Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
Fellow TDR members,
I am in the midst of planning my full transmission build but I'm going CRAZY over the number of options, opinions, cost, etc. I want to only build my transmission ONCE, I want to do it right, I don't want it to get break and obviously I want to only spend as much as is needed. I DO NOT want to cheap out at all but I don't want to buy parts I don't need/are overkill for my application.
I use my truck primarily unloaded and as a daily driver. I OCCASIONALLY tow my boat (may 4 times a year) and I tow my race car MAYBE 8-10 times a year. Basically I don't tow a lot. I drive the truck a ton around town, on the highway and use the bed a lot. I don't plan on drag racing it but I do like to get on it on the highway and I screw around w/other cars on the road/hwy. I don't boost launch it but I am planning on getting rid of the stock torque management as it drives me nuts.
My goal for the truck is a DEAD NUTZ RELIABLE 600 RWHP truck w/great spool up and powerband(or as best as possible). I view my trans build/install as a building block towards my goal. Truck has 60K on it now and has been impeccably maintained. I have had absolutely no issues w/my transmission to date and as my sig says I'm making at least 400 RWHP/800 Tq (this was pre-KSB-1).
Other goals for the transmission are great fluid coupling, tight transmission feeling, crisp but not neck snapping shifts, no slop, better spool, reduced transmission temps, and if possible, better mpg. My truck now feels like it goes NOWHERE in 1st and 2nd and only upon locking 3rd does it really start to go. I HATE that. I want it to feel solid w/no slip the minute I hit the pedal and pull like a @#%@#% freight train/freshly raped ape on crack.
Bearing all that in mind, here's what I was thinking so far and here's what I've purchased to date:
1. Suncoast 47RE VB
2. Pro Torque single disc TC
3. PML Double deep pan
4. Suncoast Pro-Loc Race controller
Please also bear in mind that the entire build/install WILL NOT be done by a named aftermarket company. The whole this is being installed by my local dodge tech (on the side). Thus, any comments that I should just take it to xxx and let them take care of it will really be on no help to me. I am adamant it will be installed locally by my dodge tech.
Now, I am contemplating adding the following and I want opinions on my potential choices, better/other options or plain old advice:
1. full rebuild kit (I was thinking suncoast)
2. billet shafts through out
3. billet 3rd gear drum
4. upgraded lower roller clutch/mechanism
Do I need any/all of these parts? I'm asking as these parts add up to like at least another 3K. If I do need them, who would you buy from? billet from ats? laminated from suncoast? reactor flex plate? somebody else? Why one over another? Anybody offer a warranty on any of these parts that is worth a damn?
Billet shafts/parts from opie, suncoast, dtt, ats? Why one over another? Are people really breaking shafts at the level/usage I intend too?
Basically, at the end of the day I want to know if my truck was your truck, your money was on the line, and your goals were my goals, what build/parts would you go with and why. Also, if you guys say its worth it/advantageous, I'd be willing to install any/all parts I'd need to do locked to locked shifts 2-4th and boost launch. Basically, I'll spend the extra $$$ to add the parts I need to beat on the trans HARD if you guys tell me its really worth it. Will the truck feel stronger? pull harder? be more bad $^#^!! Like I said, I'm looking for the best trans I can get for my truck/application.
I have spent countless hours researching these purchases/issues and to be honest I'm as lost as when I started as I have encountered every opinion from every different vendor known to man. I'm just trying to make the right choices. I REALLY APPRECIATE EVERYONE's help/input as I'm ordering parts this week.
I am in the midst of planning my full transmission build but I'm going CRAZY over the number of options, opinions, cost, etc. I want to only build my transmission ONCE, I want to do it right, I don't want it to get break and obviously I want to only spend as much as is needed. I DO NOT want to cheap out at all but I don't want to buy parts I don't need/are overkill for my application.
I use my truck primarily unloaded and as a daily driver. I OCCASIONALLY tow my boat (may 4 times a year) and I tow my race car MAYBE 8-10 times a year. Basically I don't tow a lot. I drive the truck a ton around town, on the highway and use the bed a lot. I don't plan on drag racing it but I do like to get on it on the highway and I screw around w/other cars on the road/hwy. I don't boost launch it but I am planning on getting rid of the stock torque management as it drives me nuts.
My goal for the truck is a DEAD NUTZ RELIABLE 600 RWHP truck w/great spool up and powerband(or as best as possible). I view my trans build/install as a building block towards my goal. Truck has 60K on it now and has been impeccably maintained. I have had absolutely no issues w/my transmission to date and as my sig says I'm making at least 400 RWHP/800 Tq (this was pre-KSB-1).
Other goals for the transmission are great fluid coupling, tight transmission feeling, crisp but not neck snapping shifts, no slop, better spool, reduced transmission temps, and if possible, better mpg. My truck now feels like it goes NOWHERE in 1st and 2nd and only upon locking 3rd does it really start to go. I HATE that. I want it to feel solid w/no slip the minute I hit the pedal and pull like a @#%@#% freight train/freshly raped ape on crack.
Bearing all that in mind, here's what I was thinking so far and here's what I've purchased to date:
1. Suncoast 47RE VB
2. Pro Torque single disc TC
3. PML Double deep pan
4. Suncoast Pro-Loc Race controller
Please also bear in mind that the entire build/install WILL NOT be done by a named aftermarket company. The whole this is being installed by my local dodge tech (on the side). Thus, any comments that I should just take it to xxx and let them take care of it will really be on no help to me. I am adamant it will be installed locally by my dodge tech.
Now, I am contemplating adding the following and I want opinions on my potential choices, better/other options or plain old advice:
1. full rebuild kit (I was thinking suncoast)
2. billet shafts through out
3. billet 3rd gear drum
4. upgraded lower roller clutch/mechanism
Do I need any/all of these parts? I'm asking as these parts add up to like at least another 3K. If I do need them, who would you buy from? billet from ats? laminated from suncoast? reactor flex plate? somebody else? Why one over another? Anybody offer a warranty on any of these parts that is worth a damn?
Billet shafts/parts from opie, suncoast, dtt, ats? Why one over another? Are people really breaking shafts at the level/usage I intend too?
Basically, at the end of the day I want to know if my truck was your truck, your money was on the line, and your goals were my goals, what build/parts would you go with and why. Also, if you guys say its worth it/advantageous, I'd be willing to install any/all parts I'd need to do locked to locked shifts 2-4th and boost launch. Basically, I'll spend the extra $$$ to add the parts I need to beat on the trans HARD if you guys tell me its really worth it. Will the truck feel stronger? pull harder? be more bad $^#^!! Like I said, I'm looking for the best trans I can get for my truck/application.
I have spent countless hours researching these purchases/issues and to be honest I'm as lost as when I started as I have encountered every opinion from every different vendor known to man. I'm just trying to make the right choices. I REALLY APPRECIATE EVERYONE's help/input as I'm ordering parts this week.
