Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Transmission rebuild for 24 valve automatic

[Tuglife]

Good day... my 2001 with 120,000 miles is in need of a rebuild; looking for opinions from people that have had their transmission rebuilt... parts used, satisfaction with rebuild, and $$$ it cost for rebuild (parts & labor). I'm looking for it to withstand 400 horsepower without having something built that is way over the top and out of my budget.



Thanks in Advance,

Nick

 

[HBarlow]

You may not like my answer.

400 hp probably means about 800 - 900 ft. /lbs. of torque, maybe more. A cheap neighborhood rebuilder who does ordinary rebuilds may give you promises but to have a transmission capable of handling that kind of power and last awhile you're going to spend some money.

One of the best transmission builders around is Diesel Transmission Technology (DTT) in Abbotsford, BC north of you. Bill and Stefan Kondolay. I had a 48RE built a few years ago by a TX builder using all the high-priced DTT parts to withstand daily heavy towing. The price in 2007 was about $6400. Not cheap. I could probably have had a good transmission for less but I asked for all the bullet proof parts.

 

[BigPapa]

Here we go, the great transmission debate... ... ... .

My opinion, and what I have in my truck, is a stock rebuild with a Goerend valve body, triple disc TC, billet input shaft, and billet band anchor. I'm in the neighborhood of 375-400hp and I love this transmission. You're looking at @ $3000 in parts.

AND, you will not beat Goerends customer service.

 

[VolsFan]

Not sure what modifications you are putting on the truck as far as programmers, injectors, etc. , but on my old 99 I had the trans rebuilt w/ kevlar bans, transgo shift kit and a bd valve body, I forget what the torque convertor was, it wasnt anything too fancy. Parts and labor was in the $2000 range. This was 6 yrs ago though atleast. It suited my needs for the near 100k I owned it before I sold it. I had several programmers on the truck, but mainly a quadzilla and rv275s, and it always shifted tight and firm. Also, spend the extra money and run synthetic trans fluid once you get it rebuilt.

 

[RClark]

i used the whole BD package, tray, converter and most importantly, a heavy duty flex plate. i lost another tray years ago because I didn't replace it.

 

[BarryG]

I also used DTT with no regrets. I had my original transmission rebuilt at 110k miles. It has seen an additional 185k miles now since it was rebuilt and no problems to date. I have had 390 hp with 890ft lbs at least according to a couple dyno sheets from back in 03 or 04 when I had the transmission work done and it hasnt changed much since then. I dont race, I do tow but I wouldnt call it heavy nor do I drive it like a race car. For the last five years it has not been my daily driver and only sees about 10k miles a year. So while my truck lives a somewhat easy life compared to many on here the DTT transmission has held up fantastic so far. I do a yearly fluid and filter change as well as check the band adj.

 

[Tuglife]

Thanks for all the input guys, I appreciate it! I think I'm going to go with the rebuild kit from DTT. Does anybody know what I might expect to pay for the labor cost at a transmission shop if I provide the parts???

 

[HBarlow]

Thanks for all the input guys, I appreciate it! I think I'm going to go with the rebuild kit from DTT. Does anybody know what I might expect to pay for the labor cost at a transmission shop if I provide the parts???

I don't remember ever seeing a break down of parts and labor for my rebuild. I think I paid an arm and a leg for labor but it is a specialized skill so the builder is not going to work cheap. If you decide on a DTT parts list you should use an authorized DTT builder. You'll have to take it Bill or Stefan Kondolay or check their website for one of their authorized builders. If they don't list builders on their site call them and ask to name one close to you. That's the way I found the builder who built mine.

Don't make the mistake of buying all those high-priced parts then use a local rebuilder who has experience with worn out old original transmissions and none with high performance upgraded 47 or 48REs. The results will not be satisfactory and you'll forfeit a parts warranty.

 

[Tuglife]

Harvey, Thank you so very much for the information... I want my rebuild done rite the first time... . I will give them a shout on Monday and ask them for somebody in my area.

Have a great weekend!
Nick

 

[HBarlow]

Nick,

Keep us posted on the rest of the story.

 

[RonaldLarson]

By far, as important as parts quality, is the torque converter choice. Many failures start at that point. I highly recommend a transmission lockup controller. You control the lockup speed, unlock speed, get second gear lockup, and much reduced fluid temperature. I got mine from ATS in Wheatridge, Co. eleven years ago, and it has been fail proof and probably saved my transmission. I also have their triple disc converter.

 

[champspa]

I've had it done a couple of times about every 110k . now at 290000 I'm a lot easier on the transmission no more shifting down at full power ( which was the reason for the last build , rung the main shaft and did quite a bit more) . it's a good transmission and was intended for a lot less hp and torque than I now have if you want it to last treat it good and it will be fine . there are some on this site with 300k on the originals .

 

[BEE]

I too have been very happy with our full DTT rebuild. We have a 2001 3500 that does double duty hauling a Bigfoot camper while towing a two horse trailer. It's set up with a mellow converter (89%?) and their Livestock Valve Body. The motor has DD2's and and Edge EZ. Cost was up there, but it has been bullet proof for 10 years and 100K miles. It just now started leaking slightly, but I think it should be a simple fix.

Does anyone know if DTT has new contact info? I can't seem to get through to them via 866-504-4002 or dttdieselperformance@yahoo. ca.

 

[Sticks]

By far, as important as parts quality, is the torque converter choice. Many failures start at that point. I highly recommend a transmission lockup controller. You control the lockup speed, unlock speed, get second gear lockup, and much reduced fluid temperature. I got mine from ATS in Wheatridge, Co. eleven years ago, and it has been fail proof and probably saved my transmission. I also have their triple disc converter.

One of the very lucky few. I'd only recommend them at the bottom of my list after a salvage yard swap.

 

[Walleye mike]

you will not beat Goerends customer service

 

[chipster]

GOEREND is guru for our trannys ! I have two 06 rams and had goerend do both of them. I tow a 10k lb tongue pull and don't want problems. My warranty is 3 years or 100k miles. As mentioned, their customer service is excellent. They do have names of builders that will do yours and they are familiar with the Goerend parts. Call Dave or Darla for more info. Check out the feedback for Goerend you might be surprised in a good way.
I do not demean other builders and am sure that there are others that are excellent, just offering my experience fwiw.
Chip

 

[chipster]

GOEREND is guru for our trannys ! I have two 06 rams and had goerend do both of them. I tow a 10k lb tongue pull and don't want problems. My warranty is 3 years or 100k miles. As mentioned, their customer service is excellent. They do have names of builders that will do yours and they are familiar with the Goerend parts. Call Dave or Darla for more info. Check out the feedback for Goerend you might be surprised in a good way.

I do not demean other builders and am sure that there are others that are excellent, just offering my experience fwiw.

Chip