Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) need upgraded auto transmission, recommendations?

[LBARTLETT]

my 01' QC 4x4 cummins has 140k miles on it, I recently installed the "Juice" w/attitude and run it on level 3, I don't drive hard but my LQ 4-horse trailer weighs about 15k loaded and I sometimes pull hay weighing about 20k; I maybe pull 15% of the time, I just started getting shudder/vibration in overdrive when the torque converter doesn't know which way to go on hills, I don't drive hard, I just like to run the speed limit, the only other performance upgrades are a Volant Cool Air Box and a 4" Flowmaster exhaust, that's it and will be it as I have plenty of power on Level 3



I know the transmission is on it's way out, what upgraded automatic is the best value for the $ for what I am doing? also will I hurt anything else continuing to drive the truck while the torque converter is going out or should I get it fixed pronto?



Thanks for everyone's input

 

[BWagnaar]

I'm running a Suncoast Extreme duty set up with a triple disc converter with a lower stall speed and somewhat of a street/strip valve body. I also bought the billet input shaft and double deep trany pan. The parts alone cost me about $5k. But the input shaft was almost $700, the converter was $1250 and i had to buy some hard parts that were about another $500. So you could save some there, the trany shifts pretty mild when the chip is turned downed and i'm driving nicely while towing my girlfriends 2 horse/ tack trailer that comes in around 4k lbs empty. But with my foot into it with the chip turned up and not towing it will chirp 2nd every now and then.
I would say any of trany manufacturers will have good stuff that will differ in cost a few hundred dollars. But the main thing is which company gives you the best customer service, I've heard good and bad from all companies.
My personal experience with Suncoast has been pretty good. If you tow a pretty good amount a aftermarket valve body and converter are almost a must for a cummins with chip or other performance mods.
Also what gears do you have? If you have 3. 55 i would say turn O/D off going up hills.

My 2 cents.

 

[LBARTLETT]

thanks for your reply, I have 355's too, diesel power & performance who put my edge in and seems very knowledgable thought I could get along with a HTS whicvh would run about $4,200 installed, again it wouldn't be nearly as stout as yours but I really don't drive hard, I just like to go the speed limit or a little over, my truck will pull the hills in Okla (example) on the Interstate at 78 mpg with boost under 30, no transmission or egt temp issues so that's how fast I drive, I know I should lock out of overdrive but it seems a shame to go from 78 down to about 70 but would probably be alot easier on ther truck, thanks again for your input

 

[klaybus]

LBartlett,

Might want to see if theres a DTT builder in your area too. Remember, you may not need ALL the bells & whistles but you typically get what you pay for in lasting performance... 100k trouble-free miles.

 

[RDyson]

I've heard good things about the HTS transmission's. I'm kind of partial to a Goerend myself. :-laf



Randy

 

[klaybus]

What is HTS? I don't recall hearing of them.

 

[SnoKing]

Do it once and do it right. My choice is in my sig. Of coarse I was able to drive right to the source! SNOKING

 

[LBARTLETT]

hts website

here's the website for hts: htstransmissions.com/index.html



I'm probably going with the Goertrend





Thanks everyone for their input

 

[SpicyJam]

Good choice, you will love it... ... ..... enjoy.

 

[brianv31]

LBARTLETT,

Please share what contributed to your decision of going with Goerend. Threads get started frequently by people asking the same transmission upgrade related questions you did, and I think it might help if more details were shared by people going through this decision making process.



If I ever need an automatic transmission again, I too would strongly consider going with Goerend. Their reputation for a quality product and customer service is outstanding.

 

[damar]

I've been running a Goerends transmission and triple disc converter for 3 1/2 years. Never had a problem and when I tow my RV I gross out at just over 16K. He is in a small NE town in Iowa. When I got there he handed me the keys to his suburban and I spent the night in a motel. Couldn't ask for a better person to do business with. I still occasionally talk to him on the phone when I have a question. This is probably my last towing truck as I am approaching 75 but if I ever needed a transmission rebuild or upgrade it would go to Dave Goerends, and I live 1700 miles from his shop.

