Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) I think I killed my transmission

[Bob Wagner]

go see scott

 

[vssman]

Sorry to hear about your transmission. But before you jump into fixing it, you should gather as much information as possible. At the very least, I'd call Scott at Massdiesel and get a feel for what he would do. He has helped many, many guys in the area - even those with other brands of upgrades. Don't get me wrong as I don't know Chip. I'm sure his work is very good too. It does sound like you cooked the transmission fluid which turns to varnish when heated. You'll probably find all kinds of stuff if you drop the pan and vb.

 

[WebCrush]

Another UPDATE

Ok, turns out the cooler lines blew out, hence all the fluid loss. The dealer replaced them at their cost. They also agree the transmission is completely toast and are willing to split the cost on a Chrylser certified rebuilt transmission which would cost $2835. $1400 from them, $1400 for me. Comes with a 3yr warrantee.



The downside is its still a plain ole Chrysler transmission and I figure if I'm gonna put money into it I might as well beef it up a bit.



The dealer offered to chip in $1400 to have the work done elsewhere if I choose. They've been most fair, which is very commendable.



Blue Chip offeres their HD transmission which ALL HD components, billet shafts, more clutches, more surface area, magteq pan, custom VB, custom TC, etc with a 3yr warr. for $4295 installed. Their warrantty is pretty simple--they don't care what you put in front of the transmission or behind it--if you can break it they'll replace it. But it IS 4k ($2800 out of my pocket).



I gave MassDiesel a call to see their options but got an answering machine. I'll try them again later.



Real issue is:



Do I spend the extra money to get the super dooper transmission (which might be overkill for my needs--the truck is just for towing a 10k trailer approx 10k miles/yr, has a #6 plate in it, and needs to last for 3. 5 yrs)



Do I get the plain ole chrysler transmission, save the cash, and hope it doesn't explode after 3yrs?



Would I see any mpg gain with a HD transmission since less power is lost through a crappy TC? I'm trying to rationalize getting a 4k transmission for a '95 truck I bought for 9k a week ago.

 

[vssman]

Web,



I understand your situation. Vehicles always seem to breakdown when you don't have enough money. If it were up to me, I'd get the $1400 from DC and have an aftermarket unit installed. I went through my first in 10k miles, second by 40k and finally went with an aftermarket TC & VB. If you go with the DC unit and it blows up before the warantee is up, I'll bet they give you a really hard time about the fuel plate. Make sure you get a price from Massdiesel as he is the DTT installer in this area. With a transmission that is properly designed for the truck (i. e. aftermarket), it will drive much better. You can also see if the other big aftermarket guys ave installers around here. Good luck...



Paul

 

[GiesJ]

Webcrush -

Since you asked and I've been following your dilemma, here's my opinion - I'd go for an after market auto transmission. Having said that, I don't know squat about how an auto 'really' works, but you could have a years worth of reading doing a search on TDR. Also having said that, I've actually spoken to Scott at Massdiesel and he took the time (I live in WY and he knew that) to answer my questions that he's probably been asked 1. 023 x 10^23 times.



I think it would be to your benefit to speak with him, read a little bit more about the various options and sleep on it. I say this cause you are looking at either getting the same old transmission (which they may cry wolf on down the road with any issues cause of your TST plate) or dropping 4 Gs on a sweet transmission.



Good luck, I look forward to hearing what you decide,

jason

 

[WebCrush]

I AM looking forward to speaking with Scott from MassDiesel--as soon as he ANSWERS the phone! Oo.

 

[WebCrush]

Ok, I spoke with Scott and now its just a matter of whether I want a DTT or a BlueChip transmission.



Both seem to have about the same top level of quality.



BlueChip longer warranty.



DTT lower cost.



ugh, I hate making decisions with my wallet. :{

 

[WebCrush]

Decision made and money put down:



The winner is Scott of MassDiesel and a DTT transmission. They offered a lower cost alternative than BlueChip and have a really top quality product.



What the hell, I said, toss in some 3k springs to match my #6 plate and lets make some smoke1



Thanks to everyone who offered their help and suggestions.

 

[mstimac]

Enjoy it. Scott does some great work!

 

[Snow man]

Good deal, Scott will work his magic and you'll be all on your ride home. Bombs away!!

 

[GiesJ]

awesome - let us know when you are driving again and give us some initial impressions.

j

ps - now you can get some injectors and put the transmission to the test!

 

[Bob Wagner]

Enjoy the ride

 

[GiesJ]

Webcrush-

how's that new transmission?

j

 

[WebCrush]

New transmission felt great!! Shift nice and firm. The old one must have been leaking internally in tremendous amounts cuz I have so much more power. I just step on the pedal and it MOVES. I even have to press harder on the brake pedal when at a red light to prevent it from rolling.



Of course, I only got to put 40 miles on it cuz my ball joints busted out and I'm stuck in the middle of rebuilding the front end. Hopefully I'll be done today or tommorow, get it aligned, and drive it everywhere.



I have to go back to have the fluids changed and transmission adjusted between 500-1000 mile break it, and I'll have a SmartController tossed in for good measure as well.



MassDiesel had a line on a set of 191 delivery valves and DD2 injectors for $500 which I was gonna have done at the time as well, but turns out there were already sold.