Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Help

[Kwoolley]

I'm hoping that I can get some good quality advice from this posting. I already have an Edge EZ box installed and a K&N filter. I want to go with an AFE stage II and a 4 or 5" downpipe back exhaust. 1) am I heading in the right direction here? 2) what is the gain/advantage of 5" pipe?. I am going to get the DTT Noise Filter to hopefully stop the constant searching for gear/lockup. I want to make the transmission shift much firmer and quicker (less gear overlap). 3) what is the advantage of a new valve body over a calibration kit besides price. The current transmission was warrantied about 500 miles ago, so it is fresh. I want to keep it that way. 4) is a deep aluminum pan helpful in cooling and worth the $250 investment? 5) will an auxiliary cooler w/fan a good investment? 6) do I need to look at servos and accumulators for the transmission?



I am sure I have overlooked other parts that will help ensure the longevity of my Dodge. I willingly listen to good, sound advice. I am going to get the 3 gauge pod to monitor the engine & transmission. 7) I would like to know which company or companies I should tap for the required parts? I am sure that not all parts are created equally. I would greatly prefer that everything I purchased is stamped MADE IN THE USA!!!



All help will be greatly appreciated!



Kevin

 

[monkeyman]

I doubt you would notice any difference fron 4" to 5". I have a dual 4" on my truck. I also have a ATS Valve Body "Tow Version" Adding just a Valve Body will not cure other problems. Check out the Triple Lock Commander by ATS. I have a Scotty ll intake system.

Also if your truck is bombed or is going to be you need gauges first! That will let you know what is going on. PM me anytime.

Rick

 

[DieselRam30]

With the mods you listed, I highly doubt that a 5" exhaust would make any difference. That said, if you want to eventually step up to twins and big injectors, etc. a 5" exhaust might be beneficial. I would recommend a custom valve body over a shift kit. A shift kit may jack up line pressure but may not include improvements in reliability and such that an engineered valve body from a reputable transmission company will. A deep transmission pan will help cool your trans simply from the added fluid capacity and I would recommend it. As far as the auxiliary cooler, I wouldn't get one unless the transmission temps got out of hand with the deep transmission pan. As far as servos and accumulators, yes, they would beneficial in retaining line pressure insides the transmission and preventing leaks. However, I would just get a built aftermarket transmission if I was going that route, unless you know how to build transmissions from the ground up. I would also look into a torque converter.