Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) What transmission mods do I need to run a Edge Comp?

[jebia]

Just replaced my failed Edge EZ with a Comp, would like to take full advantage of the Comp's settings (5X5). Do I need to replace my stock transmission with a complete aftermarket heavy duties (DTT, etc. )? Or can I get away with spending less by modifying my stock transmission (valve body, etc. )?



Thanks in advance.



Jon

Albuquerque

 

[JBlackwell]

Well, people on the board here have different opinions on this subject. If you want mine opinion, I am wanting to do the same thing your doing now. I have an '00 auto. , with RV 275's and want an Edge Comp, but need to address the transmission first. In my situation, I am going to buy an aftermarket TC and VB because, I have put all of the 95,000 miles on my truck and have taken very special care of my transmission, serviced every 25-32K, just had normal wear according to the magnet in the pan, never experienced a shudder when towing, and 93K of the 95K on the truck has been bone stock. I just can't justify $3,500 for a new transmission when I can spend a lot less and it do the same job. I am not running twins or nothing, probably not thinking of having more then 400rwhp, so a VB and TC will do me in my opinion.



Now, another thing I have been thinking about and I am not really sure if it will hold is a B&M performance kit and also a TCI torque converter. The TCI is in the jegs book and it is better then stock from what I can see, but don't think it is better then the other ones like DTT, ATS, Suncoast, etc. , BUT maybe it might be good enough. They are only $375 in jegs. And the B&M kit is like $50, so for around $450-$475 shipped to your door, you will have a better then stock TC and a kit to up your line pressure. Is it worth it? I have no idea. Is it worth a try? I am still thinking on that question.



JD

 

[paulb]

Just replaced my failed Edge EZ with a Comp, would like to take full advantage of the Comp's settings (5X5). Do I need to replace my stock transmission with a complete aftermarket heavy duties (DTT, etc. )? Or can I get away with spending less by modifying my stock transmission (valve body, etc. )?



Thanks in advance.



Jon

Albuquerque

It depends a lot on what you will be using your truck for, but my advice would be to do it once, and do it right. In my case when I hooked up the pump wire on the comp box, it would slip going into overdrive with the tc locked up. I thought it was the converter clutch, but it turned out to actually be the overdrive clutch slipping. A different tc would not help that. Keep in mind that going with a performance transmission is also a performance upgrade not just a durability issue. Mine drives so much better now then it did with the stock transmission.



Paul

 

[jebia]

Thaks Paul and JD,

Thaks Paul and JD,



JD, Since you seem to know how to install the parts, I see your point. I did my 275 injectors, but a transmission is way over my head.



Paul, I'm leaning on getting the whole transmission, who do you recommend (was that $3500 installed)? I experienced the same slipping in overdrive when I experimented with any setting over "2x". For now I am staying with setting "1x5" until I address the transmission issue.



thanks,



Jon

Albuquerque 85k miles

 

[RCone]

The TC is the weak link! If it goes out it will surely take your transmission with it from the debris from the TC. Money is always a concern and I understand where you are coming from. I would buy an aftermarket TC and valve body and adjust your bands. Then you should be good to go for awhile unless you up the injector size.



Roger

 

[paulb]

Thaks Paul and JD,



JD, Since you seem to know how to install the parts, I see your point. I did my 275 injectors, but a transmission is way over my head.



Paul, I'm leaning on getting the whole transmission, who do you recommend (was that $3500 installed)? I experienced the same slipping in overdrive when I experimented with any setting over "2x". For now I am staying with setting "1x5" until I address the transmission issue.



thanks,



Jon

Albuquerque 85k miles

Jon,

I am very happy with the one that I have (see sig). I have over 180 1/4 mile passes on it this year, and it has performed without a problem. If I were you just give the major companies a call, and ask questions. Go with whom ever you feel the most comfortable with. If you get a chance try and get with someone and drive a truck with that transmission in it. If you lived closer, you would be more then welcome to drive mine...



