I have an 04.5 dodge crew cab 4x4 with 70,000 miles. Currently I have a Bully Dog with outlook monitor, 5" magnaflow exhaust and an airaid intake. I tow a 38' fifth wheel that weighs almost 13,500 loaded. I want to install a torque inverter, valve body and a cooler to help with towing and also to make the tranny last. My question is what brand to go for. There are a few out there and I don't know which one to choose. I only move the fifth wheel 3 to 4 times a year but I also want more performance and reliability before I install more upgrades. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
banks has a good tc, friend of mine has one and loves it....i was also told that goerend trans is excellent stuff and ats is has a decent rep as well....i am sure the others on here will give you some good info as well......
i just now noticed u live in san antonio, you should check out HOT ROD DIESELS in hitchcok tx by galveston....i dont have the number but we could find it for you the guy that runs the shop is a cummins guru and builds some of the best trannies in the state for our trucks his name is michael....it might be worth driving 3 hrs for a good trans build up!!!!!
I've got a goerend TC/VB and really like it. Dave goerend has excellent customer service and will give you solid advice. My second choice would be DTT and then a local shop with a good reputation for high performance dodge trans. Good Luck! waytogo
3 words - Billet Input Shaft You need to consider adding this to your list. If you like to play with the power on the street you will break the stocker eventually, and they can go easy or they can go really bad. Really bad meaning wipe out the converter, pump, intermediate shaft and I have even seen the input take out the fwd planetary. AS for converter and VB branding, here is my receipe - HTS VB - Tuned as you like, towing, race, or a mix Suncoast Converter Your stock cooler should be fine, a double deep pan will help keep temps down a bit. Normally the 48RE is not a hot runner. Just use tow/haul when pulling. This will lock the converter in 2, 3 and 4, keeping temps down.
is it because of your v/b that useing tow/haul mode locks the converter early? when i use tow mode on my stock tranny it does not lockup at all! if i just put it in drive abd go; it locks at about 48 mph and wont downshift or unlock unless i really put my foot in it. if i use tow mode, i'm running way too many rpm's even on the highway. i read owners manual and it says not to use tow mode unless you know your going to be up and downshifting alot. if the trans should be in tow mode, the computer will turn it on automatically according to owners manual.i know locking the converter early would really help getting up to speed. my truck pulls harder after its locked and in o/d than in any other gear.
Dieselnut is rite I just broke a billet input shaft on Tuesday of last week and it cost me a converter a pump and a band. So spend the money and get the good stuff it will hold up alot longer behind a diesel with just a few mods.
It not only broke it exploded. When it let go it twisted the splines off and then broke into three pieces lengthwise.Will try to post pic.This makes the third billet input that has broke but I figure thats the price you pay when you make CUMMINS POWER.
Something is going on there bud. I have seen Billet inputs break, in fact I just replaced one about 2 months ago, but he has huge twins and dual CP3's. Are you launching super hard or something? Is there any possiblility of the flexplate being bent? A Billet input from Suncoast should hold up, mine did. 700+hp and a good 100+ 20psi boosted launches, still holding fine.
This is the first one on my common rail that i broke and two on my 12 valve.The one that i just broke was under normal driving load but on a really bad road that caused a load and unload situation as it sifted is what i think broke it.the ones in my 12 vale were do to 30 & 40 pound launches and big power.
