Cummins #ad
!

The "oil starvation" problem is probably refering to low-rpm, heavy load situations. From what I understand the pump doesn't pump as much fluid at low-rpm. Probably should use OD when towing if you're only going to travel at 55mph. If you're like me and tow at highway speeds (70-72 mph) then your rpm should be sufficient to allow good pump volume. That's what has worked for me anyway. Can't remember if anything in the TransGo shift kit involved increased volume.

Chris

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Chris
95 3500 CC SLT Cummins auto
TST 230hp kit, TC lockup switch, TransGo.
Isspro EGT, trans/rearend temp, boost gauges
A-Pillar Mounted
Scotty Air System
 
My post should of read "probably SHOULD NOT use OD when towing at 55 mph". I don't think I'm dyslexic, I just type that way #ad
.

Chris
 
Thanks to all for the info.
I now feel a little more secure with my auto. However, I think a converter and a valve body would be conforting. Who do yall suggest for these parts? TST? BD? Anyone?
Thanks again guys.
BigUgly

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Y2K 2500, 4X4, Auto, Quad Cab, SWB, 4. 10, Black. Yea, though I drive through the valley of Fords, I shall fear no PowerStroke, For I... am Rammin' with a Cummins.
 
BigUgly,
If it were me, I would go for the TransGo kit, as it will increase the "line Pressure" in the transmission. This alone will help hold the clutch's within the transmission as well as the Torque Converter Clutch much better!

The kit will also give you a much tighter shift between 1-2,2-3 and overdrive.

I would deffinately use a synthetic ATF and also have a gauge for temperature sensing.

My 94' has nearly 119,000 now, and I am about to install a new Torque Converter and the shift kit. Have purchased them, but have not installed them as yet.

Wayne
amsoilman

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94'SLT 4X4 AT/White in color. Factory Tow Hooks & Running Boards. Amsoil By-Pass filter, Amsoil Air cleaner,and all fluids are Amsoil. Optima "Red Top" batteries.
BD exhaust Brake, BD Torque Lock, BD Torque Converter, Dr. Performance Stage II Injection Pump. Mag-Hytec Diff Cover,Mag-Hytec Transmission Pan, Isspro Pyro, Boost,Oil temp Gauges mounted in 3 Gauge post mount. One gauge monitors Engine Oil, Trans, Diff. Temps.
 
amsoilman,that says it right there. 100,000+miles and now going to add a shift kit. Ive heard that rpms below 1700 do not flow enough oil. Hopefully with the shiftkit that would not be the case. And yes,increased pressure will cure a lot of ills. Even a stickshift HP clutch uses increased spring pressure to reduce slippage. For about $2600 you can get a fairly beefed up transmission ie aftermarket TCC,H/D clutches,shiftkit,etc. My plans for the future.

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1999 2500 Cummins w/4spd auto,Quad Cab,SWB,4x4,Flame red ,all options less leather and radio controls on steering wheel,OEM color matched runningboards,DeeZee bedrails painted black,Power Vision Mirrors,OEM ventshades,Oem sill covers,OEM underrail bedliner
 
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