Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) To Banks or not to Banks?

[WSisco]

I am new to TDR and have a "99 Quadcab 5 spd w 70K on the clock. It is stock except for a K&N Air Filter. I regularly pull 5 to 10,000 lbs and sometimes pull up to 16,000 Is Banks the way to go and if so should I do the Power Pack or? Thanks for your feedback and opinions.

 

[mgoncalves]

Welcome to the TDR!!



Banks makes a good kit that includes important things like gauges and exhaust. However, you can save money and get better results with other companies.



There are plenty of people that like Banks and there are plenty of people that don't. Try the search button for tons of info on Banks, it's been discussed at length before.



Have fun, and once again welcome to the TDR





Matt

 

[C. Harlan]

Welcome to the TDR!!!!!

I was the same way when I got on here. I thought banks was all that and then some, till I learned the bottom line: banks is a rip off... bottom line. they have nice stuff, but $1200 for an exhaust and a fuel plate (12v) is a rip off. . sorry. . You can do lots better by piecing parts together, from different vendors, and get better results as well. my best friend has an ottomind that took a dump on him like 5 months after he got it. . Called banks, and they basically told him tough luck, and that was how the cookie crumbles. Check out some of the links on here. you will be glad you did.



-Chris-

 

[jrandol]

My opinion of banks shadows the 2 prior votes. Banks is funny, they can build a sweet truck (the dakato) that is fast as snot yet the stuff they try and sell us is way overpriced and underdelivers. I love seeing the Ford's with their Banks stickers, they think they are tough stuff. lol

 

[AggieJustin]

In the past your options for performance goodies were to either get a package deal from Banks, or hit up many vendors to pull together all the parts you need. Going to multiple vendors was intimidating to some/many of the newbies, so they were willing to pay more (sometimes much more) to get the convenience of a package they knew would work together.



Now in the present, we have quite a few reputable vendors that sell many kinds of parts. All you have to do is give them a call, let them know what kind of power level you want or what you plan to do with the vehicle and they can hook you up with everything you need. And you'll end up paying a lot less and probably picking up more performance.



I'm not bashing Banks, but they're just not really competitive (from a price standpoint) in today's market anymore.

 

[CumminsPuller]

DITTO :-{}

 

[benhall]

The only thing I would get from Banks, is their exhaust brake.



Ben

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

I gotta say i did like the powerpack back when I had it. But in hindsight I wish I never did. GREAT product , huge dollars and well decent performance. You could gain or even better their best gains from a Powerpack with just a comp and a simple set of stage 3 injectors for clost to the same price. Oh and they still push the warrantee too

 

[willyslover]

lots of talk about the Banks but not any suggestions where to go to find what you need. .



One of the very best Diesel guys around is Piers Harry at the link below. . he can advise you what way to go and not . . 'do you" at the same time. . you can build power slow or all at once it's up to your budget and excitement as to how your rig is progressing. .

http://www.piersdiesel.com/



just be aware there are some pit falls along the way... I don't see what transmission you have... a stock auto only holds lower power levels without some help... and a manual trannies clutch will go away and slip without an aftermarket clutch



remedies are basic three choices for autos[sure many others in the field but these three have come up with stuff that will hold and not take a crap on ya]... a company called DDT, one called ATS and the third is called SunCoast



Piers [mentioned above]can sell ya the parts to add power and the clutches [choices here also, suggest South Bend Clutch aka SBC]. . needed also...



welcome aboard and enjoy the power once added. . you will not believe what you are sitting on and didn't know it.



BTW. . fill out your location area and signature so the folks "advising" you can help you find vendor and services buy that info