Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Transmission Questions

[seagrave2001]

Hey Guys, I’m looking for some info on torque converters (single & triple disc) & valve bodies vs shift kits.



I’m not sure what I would like to get in regards to torque converters. Some people say single disc, other triple. So I called a few transmission manufacturers and started asking some questions, as well as calling some of my buddies who have had their transmission upgraded.



For Instance my one buddy has a triple disc with a heavy duty valve body and he said his truck shifts very solid and you can really feel it locking up and shifting. I’m not looking for a harsh shifting truck & that’s what I told the transmission manufacturers and some said the torque converter doesn’t control how hard it shifts or not. All of that depends on the way the valve body is set up. Well back to my buddy his friend has the same triple disc converter and he just installed a trans-go shift kit and he gets the same shift that my buddy is getting with his heavy duty valve body. So the main question is what determines how the transmission shifts & is a $150 shift kit as good as a $400-$500 valve body?



All I plan on having for a while is the Comp Box so would a single Disc be enough or would it just be better to go to the triple disc? And would a shift kit be just as good as a valve body?



The next thing is I would like to test drive a truck with a triple disc setup & one with a single and feel the difference…

 

[SnoKing]

DTT makes a livestock transmission which shifts softly so as to not tip over the livestock. Give them a call. 1-866-504-4002 SNOKING

 

[zstroken]

Goerend Rocks

Two words, Dave Goerend!!! 563-778-2719

 

[DieselRam30]

You're right that the torque converter does not control how the transmission slips. That is a function of the valve body. IMHO a shift kit does not equal the performance of a custom built valve body. I say custom because many companies can "tune" for lack of a better word, your valve body to compliment your transmission and for how you want the trans to shift. A shift kit may jack up the line pressure as a stop-gap measure to prevent any more trans damage, but it lacks the built-in reliability and performance features inherent in an aftermarket valve body.



As far as single and triple disk torque converters go, there is a lot of differing opinion, much of it from competing companies, so I'm not going to try to start a trans war. All I will say is that you need to make a decision based on the information that trans companies (many of whom will do single or triple torque converters) give you.

 

[Reb.B]

if you don't have too many miles on the truck, through in a dave georand triple disk with lifetime warrenty and be done with it. You don't Need a V/B but they are nice when you are towing heavy and need to lock the T/C through the gears with the selector in the #1 or 2 spot.

 

[Underwood Tire]

Two words, Dave Goerend!!! 563-778-2719

i have one of dave's trannys. i called him and said i wanted it to hold 500hp and when it shifts i didn't want all of my cows to be at the rear of the trailer.

that thing shifts smoooooth as silk. give him a call

 

[Rattlin_Ram]

i have one of dave's trannys. i called him and said i wanted it to hold 500hp and when it shifts i didn't want all of my cows to be at the rear of the trailer.

that thing shifts smoooooth as silk. give him a call

You have his triple or single disc converter???

 

[Underwood Tire]

triple disc billet

 

[Reb.B]

i don't cares who's single it is, don't go with it. The triples don't shift harder, . . they LAST LONGER. Yah I know, "taste great, less filling, taste great, less filling"

 

[highland]

I just went with a single-disk converter from Dunrite. You can also get triple-disk from him, but will spend a bit more. The single-disk Dunrite is said to handle up to 450 HP which is more than I will put to it. Also used a trans-buddy kit (valve body modification kit) from Dunrite. The shift characteristics can be adjusted to shift firmer or softer. I am pleased with the whole set-up. The converter comes on lower and lock-up is definitely firmer and quicker. Talk to Tony at Dunrite before making a choice.

 

[Graphic man]

Full DTT with ATS triple loc. converter

 

[JoshPeters]

First of all... All the trans companies have their way of doing things. DTT is typically more firm when they shift. ATS's converters have a higher stall speed. Goerend, well you have to call and talk to him. I'll be honest, I'm a Goerends guy. BUT I have ridden in quite a few trucks that the trans have be done by him. Depending on what you want, you can get it. I've ridden in trucks that I could bairly feel the shifts. Mine is a touch more firm, but not near what the DTT or ATS's shift at.



It's all what you want. Call around, talk to the companies. They are all good. I will warn you, MOST of them will tell you to rebuild the transmission to save yourself the heartache of doing it later.



Josh

 

[TRAMPLINEMAN]

If you're doing any kind of towing or thinking about higher hp, don't even think of a single disc. I don't care who tells you what about a single, you won't be happy. Yes, I speak from experience. Do it right the first time. I listened to a "transmission" guy the first time and went with a single. After two torque converters, a demolished transmission, worn seals just about everywhere from shutter and $7000, I finally got it right. Goerends triple disc and Richard Brown valve body with billet shafts. Please, don't make the same mistakes I did.

 

[bmoeller]

Because of the low speed towing that I do, Dave Goerend and I both thought the triple disc would better. With lower line pressure at those RPMs that run doing that, we didn't want anything to slip.



What you want to use the truck for, will be the biggest factor as to whether you need a single or triple disc convertor.



As said before, the VB (and PCM) is what controls the shifting in the 47RE. The PCM has a "learning" strategy, as to how you drive. If you drive like an old man, it will shift softer. If you want to race or tow, it will learn that too, and change how firm it shifts.



It takes a few cycles to learn. I usually drive like an old guy, but if I tow or drive hard/shift manually, it firms right up and pushes you into the seat.



Goerends sells both single and triple disc units and can fine tune the VB for your needs.