Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) TC/VB question

[sstockton]

Hi, right now I still have a stock transmission. Eventually I will put in a complete trans, whether it be DTT, Suncoast, Goerends... etc. My question is this, If I do a Converter and Valvebody now, am I risking damaging those for use in the future. Ideally I would like to buy the Converter and Valvebody and then install them in the new trans when I get one. Is this a viable option or am I asking to buy 2 converters here.



I'm easy on the truck for the most part, and now it only sees about 1500 miles a month max. This month it has only seen about 300miles. I should be getting a trans in summer. So maybe putting 8-10k on the converter and valvebody.

Sean

 

[RobertP]

you can do a torque converter an valve body and not have any issues at all unless you start some big power and your clutches start to come apart, then i wouldn't reuse any of it but if all the clutches stay ok then you can reuse the both of them. i have had really good luck with suncoast in alot of trucks.

 

[bmoeller]

Another thing to consider (unless you do the R&R yourself, and have time to kill), would be the cost to R&R the transmission twice. Could be $4-500 extra in labor.



Personally, I'd only want to do it once, and not risk trashing a new t/c or v/b. Could be fine for a long time, or crap out shortly after. You never know.

 

[sstockton]

Thats pretty much what I wanted to know. That if something did go wrong would I be losing my TC and VB that I just purchased. The transmission can't be too happy. I've had a box and injectors in the truck for probably 25k, however I do have a pretty light foot, except for once in a blue moon. I just don't want to blow my trans and not be able to afford a new one, but it sounds like I may be increasing the risk by putting in a TC/VB because the stock clutches may be tired and I will be more likely to be hard on it, because it will feel like it holds the power. I guess at the rate I'm driving, I won't have too many miles on it before I can afford a trans.



I would be doing all the labor myself, as far as installing the converter and valve body, and swapping them to the new trans and doing the install, but still. I don't want to end up throwing away $1500 and having a $4500 dollar trans become a $6000 trans.



Thanks again,

Sean