Transmission Upgrades

[Holzarbeiter]

Allright here it goes,

I have searched the posts on this subject and with sticking to the rules i will not use any manufacturers names.

The truck in question has been with me for over 100,000 miles and has not had any major trans problems other than a reflash. Fluid has been changed at recommended intervals.

I tow a 9000 pound cargo trailer a couple of times a week and a 8000 pound travel trailer when ever i can get away. This load has been pulled since i recived the truck, i now added a comp box (without tapping the pump) and will stay at this until i have upgraded the transmission. I pull with pedal to the metal now to make some grades and in general pull at the upper spectrum of the speed limit , have even used OD going up grades ( read low line pressure) and have never experienced any problems in regards to slipping or erratic shifting .

Since i feel that i have a decent trans would i be able to just use a VB and a possibly a Converter? I cant see dumping 3-5 grand if i dont have to .

What other ubgrades can i do to insure extended transmission life with the pump tapped? Trans temp gauge is on the way.

Truck now has 126,000 and running strong

 

[Lsfarm]

Not recommended

I would never recommend a VB and TC only on a trans with over 20K on it much less with over 100K. There are too many built-in leaks and issues with a stock trans. Everytime a trans shifts or the TC locks there is wear. This wear is greatly increased when towing. The clutches have to drag down the engine rpm with each shift. The Cummins torque is trying to hold the rpm, the stock trans VB shifts slow and sloppy, this makes the shifts create even more clutch wear due to the longer slippage/engagement time.



Basically with your towing history, and with an added fueling box, you have recieved very good life from your trans. I would reward it and yourself with a full rebuild and a billet input shaft. [I won't do a trans without a billet input, too much of a gamble].



With new upgraded clutches, new TC lockup clutch, new seals, tighter clearances and a faster, firmer VB engaging the clutches you will get less wear per mile than with the stock trans, and get better performance too. With a full rebuild there a many internal leakage issues taken care of.



To try to cut corners on a towing trans using a well used core is a big gamble, if you get stranded hundreds of miles from a good trans shop then you will either have a huge towing bill or be at the mercy of whoever you have to pay to repair your internals, and then still only to stock standards. You will then be out thousands and still not have an upgraded transmission.



I'd go for a full rebuild, and not gamble. When I gambled with my very young trans ['01 truck], I snapped an input shaft just from the rear axle hopping over a rough spot on the freeway, with only mild power upgrades [edge EZ] and I was not towing. It cost me $200 to flatbed my truck home where a billet input shaft and upgraded clutches were waiting on the workbench. I also lost two days work income. I gambled and lost. I don't recommend it.



Just my experiences, Greg L