Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Valve body questions

[Hummin Cummins]

After some cooler heads prevailed, (thanks Joe G. ) I think I may have my transmission problem figured out.



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=74012



I'm going to call the "big 6" transmission dealers on the TDR about a valve body upgrade. I have no clue as to how they work and would like a non salesperson opinion on what to look for in a valve body. I have a new "stock" converter and upgraded seals in an otherwise stock transmission. There are no HP mods planned, the stock plate is slid forward all the way.



What questions should I ask of the dealer to help me decide who's v/b to go with?



If this is the problem, I'm gonna try the install myself.



Please, I dont care about vendor names, just clue me in on how to quiz these guys.

Thanks,

Chris

 

[fortunate1]

"What questions should I ask of the dealer to help me decide who's v/b to go with?"



Better yet: they should ask you. The ones who really care about making you happy in the long run are the ones who are going to make sure that the correct v/b configuration is matched with your driving habits/expectations. They should also ask you to "look into the future" a bit too. With answers about HP, loads, towing, racing, desired shift points, "how YOU drive", etc. the transmission builder can recommend the best v/b setup for YOU and your truck.



Anyhow, that was my experience 2-1/2 years (and 80K miles) ago.

 

[Rammin On]

fortunate1 is absolutlely right ... . get the VB tailored to what you use the truck for ... and keep in mind any future mods (if any) you might be considering.

 

[1dslram]

Hummin:

DTTwon't sell a VB alone, ATS will, Gorend Bros?, The Trans Shop will, or you could buy a kit and do it yourself. As far as I know without their convertor you won't get the best results with the ATS VB, as they don't raise the line pressure as much as you will need. I would check with the suppliers and make sure that their VB will work with your trans and convertor as the weak link will be your convertor.

Bruce

 

[Extreme1]

Describe the power mods you have and give an accurate power output the truck is at now. Discuss the use it will see (towing a huge 5th wheel up mountains or drag racing?) and tell them what kind of shift feel you'd like. Spend some time with the vendors and get a feel for what they will do (take notes) and how it will work. Get the one that you think will do what you want.



I agree with your opinions about salesman, if you aren't getting your questions answered satisfactorily, ask to speak to soomeone else or move on.

 

[Hummin Cummins]

Thanks for the help guys, but bad just went to worse. (or maybe better, depending on how I look at it)



Talked to Bill K today. He gave me a few more pressure tests to try. It seems that the v/b is functioning perfect. I can see and feel the spike in the pressure gauge when it is supposed to lock up. I tap the brakes and I can see the pressure drop when it unlocks. Bad thing is, I cant see any drop in rpm. :{ When I pulled out the temp sensor and put in the pressure line, I lost some fluid. I caught it in a clean bucket and was going to strain it through a paint strainer and put it back in. (Its only 2 day old fluid) I couldn't beleive all the black gunk looks like clutch material. I guess when the t/c gave up last month, It eventually took other stuff with it.



I guess I finally get my bombed transmission, just not how or when I wanted to.



Chris

 

[1dslram]

When Bill K gets a look at this TC I bet it is gone also these diesel's have too much torque for the stock TC. I was able to blow the stock unit in two short trips with my 5er. That was with the engine stock.

Bruce