Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Trans. temps in Arizona, Towing/47RE

[WatsonJ]

I am a CTD newbie.

Just bought a 2000 2500 Quad S/B 2wd SLT Laramie with 22,800k. Still stock except for K & N in stock airbox.

I tow a 20ft ski boat that weighs approx. 3800 lbs. (boat & trailer)

Since the truck does not have any extra gages (yet), I'm wondering if I have to worry about trans. temp with such a

small load? I have towed the boat twice,since it's already

80 degrees here in AZ. I have checked the trans temp using

a multi-tester with a thermocouple. I saw 160 degrees immediatly after exiting the freeway while towing at 70 mph

in overdrive. The summer will mean towing in 100-110 degree

temps.



If and when I go for a trans temp gage should I buy the Mag-Hytec double deep with the 1/4 npt or just add a gage with

the stock pan?



Also, it appears to me that there a two or three ports that could

be used for the sending unit. Is this correct?

Great website

Oo.

 

[Big-D]

Trans Temp

Watson,



The loads you are towing should not cause any problems with a stock set-up. However, your mention of 110 degree outside temperatures in AZ does not provide for a lot of transmission cooling.



To remain on the safe side, I would recommend that you purchase two items. We all know the importance of monitoring temperatures and my first purchase would be an in-line temperature guage. There are several types available and a search on the subject will aid in your decision process. Secondly, without hesitation, I would purchase the Mag-Hi Tech Deep Dish transmission pan. The added amount of fluid will help in maintaining a constant temperature and the depth of the pan helps in cooling as well. The pan does not extend lower than the cross member, but does get into the air stream from underneath the vehicle.



I have both on my truck and feel it was money well spent. I tow much heavier than you and my freeway temps never exceed 135-150 degrees coming directly out of the transmission. Stop and go traffic is another matter, but nothing over 190 which isn't hot.



Hope this helps. Dave

 

[WatsonJ]

AZ 47RE trans temps

Thanks Big-D

I had pretty much come to the same conclusion myself but this

helps justify the 265. 00 bucks for the Mag-Hytec.



You mention an in-line temperature sender. Is this the

mod that requires the 1995 model year trans. line with

the built in port?



Why not use the 1/4 npt port that comes with the Mag-Hytec?



Thanks again

 

[Big-D]

Line Temp vs. Pan temp



Watson,



The difference between the two is whether you want to be on the front end or back end of knowing what is happening to your transmission. Both are reliable sources of information, but I like knowing when "heat" is being developed and just how hot it is.



By using the in-line sensor, which is located inches from the transmission tells you immediately when things are beginning to heat up. Pan temperatures take longer to display heat changes for there is more oil to be heated.



I'm not certain of the 1995 line you are referring too, so I cannot comment. I went with the in-line port to the transmission cooler when upgrading my transmission with DTT items. Not sorry I did either. Dave

 

[BillGotthelf]

You may want to consider synthetic trans fluid-it will lower trans temp and run cooler-I tow 14,000 lbs in Fla-not quite 110 but 98 with 98% humidity ain't to bad.

 

[DavidC]

Give Fred Swanson a call, he will get you the trans. line.

desertdieselparts.com



Dave

 

[WatsonJ]

Trans temps in AZ

Thanks all for the feedback. I bought my truck used from a dealer.

It was obvious that the previous owner had used it for towing a

fifth wheel trailer of some sort. Since I do not know the maintenance history of the vehicle and given the number of hits

regarding transmission problems with the Cummins I still believe that I have some piece of mind with the extended warranty.



If Toyota or Nissan produced a 3/4 ton truck, I would own it.



One question. If Toyota or Nissan, do ever produce a 3/4-

1 ton pick-up truck, do you think that a website devoted to

the maintenance issues errrrrr. . shortcomings of the vehicle

will be necessary? SERIOUS DOUBTS!!!



Wake up Detroit! Or you will be toast!



Sorry... . but Bob Lutz admitted that Detroit was 5 years behind

the Japanese in quality in a article in the WSJ a couple of months

ago. And you think the Japs are a stationary target???

 

[kcook]

The temp from the line is the best, temp reading coming right out of the hottest part of trans, the torque converter. Go to any dealer they should carry them "the line", the part number is listed quite a few times in the DTT forum

 

[Greg Boardman-RIP]

Call Fred Swanson (623)910-9575. He is the man in AZ. All parts are available for you guage including an inline OEM return line with a port for the guage to hook up. He has the best prices out there and he is close to you..... I have driven 250 miles one way to find this guy... ... . Great service... . Greg

 

[Snow man]

Watsonj, i dont think you'd have any trouble at all with your setup,but I would go ahead with the deep pan,and guage/line. Its a good way to protect your investment. Good luck with your new truck.

 

[JGarcia]

Watson,

I've often thought the same thing about the Japanese auto makers, and I agree they will some day give the big 3 a run for their money. The way they currently tend to design HO engines, I'm just afraid they'll end up with a truck that develops 500 lb ft of torque at 10,000 rpm. Wonder what that would sound like?



JRG

 

[WatsonJ]

Trans temps in AZ

Thanks to all again.



Will my warranty be voided by changing the trans. line or

by adding the Mag-Hytec?:



Since the Dealer's are selling them I will assume that this

mod does not void the warranty, but it doesn't hurt to ask.

 

[Greg Boardman-RIP]

I don't think so. It is an OEM part.