Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Trans Talk

[Nate]

Guys,



I'm on my 3rd transmission and this one has been banging away for a while. Never really had a good solid connection, runs hot, etc.



One of the local guys here does transmission rebuilds as a side job. He said he'd do it for about $400 plus whatever parts I want to put in it and let me help out so I can learn.



Now I was thinking to updgrade the torque convertor and then put some better parts in the trans as well.



I don't have $4-5000 to drop my truck off at one of the well known performance shops and get a built to the sky transmission, otherwise I would do that.



So based on just a good rebuild, could you guys recomend parts to use? I don't want to start an ATS vs DTT, etc war... Just want info on decent (well priced) torque convertors and transmission parts.



I don't plan on putting a whole lot more power over stock into the truck. I was thinking of a Smarty and some Mach 2 injectors later down the road. The truck is my daily driver and tow rig.

 

[zstroken]

Call Dave Goerend and talk to him.

 

[Diesel Nut]

I use Suncoast myself. They carry everything you need. They have upgraded clutches, torque converters and valve bodies. I wouldn't think you would need more than about 2K in parts to build a decent transmission. The one I put into my buddies 2000 runs great and has no heat problems, even with a hot rod pump and 275 rv injectors.

 

[Nate]

How do I get ahold of Dave and Suncoast? A decent convertor... ~$1000?



The one in the truck right now was a $700 local throw together rebuild... bascially a stock unit with new parts.

 

[C4gan]

You can call Dave Goerand @ 563-778-2719

Great Guy! IMO

Chris

 

[Nate]

Without spending a ton of money, what is the single best thing to do to the transmission to tighten it up? The trans was just rebuilt this past summer with stock parts.



I live off Ramen noodles and water just about just to make ends meet, so I don't have several grand just hanging around for me to dump on a bad *** transmission.

 

[Diesel Nut]

Suncoast is at 1-800-868-0053



Converters are spendy. And you have to deal with the core charge.



I would keep an eye out for a wrecked truck with a built trans if you really have to pinch the pennies. I know a guy locally that totalled out his truck and sold the upgraded trans parts.

 

[JoshPeters]

The Converter is A#1 on the list of priorities. Especially if you are stock. Stock pressures will be fine with an aftermarket converter. Then when you can afford it get the valve body.



In most things, Cleanlyness is godlyness, in transmissions it's nessissary! When you are doing your tear down/rebuild keep everything as clean as possible. When I do a transmission at home I buy 2 boxes of shop rags(on a roll or box) and cover the entire surface I'm working on.



Before I start... . A good high pressure, pressure washer and some degreaser.



Drain all the fluids and be 100% sure your companion knows these trannies. If he doesn't the OD section can/will be a problem!



Josh

 

[Fishin Guide]

If you have gone through 3 transmissions you have bigger problems than a TC.



There is something in your driving style, power of the truck or adjustment of the trans causing this. you may not want to shell out the big bucks, but you may need to.



Yes, you can get a good rebuild for a decent price with stock power. And maybe the tire height is hurting you a little too.



Do you have a trans temp gauge? If not, why? Also, how often are the services done and is are the bands adjusted at that time? What fluid are you running? Do you sit and idle alot, or sit in stop and go traffic? Do any towing?



It is hard to beat one of the dedicated diesel trans shops for sure. But the thought that a simple TC or VB is going to fix your problems is most likely not the case. Get it to someone who knows how to build it to take the torque that is getting dumped into it.



Dave