Third gen improvements

[vinconco]

Have the brakes, steering and weak auto transmission been improved in the 3rd. Gen trucks? I have a 98 12v ..... good truck but the steering, brakes and transmission annoy the hell out of me. I've been thinking about trading but don't need an updated version of the same problems.

 

[SRadke]

Steering and brakes are just awesome. 4 wheel discs are the only way to go. By far the best two improovements over my old 96.



-Scott

 

[Tony T.]

I have a 03/SO with 47RE an so far no problems with it, but I do have only 19,000 miles with very little towing here lately with our Travel Trailer due to wife being in a car wreck in March of 2003. Just not going like we use to. The one thing most of all with the 47RE is I wish it would hold third gear longer instead of shifting into over drive around 44 mph at a moderate speed. Alot of times running through towns I'll just tap the OD off button to help keep the RPM above the 1500 mark. Notice your showing 155K miles on yours can you elaborate more on the weakness you have experienced.

 

[MO'Donnell]

Love the brakes & steering. 1 year & 21k miles later still as good as new - except the Cummins is just starting to get broken in! Can't comment on the transmission though - I like to "stir my own". :-laf

 

[Matt400]

The brakes are simply awesome- biggest brakes on any pick up to date. The steering box on the 4x4's has a quicker ratio than the 2nd gens and the 2wd's have rack & pinion. The 48re is a 74re with much needed improvements. I love my truck.

 

[vinconco]

QUOTE] Notice your showing 155K miles on yours can you elaborate more on the weakness you have experienced. [/B][/QUOTE]





At 60k the dealer told me I needed a rebuild on the transmission... said the pump was gone. I noticed that he (their best transmission guy) didn’t know that there were several pressure ports and didn't know how to do a pressure test. (have book - can read) So I borrowed a gauge and followed the instructions to do a complete series of pressure tests and with the help of this forum found the problem was the Governor pressure sensor and transducer. I changed them out and no more problems. (as long as I change the fluid every 20k and adjust the bands) So to answer your question, the transmission seems to a very weak design. Raise the HP and roach the transmission. Also, it took a while to learn how the transmission works, which gear it was in, torque converter lockup etc. After you learn where the transmission is in the shift pattern and read this forum to learn how the weak ass torque converter works, you can then tune your driving habits to protect the transmission. The shift points you described are designed to protect a weak transmission. The only reason mine lasted as long as it has is that I remain..... "Unbombed to the MAX"

 

[DPelletier]

To answer your questions, the brakes, steering and transmission have all been improved.

The brakes and steering are now class leading.



Dave

 

[Guest]

I love the brakes, big plus on these trucks, transmission shifts nice (un-bombed). Steering also feels good.

 

[jsimpson]

Brakes and steering are fantastic. transmission is no match for my brother's Allison, but hasn't broken yet.

 

[Tony T.]

Originally posted by vinconco

QUOTE] Notice your showing 155K miles on yours can you elaborate more on the weakness you have experienced.

At 60k the dealer told me I needed a rebuild on the transmission... said the pump was gone. I noticed that he (their best transmission guy) didn’t know that there were several pressure ports and didn't know how to do a pressure test. (have book - can read) So I borrowed a gauge and followed the instructions to do a complete series of pressure tests and with the help of this forum found the problem was the Governor pressure sensor and transducer. I changed them out and no more problems. (as long as I change the fluid every 20k and adjust the bands) So to answer your question, the transmission seems to a very weak design. Raise the HP and roach the transmission. Also, it took a while to learn how the transmission works, which gear it was in, torque converter lockup etc. After you learn where the transmission is in the shift pattern and read this forum to learn how the weak ass torque converter works, you can then tune your driving habits to protect the transmission. The shift points you described are designed to protect a weak transmission. The only reason mine lasted as long as it has is that I remain..... "Unbombed to the MAX"









Thanks for the reply back Vinconco I'm planning on changing fluid every 25K an checking bands also. Also plan on remaining stock. Maybe I'll get the same out of mine that you have so far. Oo.

 

[SGBARRACUDA]

Originally posted by Tony T.

