Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Just sold my 02 HO and bought a 99 Auto, What problems to look for/upgrades

[BigDan]

I just had to sell my 2002 H0 and replaced it with a 1999 4X4 Automatic w/ 122K miles. Im not really familiar with these automatics. When I test drove it seemed to do alot of weird shifting, Im guessing locking and unlocking???



Also can I convert my 02 Edge EZ for my 99. The transmission was rebuilt 15K ago and how much power can I put through it and are there any DIY upgrades for it so I could put down 400hp without a complete ATS or DTT transmission.



Sorry for all the questions and thanks for the help.



P. S I've been here for 2 years I'm just not familiar with this older truck.

 

[klaybus]

An 02 EZ I believe cannot be converted to work on a 99 but Bob Wagner might be able to swap you a 1998. 5-2000 EZ for your 02 EZ... . Send him a PM.

The stock auto from what I have heard will not hold much power over an EZ at best. You should call Bill Kondolay of DTT & inquire about an transmission update if your transmission only has about 15k miles. The cost of this is approx. 50% of the complete full DTT transmission. ( www.diesltrans.com)



Good Luck!

Clay

 

[cosborne]

After I put the EZ on my stock transmission (with 120k on it) it lasted about 3 months... . but part of that was pulling my boat (6000 lbs) up extreme inclines (Lake Powell boat ramp and surrounding area). Did the ATS thing and couldn't be happier. The stock converter was slipping so bad when I finally drove over to Denver, I didn't think I would make it over the passes..... had to do most of that part of the trip at about 40 mph!! Ugh!



Overall though the truck has been great... . did the KDP fix, which you shouldn't need to worry about, replaced the track bar and ball joints on the right side about a 1000 mi ago, keep the fluids all changed of course, and I think at at about 137k now... . and with the edge, transmission and AFE intake... . I couldn't be happier..... well..... if I only could afford some injectors now... I may be a bit happier

 

[rashwor]

FYI... KDP

is an issue in the '99s. Hasn't happened to many, but it has happened all the way up to 2000's I believe.

 

[BigDan]

Well I'm thinking about getting an ATS transmission, they seem to handel as much abuse as you can dish out and im very hard on my parts. What options do you think i should get.

 

[klaybus]

You outta take a look at DTT. (www.dieseltrans.com) Unless you 've already done your research and have decided that ATS is the trans for you. It's your truck & your money.



Clay

 

[2ndgen2500]

I have a 99' and i am fairly happy with my mods, personally i would buy an edge comp, and do a DTT transmission upgrade. i tow heavy regularly and nothing has given me a problem accept for the crappy brakes on this truck.

 

[rrausch]

If you only have a few thousand miles on your trans, you can get just the ATS TC & VB. Then, when you want to upgrade the rest of the trans, you can go ahead and let them rebuild the rest of it to Stage IV or V specs. However, 400 H. P. is a lot to put through a stock trans--if you are insistent on doing this I would go ahead and get the complete ATS rebuild.



I've had my Stage IV for about 40,000 miles and I would do it again in a heartbeat.



But call all the Performance transmission vendors and talk to them yourself. If you want to call ATS, their number is 800-949-6002

 

[Big-D]

I've had my '99 auto since new and went with the full meal deal from DTT when upgrading my transmission. Bill and his crew know transmissions and I've been more than pleased with their 89% TC and Smart Controller setup. I pull a horse trailer on regular basis and Bill's upgrade has stood the test for me. I cannot comment on ATS, but from what I have read, it is also a good choice. Regardless of who you choose, I would upgrade the trans prior to increasing hp.



As for other mods to your truck I would relocate the lift pump as close to the fuel tank as you can mount it. You can find tons of information regarding this modification. Simply do a search if need be.



If your truck doesn't have guages, I would make that my second choice following the LP issue.



Puchasing a used vehicle always brings about concerns of one type or another, therefore, I would change ALL fluids and replace the thermostat and hoses for insurance and piece of mind. My brakes still have lots of wear remaining probably due to my exhuast brake. Mine is 2WD so can't comment on front end problems. I am looking at shocks front and rear for I am over 70K now and the truck "bounch's" a little from time to time.



Happy motoring and sorry to hear of your 02 loss. From fellow friends I believe the HO 02 is a better truck than the '99s. JMO.

 

[BigDan]

Can you guys shoot me a round number on how much your transmission's cost you out the door and installed.



Thanks

 

[Mtngoat]

Like said before, do your transmission first then you won't have to worry about it. I have been very happy with the Dtt trans. .



Robin

 

[DavidC]

Originally posted by BigDan

Can you guys shoot me a round number on how much your transmission's cost you out the door and installed.



Thanks

Figure around 3k to go through it front to rear.



Dave

 

[TomGolden]

Dan - Dude, that's a shame having to downgrade your truck like that



Sacramento member DRAG DIESEL has the full on ATS transmission in his 96(?) and loves it. PM me and I'll send you his email and cell phone # if you want to talk to him. Jake is a top notch guy



Tom