I was just curious of how many miles one could expect out of an aftermarket tranny such as DTT when subjected to around 550hp, and an exhaust brake. I want the tranny to be able to last as long as the truck so I am having a hard time deciding if I should get a manual or an aftermarket auto. Plans are for a 2001 Cummins 4x4 built around 37" tires and 500-600hp. Thanks for any help and info.

Kevin

 

I've got 190 000 kms on my DTT- but I'm a little lower on HP anddon't use an exhaust brake. On the fluid changes I usually have very clean fluid and almost no sludge from clutches etc.

Just my 2c

AlpineRAM

 

I have a feeling that as well built as the DTT transmissions are (especially the ones with all the options), they'll outlast your truck. 550hp isn't all that much these days.

 

One of the first questions I asked people at DTT, before buying was.."will your Transmission last as long as my engine?" They honestly answered no! Probably no tranny will last 350,000 miles without needing some work. At 500 hp, I don't think many manuals will go that distance either...totally trouble free.

After 35,000 miles and going from stock to 460 hp, I can tell you my DTT has never so much as groaned once.

At the time I bgt my DTT, they had few on the road over 100,000 miles and I suspect their answer to my question was conservative. I'll bet several happy owners prove them wrong...with only minor parts replaced!

On the other hand, Those who buy a tranny with plans to do 300 HP and take their trucks to 500, 600, 700 HP while power braking without Billet shafts, and street racing/sled pulling, etc....brake parts all the time.

Also, As Bill at DTT will tell you, exhaust brakes and auto trannys do not play well together...unless he has solved that problem too. Talk to him.

RJ

 

I was on the DTT forum page today browsing around and I read that post about exhaust brakes and automatics. And after reading that post I am going to seriously consider if I am going to need and exhaust brake. I am not planning on towing anything in the next few years save for some quads or something small like that, so I guess the exhaust brake can wait until we get something big enough to warrant it. Thanks all for the replies, and I am still very interested in the mileage numbers some members have on their trannies. Oh, forgot to mention that the tranny that I am planning on getting will have all the bells and whistles. To me money is not an issue when it comes to quality engine and drivetrain parts as this is one of the main reasons I am going to buy a diesel, longevity. Have a good one.

Kevin

 

Get a manual.

 

I have debated long and hard on the idea of having a manual or an automatic. The truck will be used to do some moderate off-roading, mainly getting me and my wife wherever we want to go. I will be the main one driving the truck, but she will probably have to drive it everyonce and a while. I know that it will be a whole lot cheaper to build to be able to handle the extra horsepower, and probably a whole lot more fun to drive, but I am still wondering if it would just be easier to shell out the extra cash to get a top of the line DTT tranny? So frustrating sometimes. Please help and post anything that might be useful in helping me make a wise decision. You all are great at that. Take care.

Kevin

 

Just keep reading and searching. There is more than enough material on this site to make your decision.

 

Whatever you choose, stay with an installer/dealer that is somewhat close to home. Driving eight hours everytime there is a problem with my tranny SUCKS!!!