I'm looking at buying a bigger boat, so it's time to address my tranny...

My old boat weighs around 7k. My truck tows it pretty good, but the rpms go to around 2k, and hold there until I allow it to lock up. No shudder, no other problems. I do tow in lock up on flat terrain, have been doing this forever and no problems in 215k miles.

New boat weighs around 10k. I'm guessing the slip will be worse? So I'm considering a rebuild, or a new transmission. Truck is bone stock, and will stay that way. I'm not looking for a hot-rod transmission, just something that will stand up to towing a 10k load reliably, back and forth to the ramp.

Any suggestions? Thanks! ps: I'm hoping to stay under 2k for the transmission...

Jim

 

you can probably get a stock rebuild done for about 800-1000 at a shop. a heavy duty torque converter will help, along with a bd valve body. that should set you at about 2k total invested. the valve body helps the most, increasing line pressure throughout the tranny adding holding power.

 

Call Dave Goerend, has have a great setup for the towing crowd. 563-778-2719

 

I second Goerend.

 

(1998 truck)
I added a transgo kit for about $80 + labor and tow 5,500lb boat with some slippage you describe. But, I tow in L/U all the time. I love climbing a hill in 4 & L/U. I guess the 100 plate has something to do with it. I also have to say that I never lay into it very hard UNTIL the L/U has engauged. I have about 10K miles on the truck since the transgo kit. Flawless! I will be adding a manual L/U switch for towing the 16% grade hills for a 2nd L/U.

I'm not saying that my fix is for everyone, but, it is the best money I've spent. The normal xmission really sucked around town. The transgo kit made it drive more like a car-like automatic. I don't haul *** in it and abuse it, just enjoy ALOT less searching from gear to gear.

Tom