EZ-Automatic-Towing

[GBritt]

I have a problem that I'm sure has been visited many times, but I would appreciate some imput. I have a 99 2500 CTD 4WD Automatic. I recently installed the EZ and towed with the EZ the first time this weekend. I tow 12000 and have never had any problem with the transmission til this weekend. When accelerating the tansmission would shutter bad if the RPMs were below 2000. Even sometimes it would shutter when the RPMs were over 2000. I know from what I've read that I really need a new valve body and TC. However, (not like most of you, I'm sure) I'm on a budget and have to do a little at a time. Right now I don't have $2000 to buy a valve and TC and have it installed. Should I unhook the EZ until I can afford more or what. Also would the Valve body alone help and can it be installed without taking the transmission out? Thanx for any help.

 

[BK]

Not being and expert... .

but from what I've read and heard from Bill K.

Disconnec the EZ...



Call Bill K and ask is the best thing.

There is also a TSB that he recommends to be performed on the computer (re-flash) before the mods are done.



I can't find that info,sorry.



I too have a 99 2500 4x4 Auto and after warranty I'll attack the transmission will Bill's stuff. I called Bill to get an idea of what I should do about a year ago. He was great, even willing to call me back on his own time, but I couldnt do that, he was too helpfull. Ther was no BS from him, all straight talk. He said I should have the TSB done before the mods, I tried to have the TSB done, but I couldn't get my dealer todo it since they couldnt find the problem. Apparently after the mods are done the problem can show itself (if I remember the story correctly)... and with the TC and VB in, and you show up for warranty work. . you could have your handsfull. Bill said that he has a deal with a local shop that can do the TSB for a special price, which is part of the install.

 

[BK]

GBritt. .



I sent Bill an email and asked him to please check out this thread for you...



Bob

 

[Snow man]

I think you toasted your lockup torque convertor. That shuddering was your convertor slipping in lockup IMO. The 12000 lbs was just to much weight to pull without bumping up line pressure. You might need more than a valve body at this point,you'll know more when you pull the pan and inspect. Good luck,and do not pull again with the EZ unitl you modify the transmission.

 

[WyoJim]

VB will handle it I bet

I ordered both the EZ and VB from Bill at the same time.

The EZ came first and I quickly installed it. With the TC locked up in 3rd gear, and the truck empty I could slip the TC so bad that the tach looked like I was stuck in a snow bank.

My local repair man installed the VB no charge while he serviced the Transmission.

I have not been able to slip the TC since. So I would say do the valve body for $375 and it will cure it. If it don't, you will need it any way.

 

[Slick]

When Bombing be prepared to dig deep in your pocket to do all the necessary upgrades. By reading all the valuable info here in TDR I have learned to restrain myself from this inevitable practice until the $$$$$ are there to do it right! Good luck and I hope you didn't do major damage. By the way anybody interested in contributing to the WBF(Wimmers Bombing Fund)???

 

[WadeMetzinger]

Me Too!

I have a 2001 Auto and bought an EZ. It was great unloaded but when pulling an 8,000 lbs trailer and accelerating the transmission would shudder when trying to shift from 2nd to 3rd. It didn't shudder at wide open throttle but just normal acceleration was so bad that I could actually get up to speed quicker without the EZ because I kept having to back off the throttle.



So I disconnected and sold mine after one 30 mile trip. Once I get the money for a valve body and torque converter I will be ordering another one.

 

[MoparDave]

I am just curious, did you guys install the boost elbow when you installed the EZ box. If so, have you tried towing with out the elbow installed? I remember reading a few articles about not exceeding 1 pound of boost for every 100 RPM. I have a 2001 auto with 4. 10 gears I have towed a 9000K TT three times in the last month and I have had no problems but I installed the EZ with out the boost elbow. Just something to think about.

 

[WadeMetzinger]

I did not install the boost elbow, gave it to a friend who has gotten 38lbs of boost out of his 01. My max boost is 18 - 20.

 

[Bad340fish]

MoparDave, your 4. 10 rear gear will be "easier" on the auto than the 3. 54s will IMHO. And sometimes people just get lucky

Clark

 

[danandamy]

Not that I'm any kind of expert

Actually, I think the shuddering might be the springs loading and unloading. Slipping the clutch is more of a steady increase of RPM's without an increase in speed. Please don't ask me how I know that The best word of advice I can give you is keep the rpms up and when you feel it lock up, ease out of it as it locks up, then ease very gently into the throttle until your rpms get built up.



Dan

 

[Bad340fish]

I have felt a bad auto transmission before and its definatly a shudder. The clutches are slipping against one another and slightly grabbing is what I believe causes the shudder. I am no expert either.

Clark

 

[RobbyRam]

I haven't yet got DTT's Torque Convertor but I did install his VB. With my EZ it solved my transmission problems. I am putting 271HP to the rear wheels towing 9000lbs wih no slipping.

Bob

 

[Fred Swanson]

Gbritt, I would refrain from using the EZ while towing 12,000 lbs.

First off, when was your last fluid change?

You might want to change the fluid if its been several thousand miles, plus that'll let you see if you've got deposits in the pan, which would indicate wear.

Secondly, seriously think about upgrading your transmission before using the EZ, especially with that much tow weight.