transmission upgrades for 48re

[RMalone]

First let me say TDR is awesome just found it the other day glad i did!

I also really appreciate all the experienced "oil heads" that take the time to help us newcomers.



Im convinced my 48re is not putting all of my power on the ground where it belongs. Ive got a banks six-gun w/speedloader and while i dont know how much slip Im getting, it always feels mushy to say the least.



Im curious about what options a man has for upgrading that transmission. I live in southeast michigan and would love to get the work done close to home rather than ripping the transmission out and shipping it somewhere. Can I get acceptable performance and durability on the cheap or should i get another job to pay for my needs... or are those wants! At a certain point there is no real difference

 

[JVolpe]

That is a question with many possible answers. I am deciding on 48re upgrades also. There are the big three Suncoast, ATS and DTT generally discussed in most of the diesel forums. I have talked to a owner who is going with a manufacturer in the northwest( Cant find my email for the name), that sent him a complete kit upgrade kit.



Generally most recommend at least Torque Converter and Valve Body. That appears to be minimum. From there Billet shafts, Lockup Commanders or just go to "Stage V" racing transmission with all Billet components.



I am leaning toward a DTT combination of TC, Valve Body, Billet Input shaft done by a highly recommended local performance shop. Part of my decision is cost. I believe that any of the manufacturers products when done correctly will do the job. Just have to determine what rwhp and torque you want the transmission to be able to handle.



Clear as mud, huh?

 

[OT-OF-HERE!!]

It depends,...

First let me say TDR is awesome just found it the other day glad i did!

I also really appreciate all the experienced "oil heads" that take the time to help us newcomers.



Im convinced my 48re is not putting all of my power on the ground where it belongs. Ive got a banks six-gun w/speedloader and while i dont know how much slip Im getting, it always feels mushy to say the least.



Im curious about what options a man has for upgrading that transmission. I live in southeast michigan and would love to get the work done close to home rather than ripping the transmission out and shipping it somewhere. Can I get acceptable performance and durability on the cheap or should i get another job to pay for my needs... or are those wants! At a certain point there is no real difference

The big issue is how have you driven your truck since you added aftermarket bombing. Your own honest evaluation of that should guide you to what you need to do on the transmission upgrade. If you have EVER full throttled it at max power and you experienced a slippage going from 3rd to OD (like the transmission went into limbo) then you have probably already toasted the OD clutches. If you ignore the few dozen times you have done that and also add to it some 4X4 locked up launches,... then your asking for expensive (doing the upgrades twice) kind of problems. Only you know. Assuming you drove it like your mama,. . a TC/VB will do unless your gonna do some racing in which case you need billet internals. I'd say call ATS, DTT, or Suncoast and tell them what you've got in power upgrades and how you've driven it so far and what you intend to do with the truck (pull, tow, race, just hot rod around) and they can tell you what you need. Pricing ought to be fairly similar.

 

[RMalone]

Thanks guys, very helpfull, I have certainly had the banks outfit at 6 and jumped all over it, truck seems to "float" if that makes sense, between 3rd and od. Probably have beatup that transmission a little. I figured the banks limits would help protect me but hell i don't know. I suppose I should sock some cash away and just go right to a "stage v" racing transmission since I seem incapable of resisting more power. Boy it sure was cheaper driving a gas 1/2ton chevy. but no where near as fun!!!

On a different note what is the proper way to launch a diesel. Seems like my truck has multiple personalities depending on how fast your going or how fast you "get into it". Thanks for any response, always curious.

 

[OT-OF-HERE!!]

"Float,...Limbo",..same thing

Thanks guys, very helpfull, I have certainly had the banks outfit at 6 and jumped all over it, truck seems to "float" if that makes sense, between 3rd and od. Probably have beatup that transmission a little. I figured the banks limits would help protect me but hell i don't know. I suppose I should sock some cash away and just go right to a "stage v" racing transmission since I seem incapable of resisting more power. Boy it sure was cheaper driving a gas 1/2ton chevy. but no where near as fun!!!

On a different note what is the proper way to launch a diesel. Seems like my truck has multiple personalities depending on how fast your going or how fast you "get into it". Thanks for any response, always curious.

You got it! That's what I was referring to. I guarantee you've got a bunch of wear on those OD clutches and you'll want to replace them. Your conclusion,. . Stage V is where I went also. Your 6-gun will seem like you have a bunch more power once it makes it to the ground. One more thing you'll need,... ATS Commander. It keeps you locked up in every gear,. . depending on how you adjust it. Even after a complete rebuild it still won't give you that snappy shift to OD without it. It's sweet.

 

[jsimpson]

Mods require mods. Bombing mandates transmission mods. Tighter torque convertor and valve body stiffening puts greater stress on the rest of the transmission. That mandates further transmission beefing up. That "mushiness" was designed in to enable the transmission to handle the STOCK torque. It's a never ending cycle... .