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

[jtsandbird]

i need to do a transmission upgrade but am having a hard time sifting through all the advertisement info, please help.



which should i use DTT or ATS?



if you have had these upgrades what are the pros and cons between the two?



What are the price differences?



are there any known problems or concerns?



how many miles should i expect to get before another upgrade?(warranty not really an issue since i drive about 30 k a year)



are there any other companies to consider?



can you really tell the difference or is it all hype?



if so what is the difference?



please help!!!!

 

[snowracer69]

hehehe.....

This could get ugly...



My opinion: DTT. I have 89% TC and towing V/B with the update kit... runs like a raped ape, and never a problem... I have 8k miles on mine now, and am putting in DD3's this week sometime. Warranty with the DTT stuff seems to be, "If you can break it within two years, we'll fix it!... . after that, we'll make ya one heck of a deal on fixin' it!" But, I don't think you're going to be breaking their stuff anyway...



Best advice, call both companies, talk to the head guys, get a feel for them over the phone, and make your decision... I did, and you can see who get my $$$. Also, do a search... more auto-transmission threads/fun on here than you'll know what to do with.



Later, Josh.



Oh, BTW, #ad

 

[jtsandbird]

i know it will probably get ugly but i 'm up to the challenge and need reader unbiased opinions

 

[JohnMcIntyre]

Re: hehehe.....

Originally posted by snowracer69

This could get ugly...



Later, Josh.

You just had to do that, didn't you Josh?:-laf



jtsandbird. Probably the only way you'll get an answer which you can relate to is to try and get a ride in another TDR member's truck with the mods installed that you're interested in.



Firstly set and then manage your expecations. Then you'll be able to make an objective rather than subjective comparison and an informed decision will be more in line with your own needs.



In the meantime, establish a benchmark, IOW get yourself some gauges

 

[ekonruff]

I had to change due to 3 blownn stock automatics. I used Sun Coast in FT. Walton FLorida. Both the converter and Transmission.



My only response is Great Service and Great Products. Over 25,000 miles pulling a 5th wheel trailer and no problems.

 

[Chace TX]

It's up to you but...

I have DTT in my 2002. I put in every part they would sell me. I did not want to be back in the transmission again. It works great and I could not ask for a better setup, however it (the parts) were really expensive. Last night I finished installing a transmission in a 98 12 valve. This transmission had 120k on it and I did not want to tear it up when I turned up the pump. It now has a new soft parts rebuild, a Dunrite shift kit and Goerends Bros converter. There were no problems with the transmission when we tore it down so the rebuild was much cheaper than it could have been. I have $1050 in this transmission (converter shift kit and rebuild) and it works just like I wanted it to. I am going to hook up to a trailer this afternoon and see how it works. Only time will tell, but so far I am very happy. You will have to decide what is best for you.

 

[Cummins4Life]

Went with a DTT exchange transmission, so far I'm very happy with it.

 

[jwilliams3]

jtsandbird,



One of the reasons I chose to go with the ATS is the Triplelok torque converter, it is simply the best and strongest converter on the market.



Here are the internals of the Triplelok.



http://forums.atsdiesel.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4



I cannot say that I am not biased, after having the Triplelok and ATS transmission I would not want any other brand!



I also enjoy having the ability to control lockup of the torque converter clutch at speeds as low as 18mph!



I would suggest giving Clint or Don at ATS a call, 1 800 949 6002



--Justin

 

[Batman]

jt... ... ... ... your best option is to find members that will either take you for a ride a let you drive their rig with the setps your thinking about... ... ... . and of course (as previously stated) call both companies and see ow they are for yourself.



With that said, I am extrememly pleased with my DTT setup. Performance form their products and service from their people are second to none.



HTH, George

 

[Rammin On]

What Justin said!



You can't go wrong with the ATS ... . try and take a ride in trucks equipped with different set-ups ..... you will find the ATS is far superior to any of the other ones ...



ATS ~ simply the best!

 

[pwr2tow]

The setup I use Rules. Been in business far longer than the competitors. The best advice is to find a trany shop close to you and use what they install. There is alot more to it than just changeing parts and that is when the shop you are confident in shines.



Ron

 

[snowracer69]

just an observation, and stirring the pot some maybe but,



Out of all the guys who are saying DTT not a one said it was the "the best", or that it was "... simply the best and strongest converter on the market"... . do we really know this for fact, or are ya'll just saying that to justify your purchase? Just an observation though, and just wondering. Maybe us DTT guys are a touch more humble about it? Hmmm, now where's my Wolf Pack T-shirt?



Josh.



(stir, stir, stir)

 

[BillGotthelf]

I'm running a DTT TC (from his begining) and had previously burnt up two TC's. 60,000 miles pulling 13,000 plus and still locking up strong on my 96. Never tried ATS so I won't comment on them.

 

[Bob Wagner]

<b>Do your homework and buy it once</b>

 

[BFC]

Originally posted by jtsandbird

i know it will probably get ugly but i 'm up to the challenge and need reader unbiased opinions

That will never happen, LOL!



I went for the whole DTT enchilada and could not be happier, I towded my 10K fiver over the holidays and it impressed me to say the least. Had a minor glitch on new years day, not upgrade related, and the DTT crew went out of their way making sure it was taken of, even thought it had nothing to do with their products. Now that is after the sale service!



Parts are only one item of the equation, who does the work and customer service AFTER the sale are also important IMHO. I have no regrets.



Glenn

 

[pro99]

WOW REBUILD FOR 1050??

This is for numnutsram , looks like some one built a trans for 1050. 00? It looks like it got the good parts too numnutsram!!!



JTSANDBIRD , The best thing to do is take another ram for a ride and see how they act. See if that is how you want yours too. I have heard concerns with them all but I don't want to get into that. Another thing is what are you going to do with this truck??

 

[RichB59]

DTT!!!

I'm very satisfied with my set up. Best thing to do is alot of homework and make your own decision. God Luck and have fun!!!





RichB

 

[lgibson]

AAMCO all the way!!!!!!!



I have been looking at which Trans. to get but seem to be leaning towards DTT. Why? Because of the customer service, not to say ATS's customer service is lacking. Plus DTT is not to far away from me.

Both ATS and DTT are great transmissions. I would be proud to have either one in my truck. Both will handle anything you throw at it.

 

[StakeMan]

50,000 miles and still nothing but smiles with my ATS.



100% hp to the ground.

 

[inarush76]

Have been installing DTT exclusively for over two years. To my knowledge all are still on road. Know of several trucks that work fulltime and are over 60K with no problems. Have been building transmissions since '74. Certified for over 25 years. Alway owned/raced Dodges. Looked at all the vendors out there. Chose DTT. No flame or put down to others, just my opinion and choice as the best.

As suggested, drive trucks equipped with various brands and choose what fits you.



James

DTT builder/installer

near Dallas,TX