Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Best Auto Trans Config for 4-Wheel Drive Trail Work

[pjc]

I have a 98, 12v QCSB that is being modified to be an adequate trail truck with use on the steep and breathtaking old wagon roads of Colorado.



The truck has an auto and I have contemplated an swap to a NV4500 and 271 t-case but, would like to hear from my peers and the experts on the capabilities of an auto trans in my config.



* Engine braking is important, in all gears if possible.

* TC lockup control is important.



Thanks for any and all help.

 

[travis97cummins]

Give Dave Goerand at Goerand Transmission a call He is a the best at these automatic trans. His phone # is 1-563-778-2719 dont be suprised if the line is busy

 

[Bob4x4]

I am a bit skeptical on using a full size truck on some of the narrow passes but be sure to run enough trans cooler. You will build a ton of heat at low speeds.

 

[Grumpy John 4x4]

truck

:-laf:-laf:-laf:-laf:-laf:-laf:-laf:-laf:-laf:-laf:-Oh really Bob

 

[Bob4x4]

:-laf Ok you got me John... ... ..... maybe I take my truck where it should not be once in a while

 

[LBARTLETT]

I give a strong 2nd to Goerend, just tell him what you'll be doing with the truck and he'll let you know what you need

 

[LVJUNIOR]

You need to drop it into 4 low if you are going to be wheeling at slow speeds. Crawling along trails and keeping the torque converter out of lockup is a sure way to build heat. I sent my trans into an overheated limp mode driving in 4 high at 5-10mph in -20 degree temps

 

[MMcCallie]

Can't say enough good things about my BTS 4R100. Its taken amazing beatings off road and never batted an eye about temperature. It would require a destroked.com adapter and a PCS TCU but you can control lockup the way you want and even shift it like a manual. I prefer to have a manual switch for torque converter lockup. 4R100 can give you an NVG 271 or 273 and even though they are chain driven, they are far stronger than than even an NP 205.

You can also put an Allison 1000 behind your Cummins but expect to spend $10,000 for an Allison built to handle what you'll need. Deep 1st gear would be nice for rock crawling but if it is mainly a trail truck I'd just swap in lower ring and pinions. Maybe dual transfer cases. Sad but you won't hear a lot of diesels on the trails in Colorado but I say its absolutely the way to go. No stalling on steep hills, tons of low end torque so you don't have to have super deep gears. Just run additive for the higher elevations, even if its in the 70s down in town.