Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Building a 2001.5 Auto to Tow and Stop

[SnoKing]

Ok, I have been looking at 2004 leftovers, and can not find a SRW 6 Speed to show my wife.



So! If I was going to put some more money in my 2001. 5 Auto with 4:10, to make it tow a bit stronger and let me install a exhaust brake, lets lay out the route.



Starting point.



2001. 5 Std Cab CTD 4x4 with camper and trailer options, auto transmission and 4:10's. Trailer Cardinal 29WBLX at 11,240 lbs medium load.



Steps so far.

Magnaflow SS 4" exhaust (with the 3. 5 down pipe)

NAPA 6637 BHAF

Banks gauges - Pyro - pre turbo EGT, boost and two transmission senders (pan and output). Mileage on truck 29,700.



Living North of Seattle I would lean towards DTT for the transmission. Also I can get a good price on the Banks brake.



So given a budget of a few grand beyound the transmission, what should be do??? drivability is a big concern. We snowmobile in the winter, so I do not want power the comes on so fast that I can not keep it on the road. SNOKING

 

[Hohn]

I'd address the trans first. Given your location, DTT makes perfect sense. You'd probably want the 89% converter to help you get launched a little easier.



I don't know about an E-brake with a DTT auto. If Bill K says it's a go, then an E-brake is going to be your biggest stop help.



For power, some Mach 1. 5s and a DDUFM would match well with a Dodgezilla w/ 14wg housing.



But if all you're towing are some sleds, your service brakes should be able to handle almost anything you come across.



I'd recommend some upgrades to the service brakes:

-- Braided stainless lines

-- Porterfield Carbon Kevlar pads (R4S compound)



Since you have the oem 4Wdb, you have a lot better start than others.



There you have it. I feel like the 1. 5s and DDUFM are a GREAT towing combo (good mpg too). The DZ turbo will give you enough air for towing at lower settings, and racing at higher settings will still giving good spoolup.



Justin

 

[pcarlson]

SNOKING,



I have your truck with Justin's mod's. Only difference is the EZ and a BD transmission upgrade. I tow my Cardinal 33TS with no problems and I have 3:55's verses your 4:10's.



The power is just fine for the trailer and stopping isn't to much of an issue as I set the trailer alittle tighter to do more of the stopping. I lived in Alaska with this setup and traveled the ALCAN multiple times up and down the mountains and they were not an issue either.



Justin's recommendations are driveable, not a problem in the winter, plenty of power and I think dependable. So if you don't want the '04 then these mods are a very good start.

 

[SnoKing]

If I get a brake for the HY-35 and then upgrade to a HX-35, will the same brake bolt on? SNOKING

 

[SEmerson]

A DTT can be set up for a E brake. If you may change turbos get a 4" exhast and a inline brake. That way you not limited later.



I have both of my DTT's setup for a brake. I don't have a brake yet but I use a smart contoler to lock the trans for slowing down. Even with out a brake it has save on pad replacements alot.

 

[Snow man]

Id get a full DTT trans,you should get the billet input and 3rd drum. Smart controller,and exhaust brake. With 4. 10 the exhaust brake is going to work excellent. If your just looking to pull that trailer with style,maybe pick up a used EZ for cheap,and a set of Don M 1. 5's or 2's. That will be more than enough power to yank that trailer with ease. If more hp is in your future get a comp box instead of the EZ. A comp will necessitate a bigger turbo,and EGTS still will get hot if you use over level 3. The bigger turbo,you can get the dodgezilla hx40/35hybrid,this way your exhaust brake from your stock turbo will bolt right up. You should be able to run the stock Hy35 with a turnbuckle if you want to,I'm amazed at how well my dad's 01 does with a turnbuckled Hy35,we still havent swapped it yet,i think weve had to back out of it 4X due to EGTS while pulling over 10K in about 15000 miles of towing.

 

[GFrance]

You can look at my sig. I'am very happy with my set up. Pulls & stops my 12,000lb 5vr with ease.

