transmission upgrade question

[s.hale]

I have 16,000 miles on my 2004. 5 CTD, 48RE, 12,000 of which were heavy towing (22,000 gcwr) in very mountainous terrain. My transmission got hot once using first gear in spurts to help braking. I now plan to put on an e-brake and do at least a TC & VB upgrade. The vendor said if there was a lot of metal in the pan then I might need to go to the whole new transmission option.

I pulled the pan and there was about 1/8" to 3/16" of gummy metal attached to the magnet and a trace next to the magnet in the pan.



I know this means wear, but is it enough to justify a whole new transmission?



If i just do the TC & VB option, will there be metal floating around which will harm the new upgrades?



Thanks

 

[bmoeller]

If what is on your plug looks more like a paste, and not bits/chuncks of metal, you should be fine. Particularly, if you haven't changed the oil before. There will be some from break-in.



How hot, is hot? Sounds like you need an exhaust brake.

 

[DPKetchum]

The stuff you describe in the pan is normal.

 

[TCDiesel]

The debris you describe is normal ,Look closley At the VB is it dark dark BLack material on it, A small amount is fine , As far as Hot ,How Hot, How long. Also pressure testing might reveal a problem,Just a visual just may not reveal Damage or blow-by. A commander with the new E-Brake is a good feature.