 

[LBARTLETT]

reasoning behind decision

as per brianv31's request here is how I came up with my final decision, first I talked to Jarrod at Diesel Power & Performance in Wichita, Ks. who installed my Juice and Fass system, I was very comfortable with Jarrod, other brands Jarrod called "junk" and others "pricey". He felt for my needs hts or Goerend was the best "bang for the buck" and that I probably didn't need the new one piece billet input shaft for what I was doing. I then reviewed both websites. I then called Jeremy at Diesel Performance Parts from Texas Diesel Shop - Texas Diesel Shop in Madiosnville, Tx. since I am moving to Athens this month. He sells other transmissions but is an authorized reseller for Goerend and spent a week in their shop. He recommended their product including the new billet input shaft and new steel flex plate however he encouraged me to call Dave at Goerend which I did. I did not tell Dave I had talked to Jarrod or Jeremy, told him what I did with my truck and asked for his recommendations. He explained if I didn't drag race and didn't rock the truck extremely if stuck then the factory style input shift should be fine for me. He also explained a broken input shaft will not damage the rest of the transmission and how the repair would be if in fact it broke. After all of my investigation, Jarrod's input whom I trust and recommend, Jeremy's input whom I was very comfortable with on the phone (and I will have him due the work since I am moving to Tx and it just makes sense) and the owner of the company spending 25 minutes with a non-gearhead on the phone explaining and recommending I am going with the Goerend! I just feel very comfortable. I am going with the base rebuilt transmission at $3,550 without the beefed up input billet shaft. I will go with the steel welded flex plate if needed. Thanks again to everyone for their input. If you want to know how I get along email me the end of Jan. I will be getting it installed right after the first of the year.

 

[Ramtuf1]

I was in same boat. Started from home (Attica, NY) with 12K 5th wheel headed for NASCAR races in NC and got down road 20 miles and TC started shuttering. Only had about 850 miles left to go on trip. On way down, contacted shop in NC and they ordered up SunCoast transmission, TC and TCC controller. Installed while at track and working great. Second poster good on approximate prices. Can pull house off foundation. See signature line for upgrades.

 

[CSnyder]

LBartlett, I met Jeremy when he was up at Daves doing his schooling and I will assure you the guy knows his stuff and is a very nice guy to talk with. Im very comfortable referring people down south to him. You wont be dissapointed in your trans choice either as Dave and his crew build a great trans and customer service is top notch!

 

[LBARTLETT]

transmission installed

Just a followup, I've had my new Goerend for two weeks now, I went with the stock input shaft after talking to Goerend since I don't drag race, I just returned from Kansas with a load of hay (600 miles) with the total rig weighing 29,000 lbs. , I am very pleased with the tranmission and it's performance!!!!!!!!!!!! cost was $3,550 plus $500 shipping the transmission and the core back, had it installed by Texas Diesel Shop, Madisonville, Texas, I would highly recommend Jemery and his work!!!! very pleased with my decision and the value for the $$$$$$$$$$$

 

[PAder]

Do it once and do it right. My choice is in my sig. Of coarse I was able to drive right to the source! SNOKING

Are you familiar with the Goerend trans? If so, is there a shop on the west side of the state you would recommend?

 

[klaybus]

Just a followup, I've had my new Goerend for two weeks now, I went with the stock input shaft after talking to Goerend since I don't drag race, I just returned from Kansas with a load of hay (600 miles) with the total rig weighing 29,000 lbs. , I am very pleased with the tranmission and it's performance!!!!!!!!!!!! cost was $3,550 plus $500 shipping the transmission and the core back, had it installed by Texas Diesel Shop, Madisonville, Texas, I would highly recommend Jemery and his work!!!! very pleased with my decision and the value for the $$$$$$$$$$$

So what was the total cost? About $4500 +- installed?

 

[SnoKing]

Are you familiar with the Goerend trans? If so, is there a shop on the west side of the state you would recommend?

Ok, so I live in Western Washington State and drove to DTT main stop in Canada to have my transmission build right at the source. They do not have an installer in this area, as they are close by in Canada. I have ran up there just to have them service the transmission and fluid. At 20K the bands did not need any adjustments. I run Amsoil BTW. SNOKING

 

[THoltz]

LBARTLETT,

Was there something about DTT that factored into your decision to not choose DTT? Just curious, I am thinking about going with DTT. I have a friend who has two trucks, both have been upgraded with DTT transmission parts. Also, the installer works out of his own garage and has no objections to me "helping". I am not a mechanic, but I think it would be valuable to see it and get my hands dirty. Anyhow, any info would be appreciated.

 

[LBARTLETT]

Total cost was $4,450 w/freight and installation, the main reason I went with Goerend over DDT was Jeremy was a certified installer, had spent a week at Goerend's shop and was 100 miles away so service will be easy if needed, had the situation been reversed I would have went with the DTT