Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) More pulling power on the Cheap

[RShafer]

I am sure that this has been covered before but I just joined soley to get this info. I have a 97 Dodge Dually 12er with just at 100k. Runs great. Pulled an older alpenlite 24 footer with no problems (at around 6k). Bought a 28 double slider weighing in at around 11k loaded. Been out a couple of times and she doesnt pull like the old RV due to weight. I know I am around the limits of the truck. Seems to slip a little up hills however the transmission shop says the transmission is fine (actually like new). I am talking automatic of course and know that this is a foul are of the dodge trucks. Been talking on the RV site and have alot of input from other RVers but most dont Dodge. Been looking into the TST plate but someone told me to look out. Anyone have any cheap upgrade ideas that I can do to the truck to get a little more pulling power. Rear end is stock. Appreciate any info/



Bob

 

[CarlJensen]

You can get a LOT more power but until you have a set of gauges and upgrade the transmission you are living dangerously. The transmission does NOT like too much Xtra power and you need at least an EGT gauge to see what is going on inside the machine. .

 

[Cooker]

If you are looking for a little "bump" a TST plate will do that. If you do that, and your transmission is slipping already it will only get worse.



I would start with a GSK first. It will give you more usable RPM's and help the transmission live a little longer. If you are fairly happy with the performance of the truck now this will probably give you just the little bit you are looking for.



I agree I would start with a set of gauges though before adding any more fuel to the truck.



A transmission upgrade will also greatly increase the drivability of the truck, but it is certainly not "on the cheap. "

 

[turboost]

I added a #10 plate and a 3k gsk to mine and it just wasn't much fun till I upgraded the transmission with a Goerends single disk and VB to transfer the power to the wheels. Before the power was just being ate up by the converter.

 

[tgrfan2]

My 98 didn't slip in OD stock at 116K towing 13K and it was pretty strong. The #6 would make it slip at 24# boost loaded even if you gently throttled up climbing a hill. Cruise would slip it real quick. You might get by with #10, GSK and gauges for awhile. That is the way I would go if I had it to do it over to get more speed out of "D". You will have to watch tach and speedometer closely till you get the feel of it. I would recommend going to a site and get the pressure test values though. I boosted my pressure and adjusted shift points per instructions and I think that helped a bunch. Mine was still within 5psi at 116K and made it to 185k before I could tell it was weakening. Now at near 190K I am getting the treatment!

 

[RDelissen]

I would start with a GSK first. It will give you more usable RPM's and help the transmission live a little longer. If you are fairly happy with the performance of the truck now this will probably give you just the little bit you are looking for.



I agree I would start with a set of gauges though before adding any more fuel to the truck.

x2

Know what the engine is doing (gauges) and give that transmission the extra rpms to make towing more fun