Need new transmission - input wanted!

[Steve51]

Hello all,



Well, to make a long story short, my truck went to the Dodge service guy today, and he told me that my transmission is shot. I posted to the 911 forum here, hoping that someone would counter that diagnosis, but everyone there seemed to agree, as well. That stinks.



The replies that came from the Saints in the 911 Forum seemed to carry the common theme that I might be happier with an aftermarket rebuilt transmission than a Dodge rebuilt transmission.



I'd really appreciate some input on this regard. What transmission would you put in, WHY that particular one, and how will the performance be so much better that I'll be glad that I spent the extra money on a non-Dodge transmission? (truck info below - I pull a lightly-loaded 3-horse trailer for about 1/2 the miles I put on the truck)



Thanks to everyone,



Katy



'96 3500, automatic, 4WD, TST #8, full pillar 3 gauge, Warn winch... can't think of what else to put here! Oo. 115,800 miles

 

[Extreme1]

My recommendation:



Goerend Brothers Transmissions

119 North Main Street,

St. Lucas Iowa, 52166



Webpage



(563) 778-2719

(563) 778-2363 (fax)

For more information,

please e-mail us at: -- email address removed --



Great people to deal with, great parts and service and within driving distance!!

 

[Bob Wagner]

shop around and ask questions

I've had zero problems since day one



http://www.dieseltrans.com





I've upped the HP a few times too

 

[Howard Durand]

Steve,



I don't know where you are located but there is an ad in the classifieds listing a stock 96 47RH for sale for $875. 00

Claims to only have 4000 miles on it.

The ad was posted on January 23.

It is located in Alderwood BC.



As far as the Dodge transmission is concerned, I have no complaints.

After installing a Banks Power Pak, I upgaded mine with a BD torque converter and valve body.

This was done in 1998. I have had no problems with it towing both a 7,000 lb. and a 10,000 lb. travel trailer.

 

[Jetpilot]

My vote goes to DTT... ... . Just ask any of their countless satisfied customers. With our transmission's one size doesn't fit all so be aware of the differences between companies. DTT builds your valve body specifically for you plus they have many options on torque converters and upgraded internal components. I would recommend calling the different vendors, try riding or driving different trucks with the trannies being considered and make your choice based on what you learn.



Doug

 

[c-hawk]

I really love my DTT setup. Can't imagine going back to a stock transmission after driving with it. It really gets the power to the ground instead of wasting it like my stock one did. Best money I have spent so far on my truck, without a doubt. Call a bunch of the different companies and talk with them. That will likely help you make a decision.



Good luck,

Chris

 

[illflem]

There are several great aftermarket trannies out there but the installer makes a world of difference. Pick the brand specialized by an outfit close to you that you feel comfortable with.

 

[jwilliams3]

Check out these guys:



www.ATSdiesel.com



1800 949 6002



They offer a 3 year 100000 mile warranty.



--Justin

 

[GFoley]

Steve,



Where do you live? You can drive mine.



Glenn

 

[Hootguy]

DTT gets my vote. .

The best customer service around,,,you can actually talk to these guy and the wont feed you a bunch of bull,,,

They stand behind they're work 100%

Just my two cents

 

[Reddog1]

DTT.



I got the works. I don't think anyone has been doing our trannies as long.



As far as I know and from what I read, they have been at it long enough to not have any bugs, and they are not experimental transmissions. Great customer service from what I read. Although I have had some questions, I have never needed the customer service.







Wayne

 

[krs]

Katy,

No matter what the dealer tells you ahead of time it's very likely that by the time you get your truck out of there with a stock trans. the bill will be the same or more than it would be with any of the recommended aftermarket builders, but with the aftermarket people you're much less likely to have to do it again later. They build stronger than stock transmissions.



But you need to decide if you want to spend all of that money on THAT truck. You won't get the money back at selling time either way.

 

[Blakers]

Originally posted by Extreme1

My recommendation:



Goerend Brothers Transmissions

I have one of theirs and it's been great. Triple disc torque converter and will not slip even with a big load and big horsepower. Nice people and the price is the best.

 

[Bob Hart]

Just returned from a trip pulling my 12,000 lb 5th wh with my new ats transmission . It was like a new truck it tooknm me a while to get used to the shifting but it was great. Call klint at ats and talk to him.

 

[Cummins4Life]

DTT here.



Just turned over 10k abusive miles with no problems. Made the truck so much more fun to drive. I chose DTT after driving a well bombed truck with their transmission for acouple hundred miles. They can adapt their setup to your specific needs so the truck will perform the way you want it to. If mine can survive 400 horse and having a 20 year old driver, I'm sure it can fulfill all your needs.



Oo.

 

[Rd.Runnr]

Which transmission?

: I tow a 13k trailer every time I can & had no idea how good my tuck worked until I got my DDT trans built by James Northum at Midlothian, Texas. Unbelievable!!!! Two different dealers overhauled my trans in less than a year ; DDT got it right the first time. As far as getting your money back at trade in time--why trade when it works so well? Oo.

 

[Steve51]

Bill at DTT - that man is a gift!!!

Well, the saga continues.



I've called three aftermarket transmission builders - all three offered transmissions for my truck at virtually identical prices and with decent warranties. The first two were very nice, quoted me a price, answered my questions, and were ready to ship my transmission as soon as I gave the word. The last one that I called was nice, as well, and before I finished with my questions, he was asking ME questions, saying that as much as he'd love to sell me a transmission, he first wanted us to go through more diagnostics before taking the mighty (and expensive) leap of putting in a new transmission. Yup, you guessed it - it was Bill at DTT.



We're still going through some of that diagnostic process, and I may have questions for the transmission forum as we progress, but I just can't say enough for a man who takes the time from his work to help solve problems for someone he's never met, knowing full well that success means that he loses out on a significant sale.



So, while we still may end up having to rob a bank and spring for a new transmission, this has sure cemented our decision as to who we will trust to provide it for us, and at least we'll rest assured that it was NECESSARY - not just the easy way out for the Dodge service guy. AND, by the way, the Dodge guy confessed that they don't even know HOW to work on the transmissions on the trucks, because Dodge just wants them replaced, rather than fixed.



And, at the end of my post here, where, with any luck, people have already fallen asleep, so they won't notice this - I will confess. It was NOT the shift from 2nd to 3rd that I wasn't getting - it was the shift into OD. A completely different story - different problems to check for, and just chalk it up to the mushy shifting of the stock transmission, so a gal doesn't even know what gear she's in (doesn't that sound better than having to take responsibility for being moronic myself? ). But the part about the transmission slipping when starting from a stop is still true!



Thanks to all of you who have provided your opinions (both privately and on the forum). If any of you happen to see Bill anytime soon, would you do me a favor and give him a kiss on the cheek from his newest fans in Wisconsin? And to the next person who is searching the archives for 'need new transmission', trying to figure out who to go to for your next transmission, CALL DTT!!! Oo. Oo. Oo. Oo. Oo.



Until later,



Katy



oh, and p. s. to Rd. Runnr - no, we don't worry about getting our money back at trade in time - we keep our vehicles until they're falling out from under us, then we donate them. I still have the 1970 GMC that our family drove to South America when it was brand new.

 

[Mtngoat]

DTT for me also, they have great customer relations, don't forget you after you bought, and they have cool hats! Got one from Shanti at Muncie!!



Robin

 

[truckstom]

Hats?? I didn't get no hat!... . Got one heck of a transmission though... . all the way home