Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) transmission problems/questions (long)

[AMink]

OK, here goes. After bumping my engine, my stock transmission was slipping in O/D, which I expected to happen. There is no DTT in my area; there's one in Redding, CA and I would be w/out my truck for over a week. So I take it to a very reputable local shop, tell them that I want something that will stand up to more powerwise than what I have because I intend to do more. No problem. I get it back after 3 days. It slips AND shudders in O/D and the other shifts are sloppy. Take it back and they said that a spring that goes in the valve body was too short and didn't apply sufficient pressure. Drive it and it slips AND shudders in O/D. Take it back and they think that the low pressure may have damaged the TC. A few more days and, well now it just shudders! So now it's been in the shop longer than if I drove to Redding and spent another 1K! And it's still not right. I will take it back and ask what they are going to do to make it work right. I guess that I was hoping that a good local shop could build me a great transmission. Didn't work, and now I'm losing hope. Have any of you faced this? Were you able to get your money back? I'm talking 3K here with the distinct possibility of not being able to add any more power. Just a suggestion... go to DTT, ATS, Goerands, etc. if you want a transmission to do what you want. I think I'm out a bunch of money! Any suggestions? Heck, I doubt I'm even at 250-275 hp right now! Thanks!

 

[fox]

Sorry to hear about this. At your power level it isn't hard to correct the transmission.

Any decent shop that is willing to get away from the standard practices of rebuilds can improve it.

They may be right , the converter clutch may be glazed now.

 

[tp0d]

I`m lookin to be in the same boat soon. . With diesel prices goin up, I cant deal with my transmission being as inefficient as it is. Specially with me doin a lot of city drivin. . sux.



I`ve heard a local here, Gillece, has some quality stuff out there. Anyone from the PGH area have any comments on this builder? I`ve investigated the other builders, but they are outa my $ range. . gillece will do a full rebuild plus upgraded tc for 2500, including labor... hmmmmm I can do this myself but downtime is $... which is worse. . hrmmm



-j

 

[WBusa]

Sounds like its time to focus their attention on your problem. Do a little internet research and find out what state govt. agency licenses repair shops in your state. Then go back to the shop and politely but firmly ask to speak to the owner (or top manager if its a chain) - do not accept anyone further down the food-chain. Politely but clearly review the disappointing experience you've had with them, and how you've given them ample opportunity to make it right. Mention (again, politely but clearly) that you don't want to have to file a complaint with X Agency (or the state attorney general's office), so you need him to present you with a plan for solving this problem once and for all. Accept nothing less than them bending over backwards to make it right.

 

[AMink]

Got the truck back-again. Better but still shudders in O/D. They thought maybe the clutch in the TC burned or something, so they put in a new TC. Tomorrow I ask for my money back and go from there.

 

[Tom W]

My DTT took less than a full day - check with DTT for an installer near you. You could drive the Vancouver in one day , get DTT to fix you up in one day and drive home in one day - 3 days total.

 

[Fred Swanson]

For the 200 mile drive to Redding, it would be worth it. DTT is almost as far as coming my way.

Stay firm with them either making it right, or putting it back and refunding you.

 

[AMink]

Well, they get one more chance. I'm taking it in on Friday. If it still isn't right, I will say that 5 times back is fair chance. I must admit they've been nice, and so have I. I think that my giving them this many chances can't hurt my push cash back. I told the builder that even if it works now, I'm afraid it won't hold any more power and that I intend to add more. We'll see! Thanks for the replies.

 

[AMink]

It's back, it seems OK, but I have to hook up and drag the trailer around to make sure. Gee, I could've had a V8, or at least a DTT! (I'll stick with an I6)

 

[Dual EE]

DTT transmission-Just do it!

It your current deal falls through don't hesitate to go to J & H Performance in Redding. Harvey and Joel will take care of you. I was without my truck for a week too (one long week) while Joel rebuilt my transmission. They rebuild your core there. I believe they said it saves money on shipping. Harvey said they schedule 1 transmission a week there so they have the experience.



I have had zero problem in the last 6k since the rebuild. I'm not running big horse power, but I have towed with it many times. It performs every bit as I would expected after spending the big bucks. You can pm me if you want more info.

 

[AMink]

Thanks, DualEE. The only way that I get a DTT now is if this last "fix" doesn't work and they refund ALL of my money. That may be hard, but if the transmission doesn't work, it doesn't work.