 

[SnoKing]

OK, tell me about the DDUFM box. I read a year or so about a box marketed in the EZ/COMP form factor that had a better profile for towing? SNOKING

 

[SnoKing]

OK, wife finally went for a ride in a 2004. 5 3500 SRW 6 speed. She liked the Laramie separate passenger temp controls and the back seat. Conclusion: Get the DTT transmission stuff for the 2001. 5, exhaust brake, injectors and chip, and then live with what you got. Got to call Bill tomorrow. SNOKING

 

[DLBurns]

See my signature for my mods, I tow a 31' HitchHiker and just yesterday installed a new HX 35 w/ 12 cm housing and the DonM 1. 5 EDM injectors will be here this week.

The turnbuckled HY spooled faster but with just an EZ I would have to get out of it on long grades as the EGT's were pushing my own personal margin of safety. 1200 degrees!

I am hoping the 1. 5 and HX35 do the trick for me.

My ebrake bolted right up to the HX turbo, no problems, and for me it is the very best BOMB I have done to my truck. Works like a dream on those long downgrades.

Dave

 

[SnoKing]

Well SNOKING truck is up at DTT getting the full transmission Upgrade with billet input and 3rd gear cage and smart controller. Banks brake shows up with turkey at son's house. Getting Comp and injectors installed also. Looking for good HX-35. I can not even sleep thinking about it. SNOKING

 

[Snow man]

Congrats Snowking! I cant wait to hear back from you after you get the truck back,and again after you tow heavy after the mods

 

[SnoKing]

Well another night passed. At least I slept last night. When I left Wensday afternoon they were going to start pulling out the transmission to do magic. I think I will call today for a progress report, maybe I will not have to wait until Monday. My wife went out to dinner last night with a girl friend, I said don't worry about me, I will go to the tavern for dinner, she left and I looked around --- no truck --- no trip to the tavern. This sucks not only do I miss my truck, I missed out on a night at La Conner Tavern. SNOKING

 

[Mad Bomber]

transmission

They have really good food too. We drive up there for a good burger. BTW You'll love that DTT Congrats

 

[SnoKing]

OK, got my truck back today from DTT.



I hate it! I hate it! I hate it!





It's raining out, all the new power and a way to put it to the ground, and the blankadee blankadee roads are all wet. DRATS!@#@$)@+$(



Yeah, and I got in trouble with Bill right in the parking lot on the test drive, backed out of the parking spot and took it out of reverse and into drive while the truck was still rolling backwards!!!!! Bad on me he said!!!!



SNOKING Oo. Oo.

 

[SnoKing]

What are you guys doing with the Smartcontroller as far as mounting it. It is fairly large setting on the transmission hump, and the lights are brite at night. I bent a piece of aluminum into a v and doubleback taped it to the controller so it sets at a 45 degree angle. When the drink holder is down, it blocks the brite lights. Suggestions??? SNOKING (Stop the rain pleaseeeee)

 

[SnoKing]

Oh yeah, got a 3rd gen track bar coming via a friend with an auto body shop, and I am calling RIP tomorrow to order the mounting bracket. All this at a fraction of the cost of that 2004. 5 or 2005 I was looking at.



SNOKING

 

[Bob Wagner]

What are you guys doing with the Smartcontroller as far as mounting it. It is fairly large setting on the transmission hump, and the lights are brite at night. I bent a piece of aluminum into a v and doubleback taped it to the controller so it sets at a 45 degree angle. When the drink holder is down, it blocks the brite lights. Suggestions??? SNOKING (Stop the rain pleaseeeee)

the glove compartment is one of the best locations, once the setting are entered what is the need to see it?

 

[SnoKing]

OK, been driving around alot, playing with turnbuckles and springs on the wastegate. Discovered that someone stole the rubber band between the go peddle and the rear wheels. Now if I step on the go peddle the rear wheels turn "right" away. SNOKING



P. S. Rain go away!!!!

 

[Mad Bomber]

transmission

Rain go away!!!!

Did you forget where you live? This is washington RAIN and LOTS of it :-laf BTW forcast said rain all the way to sunday :{