Which Torque Converter is Best?

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I plan on upping the power output in the near future with the banks 24v kit and am wondering if the Torque converter should be replaced. Does anyone have experience with the Pro Loc Converter, unit looks real awesome to me. How about the converter from TST, has anyone used this? Who actually makes the TST converter? Thanks in advance for any replies.

 

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Isn't it lonely waiting for a reply to a really deep question? I'm waiting for the answer too. good luck

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98. 5 24v auto 3. 54, Westin nerfs, fold-a-cover, Lund visor, NAPA backup lites

 

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Had a BD low-stall torque converter installed in my '97 along with a Banks Stinger+. Once off the line, she really hauled butt. I have a 3:54 and then installed 35" tires. This lowered my ratio to about a 3:10 or a 3:00. After my trip to Yellowstone (6,000 ft. )she would not pull off the as well. I took it back to The Power Shop who installed it. They were great. They said to wait a month that BD was designing a new torque converter for the Cummins. The problem I was having is the low-stall converter was to low and was locking up before the boost was high enough to deliver the power. BD was aware of this and was designing a new one. It was a medium-stall. The Power Shop,being the "stand up guys that they are" installed the new one at NO CHARGE in 3 hours, while I waited. All cheers to The Power Shophttp://www.thepowershop.com) in Enumclaw, WA. The new convertwer is awesome and I highly recommend it... ...

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1997, Cummins, 4X4, 2500 Emerald Green, SLT Laramie, Tan Leather, ClubCab, Auto, 3. 54LSD, Tow Package, Camper Package, Banks Stinger Plus, 2" Rancho Suspension Lift, Rancho RS 9000's Shocks, Bushwhacker Flares, 35" BFG Mudders, 16. 5 x 9. 75 Outlaw II Alloys, Jacobs Exhaust Brake, BD Torque-Lock, BD Valve Body, BD Medium Stall Torque Converter, Rhino Liner, Smittybuilt Nerf Bars, K&N Air Filter, Rancho RS 5000 Steering Stabilizer, 5000lb. Air Bags, Aero Under Seat Tool Box, Mopar Bug Deflector, Emerald Green Century Cap, Husky Liner Floor Mats, Pyrometer, Boost, Trans Temp Gauges, Halogen Backup Lights.

 

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Right on Brad! Several weeks ago (or so) when I was at The PowerShop (in my home town of Enumclaw, WA. ), Mike (parts man) was telling me of BD's new "medium" stall TC they had just gotten in. He showed it to me and stated it was to be installed in a customers Ram the following day (their first installation of this newly released TC). I'll bet that was your Ram he was talking about. When I was at The PowerShop the other day I asked for feedback on driving impressions by the owner of the previously stated Ram; I was told they hadn't received any, other than the test drive by the customer. Thank you for posting your driving impressions here. The entire crew at The PowerShop are very skilled professionals with the highest ethics, providing exemplary customer service and satisfaction (and I'm probably the pickiest customer they have... just ask Mike or Chuck!)

I have been considering BD's new "medium" stall TC as well as the Sun Coast Pro-Loc TC for my Ram. One of these days I will make a decision.

Brad, are you going to Dyno Days on the 30th?

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'98. 5 2500 QC 4x4, (black) SLT Sport, ISB, LWB, 3. 54 LSD, auto. , 275 hp. injectors, Glasstite Vision II "canopy", 285 BFG A/Ts on 16x8 M/T Challengers, Warn 4X Boards, Mopar fender flares, front and rear NW Custom stainless steel/rubber mud flaps, Mag-Hytec diff. cover and trans. pan, Edelbrock IAS shocks, VDO Vision gauges, BD exhaust brake and TorqLoc.

 

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John,
I your going to a Torque Converter, you just have to install the BD Valve Body. I think it was $400 installed. It is a truly awesome product! No more slush box shifting, lower transmission temps and longer transmission life are a few of the benefits. In fact, I believe, if you are an automatic owner, the BD Valve Body will provide you with the most bang for your buck, beating out all other upgrades. This is a "Honey, I just gotta have it" item. You cannot deprive yourself from this one.....

