New transmission, or rebuild old?

["Mad Max"]

Howdy fellas,



Looks like I'm going to have to dig into my 518, and I need y'all's advice: Do I get a fresh 518 from DTT or bomb the one I have?



How 'tough' are the stock overdrives? I'd prefer to have a Gearvendors, but if the stockers can be upgraded (hydraulic lines, heat, etc) to do the same thing then I'd probably save a few bucks. I'm not trying to be cheap, just realistic. Does DTT use Gearvendors o/d's or do they rebuild the cores to handle the torque?



So, three options:

1 - Rebuild the 518, all new goodies (valve body, converter, bands, etc), rebuild the od, and call it good.

2 - Repeat step 1 but add a GV overdrive.

3 - Go all DTT and call it good.



The big block 727 in my dually is awesone - it is fresh and has a lot of goodies in it, including a 12" TCI converter, 4" deep B&M pan, RV valve body, etc, and feels 100% tighter than the 518 in the diesel. Whichever way I know I'll win, but I'd like to have control of what goes into the trans. Thoughts?



Anybody in central California want to Bomb some rigs?



Gracias amigos, and Happy Holidays!

- Sam

 

[Lil' Dog]

I think many would say... Go DTT and never look back. By the time you pay for a rebuild with some goodies your lookin at a DTT unit anyway in price I would think.



I know BushWakr has been down this road. . His opinion is worth more...



J-eh

 

["Mad Max"]

Good transmission shop in central Cali?

Absolutely - I think one of the biggest concerns is finding a shop out here that speaks "CTD" and wants to do it right with the parts I want... . same old story.

I talked with the guys at DTT and got the part numbers for the master rebuild kit, 89% TC, and Mag pan, and after talking with them even they agreed that having it rebuilt would save a ton, but I need help finding a decently close shop to take it to.



Any ideas on a good shop?



- Sam

 

[BushWakr - RIP]

I'd never go back to a basic DC auto. . I would do the DTT system over again tomorrow if I was looking to have work done.

You can get parts and bits here and there and "rebuild" but you'll still have little more than a "rebuilt" transmission. By the time you're done with labor rates, "shop materials" and all the other costs you are in the DTT ballpark.

Since we use fluid coupling only, we don't have to go into the great "... to lock-up or not to lock-up... " debate. DTT is the master of fluid coupling and neither I nor nascar mark would change the choice of going DTT.

Once that transmission/TC/VB goes in, I can guarantee your engine will have to work for it's dinner. .



BTW, howdy Lil Dog, you ole chicken chaser you..... how the heck are ya. .



OH!,, Merry Christmas to you guys. .





Bob.

 

[jbolt]

I talked to Bill K. a few weeks ago on this very subject as I am in need of the same work. I would strongly suggest you give him a call and chat with him. He will give you recommendations based on your setup and driving habits.



The closest installer to me (SF bay area) is in Redding. I have not called the shop to discuss pricing yet.



I think the best tidbit of info I got from Bill was the stock transmission has a aluminum planitary gear carrier. This is okay up to about 50 extra HP. If you are at or are planning to go with more HP it does not make much sense to upgrade the TC, VB etc without upgrading some of the weaker internal parts.



Jay