Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Converter starting to slip

[cosborne]

Well, it has started. On the way back from the Lake this last weekend, pulling my 5500# boat/trailer with the pickup camper in and going up a 4 or 5% grade, I noticed that I could give it a bit more accelerator and instantly increase the RPM's without any noticeable increase in power. Of course after I noticed it, I would then continue to try and make it do it again. It seems that it only really happens around 60-65 mph, in OD, cruising down the highway. Unloaded it is not noticeable, but I have yet to drive it down the interstate unloaded to see if it still "slips".

I emailed ATS, since I'm only about 200 miles from their Denver shop, and asked some questions. He was very helpful and stated that it sounds like the converter clutch is slipping. I found a local shop that uses ATS stuff and went to talk to him today. He said the ATS converter is more than I really need, since I tow only 25% of the time and then its only my boat with the pickup camper. He also stated that the ATS converter is about 1300 but he would go with a "Diesel Max" converter for about 800.

Having 120k on my truck he also said that a rebuild would be in order as well while replacing the converter... best case scenario was about 1100 for the rebuild, hoping I need no major hard parts. So, about 1900-2000 for a upgraded transmission, and I did not ask if this included a new valve body.

What are your thoughts? I'm I in the right ballpark? What have you guys paid and for what? The ATS guy said I could do this in stages, but if the first stage is replacing the converter and rebuild then what would the next stage be??



Thanks for the help and insight in advance...



Corey

 

[RACE427]

Overbuild it

I would go with the ATS convertor and then know I have the best component that can handle whatever can be dished out!!! Good luck with your final decision.

 

[rrausch]

Corey, don't try to make it slip! When the TC clutch is slipping, it is under really intense heat and pressure and the TC Clutch lining is getting really hot... that leads to the TC clutch burning, degrading and sending little bits of clutch material into the rest of the trans which will KILL IT.



At 120,000 with your upgrades, a complete rebuild is probably in order. I had mine done by ATS at 107,000. I could have lasted longer, but I didn't want to take a chance and have the transmission fail on a trip when I would have been at the mercy of "joe blow" transmission shop. Most transmission shops know how to rebuild

the usual trannys... but the 47RH and 47RE, when run behind a bombed Cummins are NOT your usual transmission. ATS has been successfully putting the bombed Cummins power to the ground for many years. They manufacture all their own components in-house so that the transmission will really last. They do a lot more than just build a bullet-proof Torque Converter. They have re-engineered, beefed-up, heat-treated, cyroed, or re-manufactured many of the stock internal components of the 47RE and RH so that the internals will stand up to higher H. P over time. ATS has done the most thorough job of engineering of any of the trans rebuilders.



I have never heard of "Diesel max". But ATS has Thousands of happy Dodge/Cummins customers. ATS is family owned, and they are good folks to deal with.

They didn't promise me anything they didn't deliver, and everything they did was thorough, on-time and well-done.



I expect my TripleLok TC to last hundreds of thousands of miles. Maybe more. Nobody has broken one or returned one yet, and there are hot-shotters using ATS towing heavy loads back and forth over the Rockies.



I would call Clint and just ask him how much the total package would be. The LAST THING you want is to save a grand or more now, and then have to spend more to get it fixed right the second time! I paid about 3,800 for mine a year ago. Their number is 800-949-6002



Here is the thread I posted when I got back from Denver a year ago.



https://www.turbodieselregister.com...?threadid=40441&highlight=Experience+with+ATS



Good luck!

 

[RonaldLarson]

I could not

be happier than I am with my ATS convertor. I have an aftermarket valve body, as well. I'm installing the ATS lockup controller next week. GREAT company, great product, honest people, and Made in the U. S. A. !

Ron

 

[KWIKKURT]

Cosborne, You can get as much autotrans advise / reading and info then you could ever wish for by using the search engine at the top of this page. .



But that said its usually best to call the three or four shops that you hear are the Best and after that you will probably be comfortable enough (and a head full of info) to know what is best for you and you truck.



Don't make your final decisions based mainly on price. Buy the the best and strongest quality product you can find and get everything that will help keep your investment intact and reliable. In the long run it will be by far the best value and almost always the least money spent. Example: Don't get just what you need today. You save the most money by not having any breakdowns or needing to do something over later due to unforseen HP upgrades. Removing the Trans to change to a stronger Convertor later not only costs big $$$ but you may have damaged or destroyed the rest of your trans from failed parts or clutch material from slippage.



The knowledge that you bought the best you could get for your truck is a great / comfortable feeling.





If you plan on keeping your truck for more than two years I would have the trans Overbuilt by atleast a 200HP rating.



or just tell me to shutup!!!

 

[krs]

cosborne,



I don't think that you can manipulate this situation and should just try to negotiate the best price for a rebuilt trans and new converter. In all likelihood your trans is history - the forward clutch gives pretty much the same symptoms and nothing says both can't be worn beyond realistic repair. I don't like builders who offer a tentative price wiith a qualifier like "if no major parts are bad". In every case those major parts WILL be bad and you'll get a bill that you didn't expect.



So shop around for a complete job. Sure, like most everyone here I'd recommend a performance builder - the torque of our motors needs a strong transmission. All of the trans people you see talked about in here will give you a trans that you can trust. It'll be some $4000. or so. If that doesn't work for you, sell the truck.

 

[tandemranch]

ATS Stage IV is the best money I've spent on the truck. Don and his people have been a great pleasure to work with, especially dealing with my "non-mechanic" questions. I recommend them without reservation.

 

[HVAC]

ATS/Don

BTW, I don't think Don is around any longer. He wasn't in Vegas for May Madness either. Details are scarce