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1997, Cummins, 4X4, 2500 Emerald Green, SLT Laramie, Tan Leather, ClubCab, Auto, 3. 54LSD, Tow Package, Camper Package, Banks Stinger Plus, 2" Rancho Suspension Lift, Rancho RS 9000's Shocks, Bushwhacker Flares, 35" BFG Mudders, 16. 5 x 9. 75 Outlaw II Alloys, Jacobs Exhaust Brake, BD Torque-Lock, BD Valve Body, BD Medium Stall Torque Converter, Rhino Liner, Smittybuilt Nerf Bars, K&N Air Filter, Rancho RS 5000 Steering Stabilizer, 5000lb. Air Bags, Aero Under Seat Tool Box, Mopar Bug Deflector, Emerald Green Century Cap, Husky Liner Floor Mats, Pyrometer, Boost, Trans Temp Gauges, Halogen Backup Lights.

 

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For all those looking for mechanical repairs or upgrades for there Rams in the Western Washington area, I highly recommend The Power Shop Enumclaw, WA. (http://www.thepowershop.com) These guys are extremely knowledgable with top-notch customer service skills and business ethics. This is very hard to find now days. I just felt compelled to give these guys the kudos they deserve and the opportunity for others to have the positive experience I have had.

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1997, Cummins, 4X4, 2500 Emerald Green, SLT Laramie, Tan Leather, ClubCab, Auto, 3. 54LSD, Tow Package, Camper Package, Banks Stinger Plus, 2" Rancho Suspension Lift, Rancho RS 9000's Shocks, Bushwhacker Flares, 35" BFG Mudders, 16. 5 x 9. 75 Outlaw II Alloys, Jacobs Exhaust Brake, BD Torque-Lock, BD Valve Body, BD Medium Stall Torque Converter, Rhino Liner, Smittybuilt Nerf Bars, K&N Air Filter, Rancho RS 5000 Steering Stabilizer, 5000lb. Air Bags, Aero Under Seat Tool Box, Mopar Bug Deflector, Emerald Green Century Cap, Husky Liner Floor Mats, Pyrometer, Boost, Trans Temp Gauges, Halogen Backup Lights.

 

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Fitz,

I bought my torque converter from Craig Scholl in Texas who said his converters were the same as the ones sold by TST. He made a comment once that alluded to the fact that he might have supplied or designed the converters for TST. BUT, the converter I bought from him came directly from TCS in Arizona or New Mexico. Craig also disliked kevlar as a material for converters. Unfortunately, I haven't a clue what material was used in mine.

For what it's worth, I've put 12,000 miles on the new converter and TransGo diesel shift kit and they've worked flawlessly. And you couldn't possibly abuse it more than I have. I've left burnout marks (for demonstration purposes of course) in 4 or 5 different driveways to prove it.

If I ever buy another Ram Diesel Automatic, I'll make these same changes again before the truck passes 100 miles.

Mike B.

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'98 RAM 2500 4x4 CC LWB Auto 12v 4. 10s Intense Blue, Sport, TST Power Kit, TCS Converter, TransGo
Diesel Shift Kit, M/T 16x8 Classics, BFG AT LT295/75R16, PIAA 90 Pro, ISSPRO Boost,Pyro,Trans Temp
'98 Texas Bragg 20' 12,000# GVW Tandem Axle Utility Trailer
'97 Jeep Wrangler Sahara

 

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Mike,
Thanks for the advice. Would you say your truck shifts "firm" or "harsh". I don't care for the way the stock automatic shifts, seems like it takes toooo long to change gears. I am interested in the Transgo kit, I also spoke to Pro Loc and they sell the Transgo Diesel Shift kit for $48. 00. They suggest installing it with their torque converter. I would like a "firm" shift but I don't want my neck snapped back every time it changes gears (like a hot rod). Can you describe how the shift "feel" is. I think the information about the BD "medium" stall speed converter is very interesting. Now I wonder what the stall speed is on the pro-loc converter. I'm not sure I understand what stall speed means anyway, if i'm lite on the trottle, it shifts around 1400 rpm and if I'm heavy on the throttle it shifts well over 2000 rpm, I wonder what the stall speed is of the stock converter.

 

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Brad,
Do you know what the difference would be between the BD valve body and say the transgo diesel shift kit? Do you know of a source of information on the BD valve body. Is it hard to replace the valve body? Is it worth $350. 00 more to get the valve body over the shift kit?

 

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Fitz,
Give the guys at The Power Shop a call (http://www.thepowershop.com). Ask for Chuck. These guys are the experts and won't steer you wrong. You can also call BD (http://www.bd-vfi.com) they make the Valve Body product.

