2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission TCI Torque Converter???????

[dragracerman]

Hi all,

I am in need of a new torque converter for my 97 3500.

Here is the deal... ... I tow a 7500 lb. trailer, and this past weekend's trip to the race track, I noticed that that the converter clutch was slipping. It started out as a slight shutter, and then developed into a slip.

I took it easy on it after I noticed that it was slipping in clutch lock-up.

As far as modifications on my truck goes, I have a #8 fuel plate, and installed a free flowing air cleaner, and removed the cat and muffler.



I was wondering if anyone was running one of the TCI converters?



Has anyone heard anything about these, good or bad?



I don't think that I need a big high dollar converter for my application.



I am also planning on doing the valve body at the same time, it hopes of preventing further problems.



Any input or ideas would be greatly appreciated.



Thanks,

Dragracerman

 

[rrausch]

What year truck and how many miles are on it?

Much has been posted on this site about Trans. upgrades. Some of it informative, some not. Not much has been posted to my recollection about TCI.



The best Performance Trans outfits are ATS, DTT, Suncoast, Goerends, and probably one or two others I don't remember right now. Plenty of guys have bought TC's, VB's and complete Trannys from these outfits and have had good luck with them.



I went with ATS about 2 years ago. I would do it again in a Heartbeat.



Guys have gotten just the TC and VB and put them in themselves. That is about the least expensive way to do it, but some companies won't sell just a TC & VB.

ATS will.

 

[dragracerman]

It is a 1997 with 170,000 miles on it.



Thanks!

 

[Snow man]

a TC is not a good idea with 170K ! Now would be a good time to do a full performance rebuild. No sense putting good money into bad. If you go with a TC only and it doesnt slip im willing to bet some clutches in the trans will!

 

[dragracerman]

Is the TC that you are referring to the same as the TCI??

The reason I ask, is that TCI has a very good rep in the drag racing world.

 

[dragracerman]

Oh, one other detail... ... The trans and converter was replaced with a new Chrysler unit around 40,000 ago.

 

[rrausch]

No by TC we mean the Torque Converter.



I agree with Snowman, 170,000 is too many miles to just get a TC & VB.

These Cummins engines produce such massive amounts of torque that the Torque Converters have to be specially designed, and if the engine is bombed for high H. P. , the rest of the trans also has to be re-engineered to last a long time.



You will need to do some homework. Do a search and read some Transmission Threads from this site.

 

[rrausch]

Oh if it was rebuilt to stock specs. that is a little different. In that case you probably can get just the Torque Converter and Valve Body, if your bombs are not huge. But you should still do some homework and call around.