At 60k the dealer told me I needed a rebuild on the transmission... said the pump was gone. I noticed that he (their best transmission guy) didn’t know that there were several pressure ports and didn't know how to do a pressure test. (have book - can read) So I borrowed a gauge and followed the instructions to do a complete series of pressure tests and with the help of this forum found the problem was the Governor pressure sensor and transducer. I changed them out and no more problems. (as long as I change the fluid every 20k and adjust the bands) So to answer your question, the transmission seems to a very weak design. Raise the HP and roach the transmission. Also, it took a while to learn how the transmission works, which gear it was in, torque converter lockup etc. After you learn where the transmission is in the shift pattern and read this forum to learn how the weak ass torque converter works, you can then tune your driving habits to protect the transmission. The shift points you described are designed to protect a weak transmission. The only reason mine lasted as long as it has is that I remain..... "Unbombed to the MAX"









Thanks for the reply back Vinconco I'm planning on changing fluid every 25K an checking bands also. Also plan on remaining stock. Maybe I'll get the same out of mine that you have so far. Oo.

I would agree with you on learning the "shift" paturn, it does become part of your driving habits. I bought my 95 2500 cc 4x4 td new and to date I have 235k on the original trans and it still works perfect! I know i've heard nightmare stories from others about how bad these transmissions are but i can't complain.

Now that i have my 03 35004x4 CTD quad dually I'm putting the old one up for sale.

 

[thejeepdude]

transmission is no match for my brother's Allison, but hasn't broken yet.

<cough cough> opinions are like. . um, well you get the point.



How many Allison 1000's are holding up behind 1000 ft lb? And how much did they have to spend to do that? Hmmm... can't wait for my DTT 48RE.

 

[DPelletier]

Hey jeepdude,

Why do you need to do the "DTT" thing to your 48RE? Hummmm?

The Allison is far from perfect IMO and they get real marketing from the name considering the 1000 series is not even close to the "real" allison trannies, BUT at least it is a 5spd. I think the 48RE is a better transmission than the 47RE, but it falls short of the class leading engine and the rest of the truck. It may be a good transmission, but its not a "great" transmission. A HD 5 or 6 spd auto with optional factory installed exhaust brake is in order.



Dave

 

[thejeepdude]

Originally posted by DPelletier

Hey jeepdude,

Why do you need to do the "DTT" thing to your 48RE? Hummmm?

I don't NEED to while it's stock, but with twins, injectors, and TST box, I will. You saying the Allison would hold up beind that without mods? Riiiiight...



Personally I don't WANT another ratio in my transmission. The 4 speed is perfect... plenty of grunt down low, plenty of top gear for cruising. The only complaint I have is the weak TC. I've said before STOCK vs STOCK, that Allison wins, but I don't care about stock form, I care about POTENTIAL. However I will agree with you on the exhaust brake thing, but rumor has it, that will be on it's way shortly. My '05 should have the hardware in place for the EB and a flash to the programming will make it EB certified, hopefully SOON, but not holding my breath. However, the truth is the auto WILL handle the exhaust brake just fine, and if I didn't care about the warranty I'd put one on ASAP, but it's going to take a while to recoup from that $45K initial outlay.

 

[jsimpson]

Indon't know what you call "real", but the 1000 is used in a whole host of commercial applications - including school buses. You can't get more punishment than that. v Brand loyalty is an interesting phenomena, but the fact is that every brand has it's "best in class" features. With GM, it's the Allison. It's far and away a better transmission than what either Ford or Dodge has to offer. I'm sure Daimler has something better somewhere in their line, but it hasn't shown up in the RAM yet.

 

[DPelletier]

jeepdude,

just to clarify; No I don't think the Allison could take that power without modifications. I have different needs and wants than you do. I bought my truck to tow and the gap between gears on the 4spd, as well as the more overdriven overdrive (compared to the manual) were both undesireable from my perspective.

Jsimpson,

As far as the 1000 series and my comment goes, everything I've read suggests that the 1000 series is a "price point" Allison lacking the strength and durability of the 2000 series and up that most people associate with the Allison name. GM has done a great job capitalizing on the name recognition. I totally agree with you that every brand has it's "best in class" features, and I would also agree that the Allison is "better" than the 48RE, although the difference between the two may be more percieved than real. DC still suffers from a bad auto transmission reputation due to earlier efforts. Don't forget that the PSD is also used in a whole host of commercial applications. That fact, in and of itself, doesn't make it a good engine.





Dave

 

[DCaswell]

Got just over 60K on mine, as above love the brakes, ball joints are 60& worn & need replace before winter as truck is starting to wander. Vast improvement over my 98. 5 but front end still needs to be beefed up for commercial use