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1997, Cummins, 4X4, 2500 Emerald Green, SLT Laramie, Tan Leather, ClubCab, Auto, 3. 54LSD, Tow Package, Camper Package, Banks Stinger Plus, 2" Rancho Suspension Lift, Rancho RS 9000's Shocks, Bushwhacker Flares, 35" BFG Mudders, 16. 5 x 9. 75 Outlaw II Alloys, Jacobs Exhaust Brake, BD Torque-Lock, BD Valve Body, BD Medium Stall Torque Converter, Rhino Liner, Smittybuilt Nerf Bars, K&N Air Filter, Rancho RS 5000 Steering Stabilizer, 5000lb. Air Bags, Aero Under Seat Tool Box, Mopar Bug Deflector, Emerald Green Century Cap, Husky Liner Floor Mats, Pyrometer, Boost, Trans Temp Gauges, Halogen Backup Lights.

 

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If you call BD -- ask for Bill K. in transmissions. He is a highly knowledgeable individual and their transmission expert. He would be glad to discuss the ins and outs of what they can do for your transmission.

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Rob Spading
TDR Webmaster
1996 3500 Club Cab, 4X4, Black, Loaded, Rickson 19. 5" Wheels, Mag-Hytec Rear and Trans covers, TST 230/605 kit, Westach Gauges, Velvet Rides, -- Coming soon... . Jannetty 4" Exhaust, BD Valve Body, TC, Exhaust BRake and Torqloc Computer.

 

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Fitz,

A couple of things. First, I agree with putting a new converter in with the shift kit. Although the kit only costs about $50, you have to remove the transmission to install the whole kit. There are 3 teflon seal rings that get installed behind the oil pump because the stock rings can't take the increased line pressure. And since you have to remove the transmission, you might as well install a converter with a lower stall speed while you're there. Of course, the problem with the stock converter is that it stalls at too high an RPM for the Cummins diesel. And more power and bigger loads cause it to stall even higher. Potentially, the stall RPM could get so high, the fuel governor would kick in before the converter stalls and you wouldn't move.

I've found that shifting is "crisper", but not "harsh" with the shift kit except when I'm towing in heavy traffic. When creeping along at 3-5 mph, the shift from 1st to 2nd is definitely "hard". A nuisance really, so I keep the shifter in 1st to prevent it from shifting. This is also the situation that heats up the fluid the most. Normal for mine is 140 degrees, but extended traffic like this will put it close to 200 degrees.

I've also noticed that the 1-2 and 2-3 shifts happen very fast at light to medium throttle. They are very subtle and there isn't even a drop in RPM when it happens. And they both happen below 15 mph.

Mike B.

 

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OK guys, help me out. My truck is "Box Stock" almost, (K&N) I know it's an endangered species. It has enough power to pull my trailer but I hate the way it screems when it downshifts to pull a hill or grade. My last two trucks were 4/5 speeds and we all know the differance in power delivery. Question, will going to a medium stall converter and "trick" shift kit/valve body do my truck GOOD or EVIL with STOCK power? My wife has grown to like the auto and says "don't even think about converting to a 6 speed" Soooo im gonna hav ta live with it. Thanks in advance, Dave

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Dave Hauser, 96 3500 4x4 extended, auto 4:10 LSD, K&N, tow hooks, fog lights, custom front reciever hitch and mount for 8000 Ramsey winch, alum diamond plate box and running boards, Dodge dually mudflaps, tow 18' flatbed, 69 Vette, 89 HD FLHS

 

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Thanks for all the info, I did not realize I would have to remove the transmission for the Shift kit. I was sent some instructions for installing the Transgo TFOD diesel shift kit and it says to remove this piston and grind down about a 30 degree angle half way accross the piston, then gring the end off another piston to 1/4" etc. You've got to be kidding me! If I start grinding pistons in the the valve body, I am sure I am going to leave burred edges etc. From my limited experience in taking apart one automatic transmission, I noticed the valve body piston-cylinder clearances are really tight. The BD shift kit sounds like the way to go. Does anyone know if the BD cover is anything like the ProLoc cover (Machined Billet)? Would the extra 17 pounds acting like a flywheel have any adverse effects.

