Best time for transmission overhaul?

[JConley]

At what point should the transmission be overhauled? I know it varies from truck to truck, so here is my situation



I have 90K miles on the ram. I replaced the valve body at 60K, and I installed a TST plate and governor spring kit at 80K. I do a pan drop fluid change every 12K miles, and I replace the filter every 24K miles. I dont have any metal on the filter yet, and I dont get a lot of crud in the bottom of the pan. Most of my miles are highway, and I dont pull a load that often. Every now and then when cold, it doesnt want to shift into 3rd. It acts like it wants to stay in 2nd, but it eventually shifts, and I dont have any problems after that. I plan on keeping this truck at least for another 5 years, and I dont want to wait until I tear something up to get the transmission rebuilt. I do plan on having James rebuild the transmission in Dallas and install a DTT TC, and rebuild kit with the extra clutch when the time comes. I put about 30K miles a year on the truck.



So should I go another 50K miles? At what point should it be done?



James??? Bill???... .

 

[HoleshotHolset]

Rebuild it when it doens't go "Vroom!" and DOES go "Boom!"... .

 

[John_P]

JConley:



I ended up having to "rebuild" mine at 98,000 miles.

I had similar mods on my truck initially (TST #6, Trans-Go

Shift Kit) but otherwise it was stock. I knew my transmission

was going when it began "shuddering" as it shifted

into overdrive when pulling my racing trailer in the

mountains. Don't make the same mistake I did.

I initially just replaced the TC and valve body and

about 3,000 miles later the transmission began shifting

erratically from 2nd to 3rd. So... ..... I had the

ENTIRE transmission pulled again and this time replaced

EVERYTHING (seals, clutches, etc. ) !!!



So far my "new" transmission has held up well

with a little over 20,000 miles on it now. And

that is with over 400 H. P.



Anyway, when you get ready to do it I would

highly recommend replacing EVERYTHING.

Don't do what I did trying to "save a few

dollars. " BTW, my transmission never actually

failed as I got it in before that happened.



Hope this has helped.



-----------

John_P

 

[inarush76]

trans o/h

JConley, I think you are suffering the undersize drum seal syndrome. That could be the 2-3 problem cold. It is a good idea to have the trans done before a major failure as it can reduce the parts necessary to o/h. Along with the DTT conv, a full rebuild with the latest material frictions, band, apply lever and other updates, upgrades will set you for many miles of dependable driving. With the hp you have along with the gov. spring kit you will not believe how that truck will pull. I have another customer having me freshen his trans as while it still drives, he is passing the 100k soon and believes in preemptive care. If you have any questions let me know. The clutches and bands will wear over time as they are consumable parts like brake pads and shoes. Whenever you are ready let me know.



James Northum

DTT dealer/installer/Bill K. approved builder