Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) transmission upgrade

[GPendergast]

I have a 98 & 1/2 Dodge Ram 2500 24 Valve Cummins Turbo Diesel, automatic trans. I'm looking at beefing up the transmission so I can install an exhaust brake (which one is best)? Also would like to install a 4" exhaust, if possible. Not interested in making a 'hot rod', just want stronger transmission and better exhaust. What would you suggest?

 

[1FSTDSL]

You opened a can of worms here. :-{} I have tried both ATS and DTT, there is a difference. I do feel one is definately superior to the other. Send me a PM if you want more details.

 

[hammersley]

This ott'a be good... ... .

 

[rrausch]

I upgraded to the ATS Stage IV 2 years ago when I had 107,000 miles on my truck. I've got 146,000 on it now with absolutely zero problems. I feel ATS has done the most thorough job of engineering of all the Performance Trans. Builders. They re-engineer, heat-treat, cyrogenically treat, or beef-up many many internal components of the stock trans. Here is the thread I posted when I got my ATS. It explains a lot about their upgrade.



https://www.turbodieselregister.com...?threadid=40441&highlight=experience+with+ATS



ALso, I have the Pacbrake, and I like it. There is a steep, two mile mountain blacktop with switch-backs I had to descend every 2 weeks for almost a year, and I loved not having to use my service brakes the whole time--I just locked it up in 2nd gear and enjoyed myself.

 

[rrausch]

In re-reading your post, if all you want to do is use an exhaust brake, you don't need the entire ATS upgrade. You can get by with some Valve Body mods and a Mystery Switch. Does your engine have the 60# valve springs, if not, you'll need those too.



But I can tell you, I used my E. B. a lot more after I got my ATS. It was easier and better, and I didn't have to constantly throw the Mystery Switch.



How many miles does your trans have on it?

 

[SEmerson]

A new VB and a DTT smart controller would be the ticket.

 

[GPendergast]

I have 115,000 miles on the transmission. What you posted sounds very good. Thanks for the info. What are your thoughts on the 4" exhaust?



What is DTT?

 

[Lsfarm]

Upgrade

DTT: www.dieseltrans.com



Where are you located?? If you could fill in your signature we could help you better.



If you are in the Great Lakes region, you are welcome to test drive my truck with the smart controller to feel how a good trans upgrade will feel and drive.



Hope this helps



Greg L The Noise Nazi

 

[GPendergast]

Thanks for the website. Was unsure about the signature since this being my first time using the Roundtable.

 

[jerrethomas]

If you use the "search" function, you will get all the info you need on this. that way we can keep this thread under control.