Torque converter install

[Deezel4x4]

I am about to get a DTT TC and VB and want to install myself,I am pretty mechanically inclined and have built a pretty awesome trail truck by myself but just wanted to make sure there were no hidden dangers in doing this myself. I just don't trust anyone to do it for me. Any pointers would be helpful

 

[Skydiver]

Mileage ?

Deezel4x4

You need to list your mileage. Also has the trannie been abused or towed heavy loads often. Might be cheaper in the long run to rebuild it now.

Tim

 

[Deezel4x4]

my mileage is right at 50k on a well taken care of auto. No problems with anything just the loose feeling from 2nd gear to lock up. Just does not seem to move very fast ,pretty much is doing what everybody else complains about

 

[KB0OU]

transmission

Have you got a manual for your 97? The book should give you step by step instructions for removal etc.

Have you got anyone to help you?

I would not try it without help.

 

[Strick-9]

Deezul4x4,



I've done it a few times. There is really nothing tricky about it. I'd never worked on an automatic before mine. If you have any mechanical ability at all, and you sound like you have plenty, you can handle a TC swap.



-Chris

 

[BigYellowIron]

Have a jack and a 4x4 board around or a porto power to spread the frame rails apart on the install. mine sprung in aroung 2 inches when ii beat my cross member out.





Adam

 

[Joe G.]

Deezel4x4,



You may get some other parts than just the TC and VB. This probably depends on the year of your transmission. One of these parts is a seal for the front clutch drum. Kind of looks like a large black rubber band. Installing this thing involves disassembling part of the transmission because the seal goes INSIDE the front drum. It's the seal for the piston that causes the front clutches to grip. Some of the stock ones leak so you don't get the pressure you really need to clamp the clutches. If you get one of these e-mail me and I can give you a few tips on doing that job. Another part you may get is the lever that engages the front band. Above all, you NEED the manual! The real deal from Dodge, not some after market version of the manual.

 

[inarush76]

TC install

If you take on this install yourself, when you get ready to install TC in pump, look through front seal and with a small screwdriver or scribe(careful not to damage seal or bushing) and turn drive lugs on pump gears to 12&6 o'clock. Then with the tc(with some fluid added) held so that the notches in the hub are at the 12&6 o'clock position ease the conv into the pump supporting the weight of the conv so that it does not rest on the seal and bushing until it stops then turn a few degrees either side of 12&6 to help align splines on shafts and it will usually go on in. It can take patience! Lube the hub with ATF or vaseline only. Do not use bearing grease! The conv weighs about 60 pounds so dry hands and a good grip are a good idea. Before you pull the old conv measure the distance it protrudes out of the bellhousing to reference to assure the new one is in all the way before install. If conv is not in all the way you will trash pump and possibly the conv hub! Once the trans is bolted flush to the block you should be able to turn it by hand. If not back it off it is not in all the way! Start all the tc bolts by hand and run in almost flush and then go back around and tighten while holding conv against flexplate. HTH Good Luck. You will love the conv.



James Northum

DTT installer/dealer/Bill K. approved builder

near Dallas

 

[vc]

Deezel,

I don't think we are very far away from each other. If you don't have a "real" manual for your truck and want to borrow mine, let me know. If happen to be off when you do this I can offer an extra set of hands.



vc

 

[Swamp Donkey]

Looks like a good bunch of people to ask my question to. I just scheduled my truck for a DTT VB & TC swap on this thursday. I will be having the "master" kit installed with everyting gone through as far as I know. The shop doing my install said they would not be able to do it in one day! He wants my truck for a day and a half. From what I see on here 6-8 hours should be plenty. That is what I was billed was 6 hrs for the original BD stuff. I already feel like he is rippin me off. Don't know how to tell him it should be done in a day. I don't have much tact when it comes to issues like this. I don't mind paying extra for a good job, but a day and a half before he has turned a bolt? The ownwer of the shop does seem to know his transmissions though.





How much longer does it take to go through a transmission and install one of Bill's master kits? Don't want to p*ss of the transmission guy and make him rush... ... ... ... ... Dilemma's

 

[Joe G.]

John,



For the BD stuff the transmission doesn't have to be taken apart. For the extra stuff from DTT it does to some extent. Two hours more than the BD stuff doesn't sound bad to me at all. What would be better? Telling you it will take eight hours and it really takes nine or telling you it will take ten and it really takes nine?

 

[Mopar-muscle]

swamp , you don't want it rushed ....

the shop has no clue what they will find till they open it up , sometimes things go smoothly and its a breeze , sometimes things don't and it takes extra time to make it perfect . they can rush it and you'll have to go back to have it fixed/adjusted , or you can leave happy and not have to return ?????

 

[Swamp Donkey]

Thanks guys, I will keep my mouth shut. Just smile and be nice and I really don't want to return because I got off on the wrong foot by saing it should only take X amount of hours. Let them do their job... ... .





I just hate taking my truck to anyone. I think I could do it myself, but like alot of people here, I do not have the facility to do it. one day when I am rich and famous I will have the ultimate garage...

 

[Snow man]

Swamk donkey,once the trany is out,it can take from 1-2 hrs to do the additional work,if your getting the 5 pak clutch,and the clearances are too tight,then they will need to machine some material off with a lathe,this will add time,but until they put the new clutches in and check with the feeler guage,they wont know if it will need to be machined or not. WHick convertor did you get?I have the 89 and love it. Spunky out of the hole,yet it pulls great once moving.