 

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Fitz,

The TransGo Diesel shift kit is nowhere near that involved. In the valve body itself, you replace several springs and valves, drill a couple of holes and grind the end off the TV valve, making it shorter. The only piston you touch is above the valve body in the transmission. And you only remove it to replace a spring in the assembly. But the seal rings are the real pain because you have to remove the transmission to get to them.

It was my understanding that the diesel shift kit was intended for certain transmission shops only and not for sale to us backyard mechanics. The instructions I used assumed the installer had an intricate knowledge of the transmission and valve body. I had to use my shop manual to determine exactly where each of the pieces actually went. The TransGo instructions just weren't clear enough to do that by themselves.

Mike B.

 

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Dave,

The medium stall converter and shift kit/valve body will do your truck good. It will make the transmission last longer and improve your acceleration somewhat. The main function of the shift kit is to increase the line pressure in the transmission. Increased line pressure keeps the direct and O/D clutch packs engaged instead of slipping. And if the clutches aren't slipping, they won't wear as fast.
Some shift kits also change the characteristics of when you shift/downshift and how fast each shift occurs.

 

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Thanks Mike, it sounds like the med TC would aid in getting power to the ground. Now the only time my truck really seems to "get with the program" is when it locks in overdrive. I was going to go to 235 85 16s but as was stated in above post, more load increases stall speed. More tire dia = more load! The more I learn the more I am inclined to leave things like tire size alone unless the engine is upgraded. I just want to get the HP I have to the ground as efficiantly as possible. Dave

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Dave Hauser, 96 3500 4x4 extended, auto 4:10 LSD, K&N, tow hooks, fog lights, custom front reciever hitch and mount for 8000 Ramsey winch, alum diamond plate box and running boards, Dodge dually mudflaps, tow 18' flatbed, 69 Vette, 89 HD FLHS

 

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I put in a call to BD today and told the guy that answered the phone that I have a Dodge Cummins and am interested in purchasing their valve body and torque converter. His reply "I've got some RV injectors that I'll sell ya that will give you 40 more horsepower" I told him that I already had purchased a Banks Power Kit and what I was really interested in was a torque converter, etc. His reply "If you bought Banks you paid too much". I must be too sensitive or something but the overall conversation did not leave me with a good impression of BD. Could be just this particular person I spoke to. He gave me a dealer name in San Jose and said he would test the stall speed of my truck and be able to determine which torque converter to buy. I asked him if they have some special machine they run the rear wheels on to identify the stall speed, he said they just take the truck for a ride and the stall speed tells them how much power I have and then they know which torque converter to install. Does this sound right? I called the company in San Jose and the guy said I would need to come down and fill out some paperwork and then they would order the converter from BD. I asked the guy how be felt about the BD converters and do they sell any other brands etc. He said they only sell BD and none of the dodge trucks they have setup so far have had any problems. I asked how many trucks they had done and he said "three", two last year and one this year. I applaud the guy for his honesty.

Does anyone know if BD and Transgo are the only ones that do transmission shift kits? The folks at ProLoc sent me a brochure of their converter and the TFOD shift kit.

The installation page for the TFOD shift kit says Quote "If switch valve has 4 lands as shown: Grind land 2 prox 30 degree angle to middle. Not very fussy: Looks about like this. " It also talks about grinding the TV Valve. I think I would rather buy a kit that had the valve already ground so I would not goof it up. Is there any other Transgo shift kit for this transmission.

I would like to the the power shop do this work based on what you guys are saying, problem is they are two days drive away. But the type of customer it sounds like they provide is hard to come by these days.
Thanks in advance for any info.

 

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Fitz,

Sounds like I had an earlier version of the TransGo Diesel shift kit. I'll check my instructions and see if I missed something. If you want a copy, I'll be happy to fax 'em to you. Let me know.

Mike B.

 

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Mike,
No need for the instructions. Thanks anyway. I put in a call to the Transgo people to see if they had diff. shift kits, guy said they only had one TFOD Diesel shift kit. He really seemed to know his way around Dodge trucks, had TSB's committed to memory, very impressive! He verified that I need to grind down lobe 2 of the shift valve. He said it was no big deal, just a 30 degree agled half way to the middle of the lobe plus or minus 20/1000ths. I think I might check with the Dodge dealer and see if I can just buy that switch valve and send it to them for grinding. I wonder if they will sell just the valve or if they try to sell you the whole valve body.