Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Bombing Advice needed

[dcasselberry]

As soon as my gauges are installed, I'd like to install a #8 TST plate, and have some timing work done as well. At this stage of the game, I'm not ready to upgrade my automatic transmission, so I'm following the advice of others who've told me not to go beyond the #8 until I get my transmission upgraded. A knowledgeable friend has also recommended that I install the 3000 GSK at the same time. Would it also be helpful to install the AFC spring kit as well? Any suggestions will be much appreciated. I've already upgraded my exhaust to a 4 inch system, and have the aFe Megacannon for air intake.

 

[dcasselberry]

Surely, somebody out there could please take a stab at answering my question. I really need some advice with this. Thanks!

 

[Jim Fulmer]

I had a #8 plate and 3k's in with my stock auto and it didn't want anymore, if you want ease of setting it up get the AFC spring kit also. TST will change out the plates with you when you get the transmission done.



Jim

 

[dcasselberry]

Jim:



Thanks for †he reply. Was your auto ok with the #8, or did you have any slippage? I've been told I shouldn't go any more than a #8 with a transmission upgrade, or I'm asking for trouble.



Thanks,



Dan

 

[JohnE]

I did the 3k governor springs. I added a #4 plate FULLY back. I really love it now. Once the transmission is upgraded, I will move the plate back to stock, install the AFC springs, and reset it to go go go.



You right foot is the governor. The #10 appears to be a favored upgrade with autos and gsk without an updated transmission.

A #4 is Arnold to Danny compared to a #10 (movie Twins?).



-

 

[John_P]

dcasselberry:



I ran my 96' Dodge CTD with a #6 TST plate (250 H. P. )

and just a "TransGo Shift Kit" for 98,000 miles with no

problems at all!



I regularly towed an 18' enclosed cargo racing trailer in

the mountains of Va. and W. Va. (I-77) so the engine

and transmission were definitely "put to the test!"



I installed a transmission temperature gauge to keep

an eye on the transmission and had the transmission

fluid changed every 10,000 miles during that time.



Hope this has helped you some!



----------

John_P

 

[dcasselberry]

Thanks guys for very helpful information.



I've had no problems at all with my transmission to date, but I'm also meticulous about changing fluid and filters as well as band adjustment. Nobody drives my truck but me, so I know it's been treated well. I do plan to ad a Mag Hytec double deep pan as some added insurance for whatever torque plate I finally decide to go with. And at the time the fuel mods are taking place, I'm installing three ISSPRO gauges, boost, pyro and trans temp.

I'm not looking to race the truck, I just want some additional power. A year down the road, I'll be ready to move to a transmission better than the one Dodge provided.

 

[DuallyDean]

Dcassleberry--



It ain't the transmission so much as the torque convertor. Slippage nearly always shows up first in the TCC and the burnt lining then pollutes the valve body and the rest of the transmission. I had a hopped up transmission and BD convertor, and at the time the BD was one of the best you could get. I eventually burnt it up pulling a couple of pretty big gooseneck trailers. The failure wrecked the transmission due to plugged valve body and lubrication orifices from the lining that shredded out of the convertor. Two friends have bit the bullet and bought ATS Triple Loc convertors and installed them in front of STOCK trannies, and after riding (while towing) in both of them, I have to say that those convertors are definitely worth the money. I think Dave Gorend also has a multiple disc lockup clutch convertor. They really are the cat's a$$.



I only mention this because you seem to be on a budget, and I would suggest upgrading the convertor before the transmission if I had to choose. If heavy towing isn't a staple of your Ram's routine, you may not even need to tear into the transmission itself, and even then it would probably be limited to a simple shift kit install.



Happy Horsepower Hunting!



--Dean

 

[dcasselberry]

Dean:



Many thanks for the input. I've decided to go with the #10 plate and 3K governor springs. Yes, at the moment, I'm on a budget. My son is embarking on a new career and I'm lending a lot of support at the present time. A year down the road, my plan is to go with a DTT transmission. I have several friends who are seriously bombed and have these transmissions and love them. And with MassDiesel's shop within driving range for me, of course I'll have him do the work. I'm hoping my little power upgrade won't create transmission problems for me between now and then.



I was at my Dodge dealer yesterday and got a closer look and listen to the 2003 Dodge Cummins. It was so quiet I would have thought it was a gasser. I like a little noise with my truck, but I'm sure this 3rd generation Ram is pretty nifty. But with the prices, I'm hoping there's a bit more life in my 12valve. The thought of having a few years without truck payments keeps me from taking the plunge into a new truck. Again, thanks for the advice.



Dan

 

[98rammer]

Dan,



I'm running a ground stock plate (flat) pushing out 257hp and 641 foot pounds of torque. i upped my line pressures which helped in the lock up clutch slippage situation. i don't slip the clutch- or do my absolute best not too. i've also installed a torque converter clutch UNlock/stock switch. i run around town unlocked to keep it from slipping and sending debris through the transmission. above 70mph on the highway i'll lock it up. and 75+ it holds at WOT when racing people . i really should upgrade, but i'm just telling you what i've been getting away with (so far)...



oh yeah, can't go wrong with Mass Diesel-- good guys there.



Tom

 

[champspa]

I have a 96 auto with a 230 , 605 plate and it lasted ( the transmission)about 80,000 miles before the torque converter died the rest of the transmission looked great the clutches were worn but not burnt up. Had the transmission rebuilt put a GB, 3lok in and (wow).

 

[BillGotthelf]

dcasselberry-it depends on your tow load. It's the torque that it developes that will spin the lockup clutch. I had a #11 with 215 injectors and my TC (stock) lasted only 5,000 miles towing 13,000 lbs before it spun. Trans already had 70,000 miles on it when I upgraded. After trans rebuild and new Bill K TC it's been going strong even with another upgrade to a # 5 plate.

 

[dcasselberry]

Many, many thanks to everyone who's responsed to my questions. All of this additional information will be helpful in the decisions I make and when I'll decide to do which upgrade in what order, etc.