Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Transmission upgrades, where do I go?

[EButler]

I'm wanting to upgrade my trans. and converter and was wondering If someone could recommend someplace within a days drive for me. I live in north central Arkansas. Are there any shops in Little Rock or Memphis?

 

[WadePatton]

Black Mountain Diesel is located in Cynthiana KY, just north of Lexington. That should be a FULL days drive.

 

[phoekema]

transmission upgrade suggestions

I would highly recommend ATS. I had their converter and valve body installed by a local transmission shop that had never worked with their product before, but all went very well. So being near ATS is not really that important as long as you can locate a reputable transmission shop nearby.

Good luck with whatever choice you make. A good transmission upgrade will be like driving a different truck!!

 

[EButler]

Thanks,



I was thinking of The ATS set up. I have actually thought of doing the change myself. I just was wondering if there were anyone that may have done just this. I could do it If I had a little do's and don'ts to help me through.



What do you think? Any suggestions!

 

[jrandol]

Originally posted by EButler

Thanks,



I was thinking of The ATS set up. I have actually thought of doing the change myself. I just was wondering if there were anyone that may have done just this. I could do it If I had a little do's and don'ts to help me through.



What do you think? Any suggestions!

I actually talked to Clint on the phone a few times about doing this to try and save a few $$. He said if you have a little mechanical knowedge it can be done pretty easy. Give him a call, I bet he could tell you on the phone roughly what it takes to get the job done.

 

[WadePatton]

I wouldn't recommend taking on the job unless you have proper hoist and transmission jack and somebuddy with experience to help out if you have troubles.



Otherwise good tools and good sense and a helper can make it happen.



The crossmember is a bear.

 

[phoekema]

do it yourself or not?

Prior to having the local transmission shop install my ATS upgrades, I was seriously thinking of doing it myself. I have done lots of mechanical work on my vehicles over the years, but the one thing that swayed my mind was the sheer weight of the transfer case etc on a 3500. I talked with the guys at the transmission shop and they discouraged me if I didn't have access to a good hoist. They even claimed only one of their hoists was strong enough to safely lift a 1 ton diesel. I realize they were somewhat biased in that they probably wanted the business, but in the end, I had them do the install. They charged about $500. 00 and it was done in a day.

To me, I guess this was one of those times when having the proper tools and equipment makes the job much easier and less dangerous.

Paul H

 

[EButler]

$500. 00, I would pay that to have the change out done. The problem is finding a good enough shop to do it, one I can trust to do the job right. I talked to Clint sometime ago and he said, a shop in the Little Rock area installed one of their trans. for a customer, but the thing crapped out soon after. I'm not sure of all the details but Clint did say the shop just swapped out unit for unit and didn't do a complete flush of the system. This is what I would be afraid of. For example, I talked to the local dealer here about a fluid and filter change on my transmission. I asked him if they done a complete flush of the system. He just stated," no we have no means to do a flush, the procedure is to just drop the pan, check the filter for excessive particles, replace filter, and replace what fluid was lost. " I couldn't even pay extra for a complete flush If I wanted to. That's why I do the work myself, so I know its done right. I thought about getting the dealer to do the swap until they told me that. E. B.

 

[inarush76]

DTT-Dallas

I am an installer/builder for DTT near Dallas. Have been a trans builder since '74. Been a DTT installer since 2000. Do your research and choose what works for you. E-mail me your number and I'll give you a call or give Bill a call at DTT. 1-866-504-4002.

The drive home after the install is a lot more fun.

James

 

[rrausch]

Good thinking EButler. ATS is a great choice. I've had mine for 26,000 miles and it is great. Clint can ship either a complete trans anywhere, or send just the TC and VB and beefed-up internals to any decent shop. I know guys on this board have installed their own ATS Trans, but I am like phoekema, I'd rather have somebody good do it.

 

[klaybus]

DTT Auto

Bill at DTT has authorized builders & installers throughout the US & I'm sure theres one within a days drive of where your at! As everyone here says, do your homework & choose what works for you. www.dieseltrans.com





Clay