Heres the deal wanted to step up from what I got (powerpuck was on it when i bought it) I was thinking of and attitude with monitor (so i ain't got to get all the gauges) but I also know that my tranny ain't gonna be real receptive to the upgrades. Should I worry about the chip later and work on a new torque converter and valve body first or do you guys think it will hold up. I don't really do the racing thing just drive it and pull trailers.Any input would be great.
A person that excells in self control could make a stocker last nearly as long as if the truck didn't have a box. When the converter is unlocked and you have the RPM's up very high the stock auto can handle a decent amount of power over stock. It's when you hit lock up, when you try to accelerate hard at higher levels with the RPM's low, and towing hard that will tear them up. I wouldn't say don't get the Juice/Attitude, if you can excercise self control.
RJF thanks the only reason this really came up was after talking to the guy at our diesel shop here. he went through 3 trannys in a matter of months before getting ridiculas with upgrades. just wanted some of you guys who have been there done that opinions. would rather wait then tear something up is all. i drive pretty easy, but you know how it is when you go to pass somebody.
I'll go with RJF. I had a 12 valve that was about 380hp, and the stock tranny lived for 12k miles like that. I only towed a 2000 lb trailer once though. It takes a real conscious effort to watch the boost, rpm, and speed, while getting the feeling for the lockup, and know when to let up. Mine would only hold 20 pounds of boost, but only after 1800 rpm. It makes driving a chore, but still driveable until trans mods come. Except I sold the truck before anything happened. You can zip tie the kickdown lever on the tranny to about half way to increase the line pressure a little in the lower rpm. It also raises the shift rpm by a couple hundred, and firms up the shifts slightly.
It's on the driver side. Have a helper pump the go pedal with the engine off, then you'll see it right away.
