controller with stock auto ?

[damon]

I am interested to see what you all think about installing a trans controller with an all stock 47re.



With only 15k on the truck, the trans is not slipping or shuddering when empty or with 12k# towing. However, I do not like the feeling of the TC letting go when using the engine to control speed down grades , and I would like to be able to program the OD shift point.



From my understanding, any of the current controllers will accomplish what I want, but will they work properly with a stock trans, and could this controller prolong the life of the stock trans ? If not, what would be the minimum recommendation for upgrades with the controller... turning up the pressure, a new VB ?



As much as I realize that I will eventually go with a quality rebuild, I don't like the looks I get in return when I tell my wife I just need to spend another $4k on our new truck to make it work good. Somehow, she just doesn't see it the same way we do



Damon

 

[rrausch]

You don't need to spend $4,000.



I bet if you call Clint Cannon, at ATS, he can have a shop down your way put in a TripleLok and VB and controller, for less than half of that. Or if you are handy, you can put them in yourself and save the labor. If you are towing 12,000 lbs. you will DEFINATELY appreciate the tripleLok and ATS VB and controller. They were invented in Denver, for guys hot-shotting heavy loads up and over the Rockies. That TripleLok will NOT slip I don't care how heavy you are towing, I don't care how much H. P. and Torque you are making.



I'm in Santa Monica, if you get up this way and want a ride in my truck pm me.

 

[SlyBones]

The aftermarket controllers should work with the stock transmission. You should be able to have most of the various features available. The features you wont get are then ones related to lockup in lower gears like 2nd and 1st. To get lockup in 2nd you would need to have an aftermarket VB in addition to the controller.

 

[Snow man]

Damon, from reading your post ,it seems you are only looking to keep the TC locked when you lift off the throttle. If this is all you want,a VB and controller will do that easily. If you decide to run an exhaust brake in the future,you already have most of what you need. rrausch, ,the TC,VB and controller you speak of are well over 2000,without shipping,installation,core return shipping,fluids and any misc stuff, how did you come to that figure?. I think the goodies you spoke of would run over 3000 easily,installed,and 2500+ for a DIY install.

 

[RCone]

You don't need 2nd gear lockup. 3rd should work for most any situation. I tow and that's how I am set up. No problem for me going over and down the Cascades in Oregon in 3rd gear lockup (8500# dry weight 5ver pushing me) with hardly using the service brakes.

 

[damon]

rcone, that's what I was thinking. When I'm controlling speed with 3rd and TC locked, it feels good and I'm not sure I would often need 2nd locked. It seems that 3rd should be able to control speeds down to about 40 with minimal service brake/trailer brake usage.



It also seems that most have gone with the new VB, TC, and controller - or nothing at all. I like the way the stock transmission works for the most part, I would just like more control over the things I mentioned. I may just try the controller and see how she lasts... .



rrause - I would like to try your truck, with all of the good speak I hear of the strong trannys, I gotta try one out.



Damon

 

[1dslram]

If you want the trans to last you will need at least the VB and Controller. I have a BD controller that is for sale as I upgraded to the Stradegy Controller from ATS. The controller is complete with Instructions and works great I just wanted more control than the standard controllers provided. PM me if interested.

Bruce

 

[RCone]

Damon, what 1dslram said. Convince the wife about safety when towing, that is, being able to descend steep grades (Like the Sierras) safely without having white knuckles when you get down. You can get a BD or equivalent, "AutoLoc" for about $250. Locks up 3rd and 4th. Also, you must have a VB, also BD or equivalent, for between $400 and $450. These two items along with a PacBrake, or equivalent, around $585 will put a smile on your face and provide peace of mind when towing. What hasn't been talked about in this thread tho is transmission cooling. When towing, and especially starting, stopping and backing, heat is your worst enemy. Either budget for a MagHytec DD, or equivalent transmission pan, or install an aftermarket transmission cooler like from Summit ($200) plus $100 for really good HP lines.



Good Luck and if you need additional info, please fee free to PM me.



Roger