Torque Converter

[SRehberg]

After all the posts on torque converters causing transmission failures, and the latest TDR issue addressing these concerns, I ordered the BD 7X dual clutch converter. Has anyone pulling a trailer had any experience with one, especially with stock HP? I run a '96 2wd pulling a 8800lb GVWR 5th wheel, weighing 5800 dry. My stock (Calif) HP is 180, but would hope to up it to around 200 down the road. Any comments would be appreciated.



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'96 2wd auto pulling a 27ft Alpenlite 5th wheel.

 

[phoekema]

converter

With a relatively mild power upgrade and the kind of weight you are pulling, I would think the BD converter should do just fine.

 

[LSMITH]

Stock power with the 7X is likely going to have a ton of lag off the line. The engine will have a hard time making enough power to get you going quickly, but once moving it should be very nice. You can set your AFC to smoke pretty hard when you nail it to get some boost a bit quicker and get some of the lag out of it too. A #6 plate will make a world of difference in the lag and overall pulling power. For the way I drive and want my truck to run the lag would be worse than I want, but it might be totally OK for you. The really tight TC's and stock power are not for everyone, most people up the power shortly after install. MHO, hope it helps.

 

[SRehberg]

I appreciate the replies, and I hope the TC will be an improvement over the stock one. I have been reluctant to crank up the HP as the transmission seems to be the "fusible link" in an otherwise great power train. Has anyone changed out the TC on their own without to much trouble? I have done it on cars years ago, but now with the body a little older and the TC up around 80lbs. , ... ... . Does the front seal need to be replaced as well? This trans was rebuilt about 8000 miles ago by the Dodge people, but it took them three times to keep it from eating itself up! Kinda shakes your faith in their ability.





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'96 2wd auto pulling a 27ft Alpenlite 5th wheel

 

[LSMITH]

I would keep this thread going or post another just like it after May Madness is over, I think there may be some more valuable input from guys that are there or are busy at the moment. I would hope you could get more than 2 replies anyway.



The 7X WILL be a huge improvement, that is for sure.

 

[SRehberg]

I appreciate the information, and I will try it again once the event is over. To upgrade the power some (20-50 hp+/-) is there something that can be done inexpensively or ? I am new to this diesel upgrading, as all the diesels I have ever had experience with were on boats, which were stock. Any help to this amatuer would be appreciated.



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'96 2wd auto pulling a 27ft Alpenlite 5th wheel

 

[LSMITH]

I would put a #6 TST/Piers plate in it, and see if you need any more at that point. I would say a #5 plate, but think you would end up watching the pyro when pulling more than you want. Call Piers or Joe D or TST and talk to them, they have been there and done that 1000 times. They will help with more info than I have. Hope this helps.



Last I heard a TST 5 or 6 plate could be had for about 275-300. That my friend, is cheap HP!!!

 

[SRehberg]

Thanks for the info, and I will give them a call. You gotta love these CTD for the ease of doing just about anything to them. I think these 12V engines are about the best going, with the exception of the Killer Dowel Pin problem. Thanks again!