need help on transmission

[SixShooter]

I am still undecided on what transmission to get with the truck. If I go automatic, it will be a DTT TC and VB with the update kit and computr-if I go manual, it will be the 5 speed with a south bend clutch and fast coolers. Now help me compare the differences between the two. I wnt a transmission that wil last me a long time. Mainly looking for durabilty. Fluid changes every 30k on auto every 100k on stick. Clutchs wear out every 100k rebulids on auto every??? Band adjustments, lots of fluid to change. Will a pac brake detroy a DTT transmission with the computer over a period of 5 years? I am trying still to figure out what I would like for a transmission. please help me in my decision.

 

[SixShooter]

What are some tansmission temps everyone is seeing with the auto? I have heard that it is bad to go over 175 degrees because after that the seals and fluids just can't take it. What are some of the things you do as regular maintenance for a manual vs. auto?

 

[SlyBones]

Auto trans temp limits will vary depending on where the sender is mounted, and the operating conditions. You can create a scenario where 230 is really good, or 230 means call Bill and make an appointment. Learn how and why, dont go by some post where somebody says thier temp never goes over 200.



Auto are convenient. dont have to shift and work the clutch. Knida nice in traffic. I like the ease for towing, and dont need a 2 wheel low kit to back up my RV. You give up costs to bomb, mileage, maintenance, power transfer, and prolly a few other things for the extra convenience.



If you got the power the auto are faster at the strip.

 

[SixShooter]

I think I am leaning more to the 5-speed transmission. I am at like 50/50 on which one I want. I thought that I was solid on getting an auto but then I started thinking again. Hey WeirCummin you gonna let me drive the truck again? I think I can do it without makin it jump . What clutch do you have in your truck?

 

[Dennis Garrett]

I've had good luck with my auto. It has 140k on it, & it's stock, & on the dyno, I'm putting almost 280 HP to the ground. I have a 3 pos. lock up switch, & drive it with that 100% of the time. I have a 10 micron hydraulic filter in the line going to the cooler, & change fluid & filter every 30-40k. I tow quite a bit, but back off the power when I lock up. When starting a heavy load, I put the selector in 1, let the RPM get to about 2200+, then move to 2, & so on. Line pressure comes with higher RPM, & this way I get firmer shifts when I want it to shift. I wouldn't hessitate to get another auto, I've had good luck with mine, & no problems. You won't either, just use your head when you drive it. One more thing to make it last, don't let it idle very long in "P". Use your park brake, & idle it in "N".

 

[WeirCummin]

Jacob, The clutch I have is made by a division of SSD Six States Distributing. They are very well know in the 4 wheel drive community and they also do clutches for OTR trucks and farm tractors. John/"sportbike" turned me on to them and I've been real happy with the unit. Drop a note and we'll hook up.

Dean

 

[Blakers]

Sometimes my TC clutch seems to chatter on acceleration - sometimes can't tell if it's the clutch or the tires slipping a little. Does this mean the clutch is wearing out and going to fail, or is this normal. Am I just putting too much power through it?



Thanks,

Blake

 

[Coop]

I'm split on that right now myself. I've driven a truck with the DTT, and its very nice. I hope to get the DTT after the first of the year. If I were to get a new truck, I think it would be the six-speed HO though.

 

[Big A]

I've had both the auto in my '99, and the stick in my '01. There's no comparison. The 5spd will outpull an auto any day. The DTT parts may be great, but I doubt they'll give you the efficiency the manual transmission gives you. If you're gonna pull something heavy, get the manual. If you want a hotrod to pull a light trailer,get the auto,it has great cupholders .

Big A

 

[K_Arts]

I really think that Big A hit this situation perfectly. I do know that he tows a pretty heavy 5ver and a ski boat.



Even though Big A's auto seemed to pull his load just fine, boy after he traded his auto in for a 5spd... he hasn't been happier.



Of course you will have a better grip on gear and RPM with a manual, though an auto you don't have to worry about shifting. If you were to get an auto... upgrade to a DTT setup immediately!!!



Like Big A said, if you plan on doing some heavy towing... get a manual!!!!



Kev

 

[Stefan Kondolay]

I would say that if your looking for performance and reliability the Auto would be the way to go. There is no way that a stick can compete with an auto at the strip. I would say that the auto is more fun to drive as there is no worry about shifting while hot roding. While I was in Texas it was fun racing the sticks as they had problems with blowing shifts, while my only problem was wear I wanted my a/c set.



