PanteraGSTK

Hey guys I was wondering what tranny companies you have used as far as valve bodies, TC's and any other parts. What have your experiences been? The only companies I have reasearched is Suncoast, ATS, and Diesel Trans. So far I think I'm leaning toward Suncoast, but why do they list different upgraded tranny parts in their trannys? Do some of them just fix more than others?

j-fox

Our auto trannies fail because of internal leaks from poor workmanship.
If you want to have a trans that will last the longest time, those leaks need to be addressed. A VB is a good start, but there is more to keeping the trans alive for a long time.

IMO, some companies want volume sales and others just want the customer to have what he/she thinks their getting.

Call them and ask questions.
Do searches here and form your own feelings. How much power do you want when your done adding ? ( some of us never quit adding).

PanteraGSTK

the thing is i would rather not buy a whole tranny to start off. I would rather get a VB and TC and a flexplate then upgrade later when I add more power. The power level I would like to run in the beginning is about 450 to 500 HP. Really, I would like to know what needs to be done to make my truck "bulletproof" without buying a whole tranny. by the way j-fox, how do you like the Kodiak steps? are they the auto rectracting ones?

j-fox

The Kodiaks are a great product. It was the first addition to my truck, and have held up very well. I have 82,000 miles and many door opening/closing cycles. Of course the drivers side gets most of the use, and it will squeek when it needs lubed. It takes a grease gun shot.

At the power levels you are looking for, it would be best to get the info straight from a very good shop. I like these guys.
Diesel trans

Do the trans once and it will live. And be the best $$$ wise.

I bet you need more than a converter and shift kit. ( a shift kit is all some VB's really are). But DTT guys really know the VB's and can set it up for yor truck.
Good luck.

Mcmopar

That transmission will NOT live at 500 RWHP unless you go through it and upgrade parts!!

TexasCTD

That is what I thought too....until I see the punishment that John Rodriguez does to his. He is pushing..I think 547 to the rear wheels. He is insane though...LOL. (burnouts, drag racing, tug-a-wars...he has made several videos and posted them on here)

I agree that I want my tranny upgraded before I start pushing over 400hp.

PanteraGSTK

Thats what I figured. Just have to save money now. DTT's tranny price includes the converter doesn't it?

Mcmopar

I don't think so, give them a call.

Stefan

Yes it does include the Torque Converter. As well as a Mag-Hytec Pan.

Mcmopar

There you go-from the man himself!

dzltrqcrzy

I'd also give Dave Goerend a call . He's a great guy.
He spent a lot fo time on the phone answering my questions when I was looking to upgrade my tranny
A lot of 1st and 2nd gen guys use his transmissions.
www.gbtransmissions.com

BigBlue

I'm running just a DTT valve body in my 47re and it's amazing the difference between the stock and aftermarket. The shifts are firmer, they are quicker, and the tranny feels a little bit stronger. It's also holding 371rwhp without any issues what so ever. I'm gonna really push it this weekend though. Gonna upgrade to some 90hp injectors and see how it does then.

abc4yew

Panterra, The important thing is to find a diesel shop that has lots of experience overhauling trannies for big hp. From personal experience I'd replace, Flexplate, T C, Valve body, Then internals in that order if you can't afford it all at once. If you can afford a complete tranny, I'd go that way as it is cheaper as a package. Good luck gettin that power to the ground. ks

juice

I'm looking to do some tranny upgrades as well. I have been doing some research and from what I have read and heard ATS seems to have the best deal and their TC for example is backed by a 150000 mi waranty and it is good to 2000 ft-lbs tq. Sounds pretty good to me.

doug60

My stock trany slips in OD with the TST twins program on 3x3. I dont think there is more than 350 to the rear wheels at this point.