Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Stock Transmission weak link.

[Nate]

Guys, I was wondering on the stock 47RE, what is the main thing that breaks when too much power is put to them?



Or does it just start slipping??

 

[Hahn007]

Nate, when mine went it it was the torque converter lock-up clutch that started slipping.

 

[Graphic man]

same here, the converter started slipping with just a comp box



Scott

 

[Nate]

Reason I was asking is I have the Smarty and will be installing a TST Powermax when I have a chance.



My buddy Nick has an 01 that he put the Edge Juice on it, and that's what it's doing, slipping the convertor clutch. I told him to either upgrade the trans or drop the power, but I don't think he listened.

 

[DieselLady]

ATS 5 star Torque converter will take care of the slipping problem, and if you want lock up in 2nd and 1st gears the Valve body and co pilot is a must. Awesome set up and will solve the transmission problems. Oo.

 

[Nate]

Yeah, that was ATS told him too.



How about the bands, etc, are those able to hold some power? If all a person needs is a convertor and VB, why spent $4000-5000 on a complete trans?





I know when my trans lets go, I will get a complete Goerend trans so I have the warranty and piece of mind.

 

[DieselLady]

I have been running over 360 HP at the race track for over 2 years now with no hint of a problem. Now I have 450 + hp and still no problems. Going to Fontana next weekend to give it a good work out but I doubt there will be any issues. I think the complete transmission upgrade is great and that will be where I go if and when the stock one takes a dive. Until then,,,,, I drive it like I stole it.

 

[Nate]

I am just afraid of putting a good convertor in and the trans breaking and sending metal into it, basically turning in to junk!

 

[J.BURCHFIELD]

MY tran. may be the same as yours, I have a 98 12v. It started slipping at 35k so I had a tran. man/tech/friend put in a Suncoast converter from Ft Walton Beach FL. (see ad in TDR) which I had shipped to him. That was in 99 or 2000 and no problem since then. It is machined from a solid billet (it is not a cheap sheet metal stamping like Dodge gives you) weighs 30 pounds instead of 13 and has 40% more clutch surface. It was over $800 at that time, I don't know about now, everything has gone up except my retirement checks. I do not believe anyone has had any problem with them. I use synthetic ATF and change it along with the filter every 50k which may be over kill. It looks new when I drain it. I don't tow heavy, 5,000 pounds at the most but up some pretty mean hills, which I top at the speed limit. No wonder everybody loves Cummins. I don't believe I could make it slip now if I tried. Some day I will really own a heavy duty truck. Every time a light duty part (Dodge uses only light duty parts during assembly) goes bad I replace with a heavy duty part. So very thoughtful of Dodge to give me so much pleasure correcting their mistakes. I got the first Q cab and the last 12v and still only have 103k so it will out last me thanks to Cummins, no thanks to Dodge. My 1990 Nissan hauls me around town keeping miles off the Ram. Having driven semi's it grates on my nerves to use a diesel for 2 mile trips. Maybe it won't hurt but as long as I have the Nissan I will use it for short trips around town until it has to go to the Junk yard. 209,000 is not spectacular but the first expensive repair off she goes. Runs good, does not smoke, I made sure I changed the oil every 25,000 (25 thousand) My way of testing synthetic oil. Having used synthetic in motorcycles where oil takes the biggest beating I am not really surprised.