Paul

 

[DieselLady]

Wow. I have a comp box in my 99 and I would highly suggest if you want to get all the power that it will Put out to the ground you need to do the transmission right. Also if you are ever going to pull with your truck and use an e brake you need to be able to lock up the torque converter in 1st and 2nd which you can't do with a "better than stock" trans. Plus if you start bumping up line pressure in order to keep the tc from slipping you will put added stress on the pump. If you are going to do it and you want to be happy I would recommend going with ATS. I have the converter and valve body and pull and 36' triple slip up the grapevine at 55 mph in 3rd with my comp box on the #3 setting. You can also get the commander from ATS which locks the converter at selected speeds as low as 18 mph. It works fantastic. I played a bit the other day at the race track, and pulled a 15. 7 time in the 1/4 mile and it was a blast. So you can have fun and still tow without worry if you spend a little extra for the best. Remember, "pay me now, or pay me later". Happy hunting.

 

[LOtero]

in alb

hey bud, i am in the same situation, i have an edge ez, exhaust, intake leveling kit and 35s i am getting a lil worried that it is a lil too much for the stock slushbox, i am looking into getting a dtt transmission sometime down the road (the kids dont really need shoes do they?) and am looking at possibly doing a valve body on mine as well. reason i post is because it looks like you are a few steps ahead of me and you are in albuquerque like i am so... if you need help with anything or just wanna meet up, let me know. i would like to check out your set up and like i said i can turn a wrench so let me know if you need an extra hand

luis

 

[brooks]

I upgrade to a Full DTT, my mechanic walked me through the changes and the reasons why--it was a no brainer. I did TC, Heavy duty Clutches, VB, billet input. I pull about 12,000 lbs through the eastern hills. I am in the process of adding a Comp. The truck never pulled better and the transmission never shifted better. I have no worries about getting standed or running the comp at 5.

 

[jebia]

Luis, Glad to hear of another Albuquerque TDR member (another member helped with my 275 injector install). Give me a call (505-228-8672) and we can talk more.



Jon

 

[jebia]

Well after much investigation (and help from this resgistry), I decided on a complete DTT transmission. DTT informed me of an "DTT experienced assembly" tech in my town. Oo. Since I was fortunate enough to have a DTT transmission tech in town, DTT was able to assemble the required parts and have them shipped to the local DTT tech. The local tech will dis-assemble my transmission (served me well for the last 85K miles) and re-assemble to DTT specs. This saved some of the shipping costs of ordering a complete transmission and returning the "core". It was also less cost (and hassle) than driving up to DTT in BC. Canda and having it done there.



I should have the upgrade completed in the next 2 to 3 weeks. I can't wait (not having to worry about my transmission).



Jon

Albuquerque

 

[diesel DOG]

what was the cost for the parts and install if you don't mind? Thanks!

 

[Snow man]

jebia,congratulations,! You have made a fine choice,im sure you will love your trans after it gets the full DTT treatment.

Jblackwell,I read your post,and while you may have taken great care of your trans,i feel you are really rolling the dice asking it to hold a comp on 5x5,and 275s. It may hold it for a short time,but eventually it will fail. I know both B&M ,and TCI have been in the trans performance business for a long time,but they dont have the experience building these transmissions to hold up behind a cummins like Bill Kondolay does. If your going to have the trans out for a tc swap,why not spend a few bucks and at least get it checked out. I would have it gone thru by a DTT installer,and upgrade/rebuilt. It is less expensive than doing the tc/vb,then 6 months later needing a tow,and and having to have it all done again,+ a full rebuild but now the tc/vb you bought are contaminated because you welded 3rd (weak seal,hi line pressure over 100 miles). What im trying to say is since you are so good with maintenance,do it once,and do it right. I know it sounds like a lot of $$,but its cheaper than doing it twice,and paying twice.