Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) What is the best way to go for a transmission?

[bsappington]

I realize now that I need to do some upgrades to my transmission. Money is always a problem so I am trying to figure out what is the most cost effective way to go. I want to be able to tow with my O. D. on. I think the heaviest thing I tow is my 32ft travel trailer at about 12,000 lbs. Does anyone have any suggestion about what to do with this 47re?



Thanks,



Ben

 

[Joe Mc]

Without mentioning vendor specifics - I'd suggest the most cost effective method is to go full tilt and do the whole thing - do it right once - emphasis on the right and double on the once. It may be expensive to do it this way but, it's way cheaper to do it once, than 2 or 3 times half fast - MHO

 

[SnoKing]

I realize now that I need to do some upgrades to my transmission. Money is always a problem so I am trying to figure out what is the most cost effective way to go. I want to be able to tow with my O. D. on. I think the heaviest thing I tow is my 32ft travel trailer at about 12,000 lbs. Does anyone have any suggestion about what to do with this 47re?



Thanks,



Ben

Your sig does not have your gear ratio. If you have 3. 55, then towing in O. D. is a bit of an issue. With my 4:10, I can tow my 11,250 5er fine on most freeways in O. D. . I second doing it once and doing it right. SNOKING

 

[bsappington]

I will add it to my signature. The gears I have now are 3. 54.



I agree that doing the whole thing at once is the way to go. The reason that I am wondering which way to go is I see some very big price differences in the different companies that are around. I am leaning towards the BD tran mission, however when I go to the web site there are so many different options and I want to make sure that I get what I need. I believe the engine is putting down 350 horspower to the ground. I want something that can handle this. I also would like to make better use of my exhaust brake. I was wondering if it could be modified to work in lower gears.

 

[SnoKing]

I will add it to my signature. The gears I have now are 3. 54.



I agree that doing the whole thing at once is the way to go. The reason that I am wondering which way to go is I see some very big price differences in the different companies that are around. I am leaning towards the BD tran mission, however when I go to the web site there are so many different options and I want to make sure that I get what I need. I believe the engine is putting down 350 horspower to the ground. I want something that can handle this. I also would like to make better use of my exhaust brake. I was wondering if it could be modified to work in lower gears.

DTT will set it up to work in 2nd gear, and you should have a smart controller to keep in locked. Snoking

 

[Tiger Rag]

For towing, it would be hard to beat Dave Goerend's transmission for price, reliability, customer service and warranty. There are other very good transmissions out there but Goerend's would be hard to beat for the money. If you were drag racing, you might look at other options too.



The BD transmission's are probably fine, but I'd check and see how Goerend's prices compare. I have many BD products and they are pretty solid, and have good customer service, but from what I have directly heard from friends and otherwise have read in forums, Goerends cust serv and standing by his product is top notch.



Other good options are ATS, DTT, Suncoast, and HTS.



Good luck, Matt

 

[JoshPeters]

I second what Tiger had to say.



Josh

 

[Bandit1]

do it once do it right, ride in trucks that have different trans and pick the right one. go all out and you wont have to rebuild it again for a long time.

 

[JPope]

Talk to the guys you are considering, get their advice, follow the advice!

I think one of the important things to consider is having a close installer, assuming you aren't doing it yourself, so if an issue comes up it can be more easily checked out by someone who knows the issues, has the tools for diagnosis, and can communicate with the builder without I think, you think, etc.



The trans issues most read about seem to be not following the trans builders advise , mixing parts , and misdiagnosis , leading to frustration, etc. so the experience is bad for both sides!



I made my choice, as others have, and though they were different, we all seem to be happy and satisfied!!!

 

[zstroken]

I think Richard from Brown's diesel put down over 800HP thru a Goerend transmission. Definately worth a look.

 

[bsappington]

I was originally thinking of going with BD but after some reshearch DTT was looking like an option. I have tried to call Goerend's twice today but I keep getting the message that they are on the phone. So far I like what I see on there web site. Because of my location (Seattle, Wa. ) I believe I will be installing the transmission myself . I was wondering if anyone had any idea of what kind of price I am looking at. I do tow a lot, mostly my jeep and car trailer at about 5000 lbs. plus my camper at another 3000 lbs. or my travel trailer at 10,000 lbs. I would like to add a set of injectors to the list of modifications to my truck. From what I understand it works well with the Banks Power Pack. I would also like to be able to tow in O. D. and not worry about spraying parts.

 

[SnoKing]

I was originally thinking of going with BD but after some reshearch DTT was looking like an option. I have tried to call Goerend's twice today but I keep getting the message that they are on the phone. So far I like what I see on there web site. Because of my location (Seattle, Wa. ) I believe I will be installing the transmission myself . I was wondering if anyone had any idea of what kind of price I am looking at. I do tow a lot, mostly my jeep and car trailer at about 5000 lbs. plus my camper at another 3000 lbs. or my travel trailer at 10,000 lbs. I would like to add a set of injectors to the list of modifications to my truck. From what I understand it works well with the Banks Power Pack. I would also like to be able to tow in O. D. and not worry about spraying parts.

Given that you live in Seattle, it is a no brainer to make the drive North to DTT. Many of us have!!! SNOKING

 

[paulb]

Given that you live in Seattle, it is a no brainer to make the drive North to DTT. Many of us have!!! SNOKING

I agree with SNOKING. I am a lot farther then that, and it was well worth the trip!

 

[Regcabguy]

Go North young man.

I agree with SNOKING. I am a lot farther then that, and it was well worth the trip!

Cross the border and let the experts dial you in. They won't release it until it's right.

 

[CCahill]

I, too, can't say enuf about DTT... the service is very good... and the trans they build have held up to a lot of abuse, and even more daily driving... .

 

[AFarmer]

I'm getting ready to do an upgrade with 47 and put an ATS flexplate in front of it and put a 48re VB under the whole thing. DTT has sure been great to me and I too can't say enough about how great they are an how great my transmission performs. I drive my truck like it owes me money. I'm driving over 600rwhp like I stole it... . you make the choice.