Need help - good 48RE VB instructions

[LRutigliano]

Hello,



I went to see Rip at Source Automotive today and am having a Dunrite VB custom made for my 48RE to help the trans live longer. I can't afford a built transmission at this time and have been researching and installing a good VB will help the trans live longer... New VB arrives next TUE or WED.



However, I read and re-read the Dodge Service Manual on the R&R of the VB and the instructions are really poorly written and the pictures are worse.



I've done a search and can't find any good instructions.



I'm hoping to find some nicely written instructions with some good pics to help me with the install.



I really want to do this myself...



Any help is appreciated.



Thanks,

Louis

 

[WoodChuck]

I've downloaded instructions from both ATS and Suncoast. Give that a try and if that doesn't work I can e-mail copies to ya.

 

[LRutigliano]

Thanks Woodchuck...



I've been to the Dunrite, ATS, Suncoast, DTT and Goerend websites and I cant find any R&R instructions on any of them.



If its not too much trouble, can you email me? I'll PM you my address.



Thanks!

Louis

 

[LRutigliano]

Is Woodchuck the only person on the entire TDR that has R&R a Valve Body?



I found a very good write up from Wildcat on Dodge Cummins Diesel Forum



I am feeling more comfortable with this R&R with his write up but am still looking for better pics and understanding of the throttle/park brake shaft R&R on the VB as well as the solenoid/electrical stuff swap.



Also, I'm finding conflicting info on adjusment of the kickdown cable after the R&R is complete. BD says to adjust, others don't mention it...



Thanks,

Louis

 

[grabinov]

Louis,

I have a truck similar to yours (the same, but a 2004, actually manufactured in 2003 - same hitch too). It has a 3. 73 rear end. I tow about 13,000 pounds regularly and I had a Dunrite VB installed in order to protect my trans. I didn't do it myself, so I can't help you with installation instructions. I can tell you this however:

As I understand it, the new VB will raise the line pressures in your transmission throughout its operating range (in all gears, at all speeds). I was towing my 5th wheel on a long trip just after installing the valve body and experienced an intermittent problem with the overdrive: when I would back off the throttle (say going over the top and down a hill) the truck would shift down into Drive regardless of speed - sometimes producing dangerously high RPM.

Eventually the truck refused to shift into overdrive at all. If you are asking "Was he really towing a 13,000lb trailer in overdrive?", the answer is yes. I have a recommendation: Don't!

I had the transmission pulled and learned that I had blown the overdrive piston seal and burned out the overdrive. I can't say that it was brought on by the valve body, but it happened with a trailer that I had been towing regularly before the change.

I don't blame Dunrite (Tony was great throughout the adventure). I think what happened is that the increased line pressure provided by the new VB protected the torque converter from slipping, but blew the overdrive piston seal. I shouldn't have been towing in overdrive anyway, but I think that's what happened.

I rebuilt (had One of Tony's buddies rebuild) the trans with a Dunrite Triple Disc Converter and Flex Plate (in addition to the Dunrite VB that was in there) and it has been bulletproof ever since. I dropped 40+ degrees of trans temperature at the top end. The trans shifts firmly but does not bang-shift. I have almost 10,000 miles towing since the rebuild.

My recommendation: Go easy on your trans with increased line pressures and a big trailer until you have had the whole trans gone through!

 

[LRutigliano]

Grabinov,



Thanks for the great explanation... much appreciated.



I have been working with the great guys at Source Automotive and have also talked to the good people at DTT and Suncoast. All have been very helpful and my reasons for wanting to get just the VB are valid, but its not going to work without a new HD converter and at least a new lever arm (3. 8 vs 5. 0). The trans has to come out to get the lever arm installed and/or get the converter installed... so if the trans has to come out, why not just get all the necessary pieces... not enough money is the only reason...



I dont really have an issue with the trans, I'm just trying to build up the most reliable fun to drive truck I can...



Thanks again for the feedback.



Regards,

Louis

 

[grabinov]

I Hear That all the way around... I went with the 3. 8 lever arm as well.