Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Automatic Transmission Upgrade Qeustions

[Lsfarm]

What's with lockup?

Everytime one of these threads comes up comparing the various transmissions there is always some reference to the lock-up in the TC.



Well, some of the highest HP guys are running the DTT setup, which has an improved single lockup disc and a vastly improved fluid drive. And there are no known [to me, this site or any others I've read] failures of the lockup clutch in a DTT TC.



So why is there so much focus on the TC's lock-up system??



I'm MUCH more concerned with input shafts, hubs, internal clutch upgrades, output shafts, internal leakage etc.



DTT has been at the forefront to develop billet input shafts and hubs, internal leakage fixes, clutch upgrades, and smart controllers to control the lockup and shift points.



I trust and respect DTT, both the products and the support. Second to none in my opinion/ experience.



For me, adding the extra [unneeded IMO] complexity in the TC just is inviting more/new problems and wear. The single disc system is holding 700+ HP and 1500+ ft. lbs torque, so why 'fix' it if it isn't broken?



NOT trying to add fuel to the fire, just want to look at the transmission options from a different perspective.



Greg L. The Noise Nazi

 

[StakeMan]

Re: What's with lockup?

Originally posted by Lsfarm

NOT trying to add fuel to the fire

You didn't add fuel but you surely just lit the match. Have fun.

 

[Briar Hopper]

Mechanics that KNOW and UNDERSTAND trannies chose DTT. Excellent point by Lsfarm, above, on the torque converters. We have yet to see a properly-built single disc TC fail to hold up to high horsepower, and high mileage.

The DTT torque converters are manufactured in an ultra-clean, modern, state-of-the-art factory, a facility so well-equipped with CNC machines, tight operating tolerances and methods, and the best personnel (many years of experience in the high-performance market), that it puts most NASCAR and Indy-car shops to shame. As opposed to any that may be built in the corner of a transmission shop.

And that's just the torque converters. There's more, much more, that goes into a DTT, the focus is on the entire transmission.

With a DTT, clutches, steels, bushings and seals don't get re-used, pressure plates don't get cut down to make room for extra discs. It's not simply a TC and valve body slapped into a stock rebuilt transmission. far from it.

The idea is not simply to make one that'll hold high HP, but to also make it last a good long time.

 

[Jim Fulmer]

How is it people are putting so many miles on there trucks(or claiming too) in such a short period of time, yet are on the computer all the time? I for one believe I drive allot but can't even get close to those super high miles in less than a year, I did 30K last year with daily driving(43 miles round trip) several trips to Dallas, 7 last year... nope 8 (400 miles round trip) the a 5800 mile trip to Canada.



Oh yea 26K now since late Feb 02' on inarush 76's transmission with power increased from 250 to 450 in that time and trouble free.



This year James will have a 500+ plus truck running around.



Jim (just my observation)

 

[jwilliams3]

Jim Fulmer,

Who are you referring too?



--Justin

 

[jtsandbird]

southern california installers

thanks for all the info everyone. now i need to know of any installers in southern california, i live in Joshua Tree, ca

 

[snowracer69]

not sure how far of a drive it is, but if you're within 3-4 hours of Phoenix, take it to Fred Swanson. He's actually to the west of Phoenix about 20 minutes, but he does awesome work!! Might have to make it a weekend trip to get the job done though... . this is of course only if you were referring to an installer for DTT... if you would like to find someone closer to you for DTT, call Bill or Stefan and they'll give you the closest guy to you that is a "recommended installer".



Good luck, no matter which way you go... anything is better than the stock slush-box.



Josh

 

[Bob Wagner]

There is a Dodge dealer in Huntington Beach that install's DTT's upgrades

 

[ACoyle]

Finally, something I can answer I am not aware of any Dodge dealers that will sell / install DTT, or ATS for that matter. They generally frown on the aftermarket.



27 posts and a reasonable transmission thread. Thank You everyone.



AC

 

[Bob Wagner]

Originally posted by ACoyle

Finally, something I can answer I am not aware of any Dodge dealers that will sell / install DTT, or ATS for that matter. They generally frown on the aftermarket.



27 posts and a reasonable transmission thread. Thank You everyone.



AC

Yes, its an actual dealaer, they love the product.



Hell my dealer is impressed with my set up too

 

[tandemranch]

How about installers of either DTT or ATS in the Reno, Nevada or Sacramento, CA areas?

 

[Wolfgang]

I had mine installed at by Herb at Custom Truck in Yuba City, Ca. Good guy to work with. His number is 530-674-1376. Had my DTT in for over a year now and 20,000 miles with no complaints.

 

[ACoyle]

I am amazed at a Dodge dealer recommending / installing an after market transmission. Mine told me that gages would void my warranty.



Guess I wish I was out west for more than one reason.



AC

 

[Briar Hopper]

Tandemranch, Acoyle, best thing to do is call Bill Kondolay at DTT, he can recommend installers in your area.

Acoyle, I see you're from N. J. , one of the best DTT installers is right there near you, Scott goes by "massdiesel" in these forums.

 

[zman]

The service manager at the dealership about 20 miles north of my place had a chance to drive my DTT equipped truck about a year ago and LOVED it. Since then they have installed 2 DTT VB/TC combos that I know of. They also sell Edge stuff too. Great dealer IMO.



Steve

 

[Jvann]

Suncoast

Had Suncoast Pro-loc TC and VB installed 20K miles ago. Tow 9K fiver or 11K equipment trailer. No problems to this point and very happy with the performance. Not claiming it's better or worse than the others, just letting you know my experience with it. Good luck!

 

[JMichelson]

Take a Look at BD

Take a good look at BD. 20000 trouble free miles on mine so far. None of the after market transmissions are easy on your pocketbook but owning a BD is easy on you. We BD owners are a quiet bunch, we just sit back and watch the DTT and ATS guys going at it. With a BD you don’t have to spend all your time defending your choice of aftermarket transmissions, you just go out, drive your truck and smile. Jeff

 

[fox]

In my opinion, anyone with an AUTO trans Dodge should consider an upgrade.

I read most all of the trans posts and I have stayed out of the arguments.

So here goes,-----

The first issue with these trans is the line pressure and the second is fluid coupling (converter ), third is front clutch capacity, then comes shift timing.



The line pressure is more than just adjusting a screw.



The converter being loose prevents you from using the torque that you bought with the Cummins.

It also causes the clutch material to glaze and /or warps the surface so it is forever damaged. It needs to be more efficient!!



The front clutch/ 3rd gear needs 5 pair.



The shift timing has many options as to how to clean up the 2-3 shift.



Some companies choose to address to cause of failure and other companies put the focus on the part that was damaged. This second method only causes either a repeat failure or some other part of the trans to fail.



So, talk to several companies and think of this post as you ask questions. This will help you pick a company.