But some people like drive sticks and if that's the case there's no question; go with it!



Just remember with an auto or stick your gonna need to upgrade if you want power. The price is roughly the same to upgrade.



I would say that the only maintainance needed will be oil changes on an auto. Maybe band adjustment, which takes minutes. Can't speak for sticks.



Anyway you go it'll be fun.

 

[Stefan Kondolay]

Blakers,



You need to figure out if it's a clutch chatter or slippage. If it's a chatter it would be as simple as oil. Chatter is a resistance to slippage which isn't bad. In my truck there is chatter because I would rather have a TC resisting slippage than slipping. For those who don't mind a slight chatter I would leave it, but for those who can't I would change the oil or add a little lube guard.



If it's slipping you need to find a proper course of action to eliminate this problem. If it's slipping you will notice that the tach will come up and the truck won't accelerate at the rate the it should. It will be like you described, the tires spinning.



But you will know better what your experiencing because there will be a difference between chatter and slipping.



Stefan Kondolay

 

[Blakers]

Stefan, thanks for writing.



I would say it is chatter. It only does it under harder accerlation once the clutch locks up. I will watch the tach closely next time, but I don't recall any rpm increase during the chattering. I never noticed it happening until a couple months ago, so it may be getting worse. Can't tell that yet.



What is "lube guard"?



I have never owned a vehicle before with a locking torque converter. Where is the clutch located? I presume inside the TC? Does it run in oil? Do they wear quickly and do they ultimately fail? What are the symptoms?



Thank you very much!



Blake

 

[Big A]

Stefan,

I agree that the auto is the choice transmission for the drag strip. But towing a heavy load, is a different story. As far as maintenance, the stick is alot more reliable, and cheaper to maintain. The auto was easier to drive,but a lot more nerve wrecking when pulling a 13,000lb load. Like I said, with the DTT parts,I'm sure the auto is a nice setup. But if you can handle shifting, get the manual.

Big A





PS: I did drive Kevin's truck after the DTT stuff, and it was a noticeable improvement over the stock auto.

 

[bipit]

Both have thier good points.



Auto - No missed shifts, no pressing the clutch in and out in bumper to bumper traffic, if you go off road just drop to a lower gear without loosing RPM or momemtum in a sticky suituation.



Standard - Less HP lost to the rear wheels, Tend to be alot stronger than the 47RE, wife can't drive a standard!



I am not sure what the consenus is, but an Auto with the proper mod's is in my opinion the only way to go. The majority of the TDR

members from what I have seen like DTT products, and I have spoken with Bill K. on the phone. I like the way he takes care of business, he will bend over backwards to help someone with problems even if they dont have his equipment.

 

[SixShooter]

I can't justify spending 3k on mods and labor for the auto vs. 1k on a stick for clutch and labor. Personally I don't mind shifting, I just have to have some practice at it. The only drawback I see is the constant adjstments you need to do every 30k miles or less to get everything in control. The TPS, TC lockup, psi, shift points and so on. Te manual just seems to be pretty stout if you plan on keeping the truck for a long time.

 

[WeirCummin]

Then order

Jacob, If you have decided on the manual, get your order placed so we can start BOMBing the thing. Are we still on for breakfest Friday?

 

[Snow man]

Six shooter,If I had it to do over,Id get the 5 speed,no doubt. I love my DTT modified auto,but you sacrafice a lot of drivabilty and low end power for the tight TC,and it still will slip in lockup with high power,so you need to keep it unlocked,which robs power,and makes heat. With a good clutch a 5 speed will transfer full pwer to the rea wheels much more reliably than the auto.

 

[Big A]

Sixshooter,

I think you made a good choice. The autos are nice,but they're not as stout as the manuals. Plus, there's always the fact that you know you can haul alot more weight and be within the warranty.

Big A

 

[SixShooter]

Hey Dean, I/ll be there at 8 on Friday, we can talk about your truck and mine. I can't wait, it is always a blast when any TDR member gets together with another. I hope you don't mind if we take some time on Friday so I can really get the hang of the 5 speed. See you there. Update, I am like 80/20 on the manual butt once me and WeirCumin hook up, I think I will be 100% positive.