Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Intermediate Shaft needed? Flexplate?

[Nate]

I have been reading threads on the TDR for a couple years now and I can't think if any time someone has posted of an intermediate shaft in a 47RE breaking.





I'm putting parts into my transmission and have decided on a billet input shaft since I have heard of that breaking quite a bit. A billet intermediate shaft was suggested as well.



Is it really needed other than the big power guys?







How about the flexplate? Is the stock one ok? It was suggested that I buy at least a laminated one, at $235.





I don't have a problem spending the money if I need the parts, but I don't want to buy stuff I really don't need.



Thanks guys.

 

[FLynes]

IMO, if you're going to redo a transmission which, in essence is a 727 TorqueFlite with OD, do it right and beef it up. My 46RE ('97 2500) was a POS and grenaded at 96,000 miles. I ended up buying a rebuilt one from Jasper and never looked back. The 46 and 47 series trannies need all the help they can get. Good luck to you.

 

[GDMRTN]

I'd do the flywheel, input and output shaft. Just my 2 cents based on what I've done!!

 

[KLockliear]

We broke a couple of aftermarket intermediates. We're talking put the trans in, back it into the parking lot and at 8psi on the brake it breaks. Put another one in, did the exact same thing. Put an OE Dodge one in, no problems. 740rwhp/11's in the 1/4.

 

[Fishin Guide]

Seems most intermediate failures are pretty low. I have heard arguments both ways on this, but for 99% of the folks, the flexibility of the stocker may be what saves it.



I am under the impression many aftermarket shafts get brittle from the heat treating process. COuple that to traction at the wrong moment and blammo.



Again, no personal experience, just a theory.



Dave

 

[AFarmer]

Right on with the input, output and flex plate - you won't go wrong. I'm still running the stock intermediate shaft as well as many others.

 

[Nate]

I'm not too worried about the output since if it breaks, it's just a matter of pulling the O/D housing and replacing it, at least that's what Dave (Goerend) was saying.

I'm running maybe 350-375hp, so nothing too crazy.

 

[Jetpilot]

Wait till you guys see whats coming down the pipe... ... Anyone that has done an Allison conversion may be kicking themselves. Better hard parts are coming along with some really trick upgrades. Right now I believe this is about 6-8 weeks out.



A transmission that will actually hold the power that guys have found this year will be available, now this is great news!



Doug

 

[BTighe]

$$$?

as long as its cost effective compared to a swap im listening. dont get me wrong, the ottomind doesnt have me worried

 

[RDyson]

When I upgraded, I got the billet flexplate, input and intermediate. I was going to get the billet output, but they were on backorder. The main reason I got the intermediate, is because Dave said if it breaks----it's bad. Takes other internal's with it. Like said above, the output can be changed without dropping the transmission.



Randy

 

[DCreed]

NATE hows ur egts w/ur combo u should be lookin at turbos soon if not already didnt see one in ur sig.

 

[JCutter]

Ive broke an intermediate shaft (stock) and was advised to put a stock one back in.



Ill third the input, output and flexplate.



Why not go ahead and put the output in while its down. Itll save you the time and headache when it does break.





Cutter

 

[Nate]

The EGTs are fine empty, not sure about towing. Worst case I will just turn the TST off.





The reason I don't really want to put that output is that I really don't have an extra $700. I'm just using my USAF E-4 pay for this transmission, and I'm already looking at ~$3000 will all the parts, which is a good chunk of money for me.



But... if it's something that breaks that often I will do it. Dave didn't seem worried about it... he was more worried about the intermidate shaft.

 

[Doug1810]

At 400 hp i would do the billet input . you can always put the fly wheel and out put shaft on another $ day . The only reason i went full billet was tripped on a great deal and took it . jmo

 

[FLynes]

Wait till you guys see whats coming down the pipe... ... Anyone that has done an Allison conversion may be kicking themselves. Better hard parts are coming along with some really trick upgrades. Right now I believe this is about 6-8 weeks out.



A transmission that will actually hold the power that guys have found this year will be available, now this is great news!



Doug

Doug, are you talking about the Aisin transmission? One extremely heavy duty SOB! Tech at S&S Dodge told me it weighs 600lbs.

 

[Leroy D]

With less than 400 hp my flex plate went out. that took out the thrust bearing inside the engine. Complete bottom of the engine rebuild. $3800 repair bill. Get the billet flex plate too!!!:{

 

[JCutter]

Better hurry up and go to ALS and make that staff stripe then. Whats your career field? Oh and score high on your test.

 

[Nate]

Yeah I missed it last year by 0. 16 points or something crazy like that I work in Ammo. Tried to cross train into metals tech or motor pool but they wouldn't hear of it.

 

[Fishin Guide]

Note that if you are running Opies billet shafts, he will not warranty them with billet flexplates.



Dave

 

[Nate]

It's actually a laminated flexplate that I was looking at. Dave (Goerend) said who makes it, but I can't remember.