Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) What transmission to use??????????????

[DPyles]

I know this is a pretty whooped horse, but I was wondering what trans. I should go with when I save up enough money. I have researched the various aftermarket dealers and I kind of leaning toward the DTT unit.

I had a crazy idea that I could put in an Allison transmission. Has anyone ever attempted this conversion? Would it bolt up to the adapter behind the engine? How about the transfer case?

Did these trucks ever come with an Allison in them. I am not too schooled on the newer trucks.

If anyone has had any experience or done any research on this I would like to know about more about the swap.

Thanks again.

:-laf

 

[Cummins Thunder]

A DTT will work well. As for the Allison... you want one? go buy a Chevy. When people start doing conversions, they usually seem to have way too much time and MONEY.

 

[bmoeller]

Can see what I have in my sig. Great trans, and Dave has great customer service. www.gbtransmissions.com



Heck, I could probably even drop it off to you. :-laf I get out your way off and on.

 

[DPyles]

Well, as for too much time and too much money I have neither. Which is why I want the best and longest lasting trans. for my money and time. I don't like spending money on sub-standard equipment only to have to do it over again. If an Allison swap isn't too costly I would consider that. I feel they are as well known for their durability as Cummins. I am only asking for advice from people who have had good and bad experiences with different options. I try to make informed decisions anymore. It has cost me in the past by not researching things.



If I had wanted a Chevrolet I would have bought one.



BMoeller, I have considered the Goerends transmission but have not gotten round to calling them. I will be in touch with them soon I hope. I can put the transmission in myself I believe without much trouble. I don't want to drive 4 or 5 hours to have to sit in someones shop all day because they have to be trained by a certain manufacturer to install their components. I am very capable mechanicaly and with some prompting I can install it with no trouble. Besides I like learning about my truck and doing things yourself allows me to gain much knowledge about things. Did you install yours yourself? How long have you had your trans? I have read on the DTT website about the "problems" with the multidisc converters. I think I would like to go with the single disc converter when I finally purchase something.

Thank you for your help.

Dan.

 

[bmoeller]

Well, as for too much time and too much money I have neither. Which is why I want the best and longest lasting trans. for my money and time. I don't like spending money on sub-standard equipment only to have to do it over again.

That is why I recommended Dave. Best bang for the buck. IIRC, Haisley Machine sells/installs DTT and Goerend. I pretty sure they wouldn't sell junk.

BMoeller, I have considered the Goerends transmission but have not gotten round to calling them. I will be in touch with them soon I hope. I can put the transmission in myself I believe without much trouble.

If you want to install it yourself, it really isn't that hard. Would suggest using a lift, if you have one available. I've done it without one, and it is a real PITA. At minimum, I would get the truck on some railroad ties, or other tall blocks for more clearance/room. Will need it to even slide the trans out from under the truck. If you run into a snag, or just have a question, Dave will talk you through it.



I had my transmission installed at Dave's shop. I could've done it myself, but they got it done quicker, even though he is 3 1/2hrs away. I don't have a lift, and I didn't want to have to fight doing it again, like I did with my old Ford. Just not enough room for big ol' me without one. :-laf I also needed some other new parts at the same time (lines and what not), and got them from Dave as well.



Dave does have a single disk T/C as well. I went with the triple because of the low speed towing I do, other-wise a single might have been just fine for me. Have yet to have a problem with mine at all. IIRC, it is a Limited Lifetime warranty on the T/C and Limited 100k miles on the H/D transmission, so you really can't go wrong. Oo.



Have had the transmission for almost 2yrs and 25k miles, and putting down over 363hp to the ground.



IIRC, Bobcat698 has a Goerend trans in his pulling truck, and that is probably the only thing on his drivetrain he HASN'T broken, yet. :-laf

 

[smokinrod]

HTT the best for the best $$$$$$$$$$$

 

[EWhite]

DPyles,

I am currently looking into the ''allison thing'', myself. I know for a fact that Bluebird buses used a 5. 9 cummins and an allison trans. since the late 80's-early90's. We have a school bus salvage yard close to where I live and I plan to do some investigation.

 

[Bandit1]

look in the conversions forum, a guy just put a built allison behind a cummins in his ram. i love my dtt, i will handle everything i can ever throw at it.

 

[pwerwagn]

Allison conversions have been done. quite a few of them actually. I dont think there is much reasearch left to be done.

There is even a guy who will do it for you, and just sell the parts. I cant find his page, I used to have it bookmarked.



For my money, I will stick with a 47 (RE or RH) Variant (DTT, GB, Suncoast, ATS, etc).



-Jeff

 

[Bandit1]

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?t=156686



all you want to know right here.

 

[zstroken]

I will second the Goerend. I have video of what his convertors and VBs can take. Ask smokin rod he saw a video with a 90sec spool up time.

 

[smokinrod]

I will not argue that one, I would say it is between Goerend and HTS , DTT should be in there to, but stay far away from Suncoast those no warrenty B#$%%#$%. Sorry I couldn't resist

 

[Bobcat698]

I third Goerend Brothers Transmissions suggestion, call Dave, he'll take the time to talk to you and won't sell you anything you don't need.

Tell him Garrett, Dan, and Bmoeller sent ya!

 

[zstroken]

I dealt with HTS on some transmission Blankets I have heard others comment on the good service they offer. Gave me their cell phone numbers told me to call if I had any questions on how they went on. LOL It was a great guesture, but if I can't figure out how to put a transmission blanket on, I shouldn't be pulling. LOL

 

[JPittinger]

Dave helped me put my torn down transmission back together with his parts... on a Saturday morning... that interupted breakfast with his family. Oh, and he didn't sell me overpriced parts I didn't need; his single disk will hold 500hp. You CANNOT go wrong calling Dave.

 

[Deejayare]

i agree with the other postings above. i would be very careful to pay attention to the cautionary note. people love their DTT trans.



i'm a huge Goerend fan. i can't tell you all the things dave has done for me. i burnt my first trans to a crisp plowing parking lots due to low speeds and lack of aux. cooler. i then proceeded to drive the slipping half broke trans for three months cuz i'm a lazy sloth.



i called dave told him what i did. he offered to replace it at his shop or ship one to the local shop of my choice free of charge.



i've never seen customer service even close to that.

 

[MRector]

Ill have to fourth going with Dave. 13k so far with my foot always flat on the floor, lock-up shifts up and down, pullin', 441 rwhp and NOT A WHIMPER from the transmission!!!! One of my local diesel shop owners used to install ats trannies until he rode in mine, now he sells Goerend trannies. Dave thanked me for drumming him up some buisness, Ive helped sell like 10-15 units just by giving people rides, and word of mouth.



my. 02

mikey rector