Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) torque converter swap (in my driveway?)

[EGILLILAND]

So my stock torque converter is starting to slip... slightly. It seems like ATS is making the best replacement. So I'm trying to decide if I want to tackle a torque converter swap in my driveway or have a pro do it.



Has anyone out there done there own torque converter swaps on the 2nd gen trucks? Any tricks or pitfalls you want to share? Any bolts that are impossible to get through... or seals that can be trashed etc. I've worked on transmission's before however it was always during a complete engine/transmission rebuild (sp I've always pulled the engine/transmission as a unit with a hoist) not a component swap like this. I certainly don't want to have to pull my engine to swap out the torque converter.



Thanks ahead of time for any inputs/tips.



Eric

 

[Snow man]

Eric, I think you should first find out what is cauasing the tc to slip,if its slipping at all before you put an expensive tc in a transmission that may be toast. You need to do a few pressure tests at the minmum beofre you go much further.

 

[Mtngoat]

What SnowMan said, you could be in the end spending a lot more than you need to. .



Robin

 

[EGILLILAND]

When I check the pressure in the center port on the pass side of the transmission (IAW BD power's direction for the valve body install) I got 55 PSI before the valve body and 67 PSI after the valve body install. This is with the transmission in drive engine at idle. W/transmission in drive, clutch locked up and RPM at about 1850 I get 85 PSI (got 73 PSI before the valve body).



I'm not a transmission tech however from what I understand this gives my transmission a fairly clean bill of health, w/the exception of the ever so slight shudder I get when I honk on the throttle at about 1700RPM.



New questions now.



1. Anything else anyone would recommend checking?

2. Whats the cost/benefit of getting into the new torque converter now and winding up w/a smoked transmission a year from now... at least I'd have a good converter to transplant... maybe?

3. Again everybody's inputs are greatly appreciated.



Thanks again guys!

 

[BigYellowIron]

Here Call this guy.



Dave Goerend



He will be more than happy to tell you what to check and what you need.



Goerend brothers transmission

1-563-778-2719



You won't get off of the phone with him until you understand completly, he will make sure you do.



Adam

 

[Extreme1]

What Adam said.



And yes, I installed my Goerend converter in my truck out in my driveway. I recomend a trans jack and you'll need a port-a-power to get the frame seperated to R & R the crossmember.

 

[BigYellowIron]

I never had trouble getting my cross member in or out.



If you look at the mounting you can see that it is mounted to the frame on a slight angle. You just have to raist the tail of the transmission as high as it will go and move the cross member up then back and they usually come right out.



I've done it on a couple of trucks and not had any trouble, but I may have just been lucky



Adam

 

[San Felipe Bob]

Ditto

Big Yellow



I did a TST kit in my driveway 2 years ago.

No problem with the cross member.

I think I had to remove the trans mount to get the trans out.

This trans is a monster with the Transfer case on it

BE VERY CAREFULL!



I would not expect a Converter to survive a trans failure.

If you are even close to needing a rebuild better now than latter and having to buy 2 converters.



When the trans goes it contaminates all the bearings including the ones in the Converter.



I have 80K on my trans and with the current power upgrade it shudders at anything above 1/2 throttle.



:{



It's time for me to replace the whole trans.

ATS,Dtt, Suncoast,Rancho,Goerend?

Just not sure which one yet.

Seems like it's going to be 4 to 5 grand anyway I slice it.



SFB

 

[rrausch]

EGILLILAND, how many miles does your trans have on it?



If it is relatively low miles, just installing the ATS TriplLok WILL help your trans last longer, as you can REST ASSURED that the TC clutches won't degrade, melt or crumble like the stock ones can under high heat & pressure. When I got my ATS, I watched them cut my TC open, and I saw my stock TC clutch... it could have lasted longer, but I'm glad I did it when I did, and didn't break down somewhere. I had 107,000 miles on my stock trans, mostly bombed, with some towing a 5th wheel TT.



You are right when you say ATS is making the best replacement TC. They certainly do. Their engineering, in the TripleLok, is the most thorough out there.

And their Stator design is kick-butt too.



Others have posted about installing a complete ATS Stage IV trans in their driveways, or in a friends garage. Others have posted about just installing a TC. It is definitely doable. Don and Clint are always available to help you with advice if you need it. You can call them. Their number is 800-949-6002 They are friendly and smart and dedicated.

 

[Blakers]

Originally posted by San Felipe Bob

It's time for me to replace the whole trans.

ATS,Dtt, Suncoast,Rancho,Goerend?

Just not sure which one yet.

Seems like it's going to be 4 to 5 grand anyway I slice it.



SFB

SFB,



I put a complete rebuilt Goerend Brothers with triple disc converter in my truck last year for $2550, plus shipping. If you're gonna replace the whole transmission with a rebuilt, I would not worry about running it with it slipping until you get the time and money, unless it fails and leaves you stranded. Good luck.