Price_Dog

I see a lot of people running Goerend tranny upgrades (via signature) and I'm curious of how the tranny upgrades stack up against each other. Omaharam said that Goerend is up in NE Iowa . . . is it pretty typical to have to drive a significant distance to have a good tranny upgrade? I think that's the next upgrade I'm going with so I'd like to hear some opinions on what should be done to the tranny and who you all have had good luck with. I don't have a problem traveling to have work done, but don't have any interest in going outside the midwest. Thoughts?

Thomas

Sixpack73

I think most would agree, that Goerend Bros is one of the top transmission shops for performance work, however there are several other good places too (DTT, HTS, Suncoast, ATS, etc).

You'll have to search around for a shop near you and what vendor they are a dealer for etc. to make the best decision for your own needs. If you have a good trans shop nearby, you could also just order the parts from Goerend and have them installed locally.

As for what parts need to be upgraded, that really depends on what power level you are shooting for and what your intended use is going to be (street, drag strip, sled pulling, etc).

At a minimum, a good torque converter and valve body is the norm. Billet shafts and flexplate are needed depending on those other factors I mentioned.

ataboy9026

I cannot personally comment on any other than ATS and Goerend. ATS is a company too large for its britches IMHO. They come across like Edited by admin on the phone. But Dave Goerend is the best at customer service and warranty bar none. He is hard to get a hold of sometimes but worth the wait. No one will find a more honest guy to deal with than Dave.

coolslice

There are several great companies to deal with. If you are like me, you want things to go smoothly and quickly when you finally pull the trigger. I tried to buy from Dave Goerend, but it was anything but smooth and quick. Apparently he makes a great product, but I had an impossible time trying to buy from him before finally giving up after 3 weeks.

I'm not saying that Dave or his product are not first class, but I did learn that buying transmission parts requires work and it's not exactly an easy process if you are like me and work long hours and don't have a shop or installer to handle all the details for you.

Price_Dog

Well, to be honest, I don't know exactly where I want to go with the truck (which is part of the problem). I know that I'm not going to be pulling sleds with it and I know that I'm not going to be drag racing it. I tow occassionally, but not on a daily basis. Heck, I don't even drive the truck but once or twice a week at the most. What I want is a truck that will flat out run when I want it to . . . but safely. The truck only has 13,000 miles on it and I've owned it for over 1.5 years - if that tells you anything. I do a lot of duck and deer hunting in the winter, however, which is where the majority of the miles comes from. I want to be able to turn the chip up and get on it every now and again - but like I said, I want to make sure I am safe it doing so (or as safe as I can be . . . I realize everything is a risk). If I decide to stack another box later then fine, but right now I'm planning just running this Edge Juice (not even hot right now). I'm open to suggestions, however. Who would be a good person to consult about good "local" tranny shops . . . other mechanics? The dealership (HA)? I'm pretty much a novice at this, which is why I'm trying to steal garner everyone's wealth of knowledge!

Thomas

bluebull

Call dave at www.goerend.com and ask him if there are any shops he recommends in your area. He also will not sell you anything more than you need. Be honest and up front with him on what you want to do.

LFD2037

I'll be going w/ Goerend in a few months. Best bang for the buck as far as I can tell & I've been researching it for about 5 mo. now, reading EVERY post & bit of info. I can about it. Hard to get a hold of, YES! Leave a message, make a prayer & hold your tongue juuuuust right( I almost gave up before they called me back), they will call you back. J/K! Leave a message & tell them your wanting a built tranny, they WILL call you back, eventually.

KKB

My Goerend has been great. Dave is very hard to get a hold of, but that is because they make a great trans and they are very busy. Give them a call and be ready to wait. When you finally get the call back it will be worth the wait because Dave will take all the time needed to explain the details to you. Believe me it will be worth the wait.

EQUIPPRO

My tranny is in the shop being rebuilt as I am typing this. I researched for months as well. Here is what I did.....

I have a friend who owns a Mr. Transmission franchised shop. His dad owned 3 tranny shops. He has grown up in the business. As he got older he felt it easier to just pay out the 8% franchise fee. He knows trannys and the buisiness. This is the second tranny he has built for us. The first was an E40D in my Ford Powerstroke.

This is what I went with along with his recomendations.
We both agreed on a Suncoast VB. hands down.
Kevlar bands.
Dayco TC. Big single. Matched to my HP. Yes, many arguments as to tripple, single, 5 discs, etc. You make your own educated consumer decision on which TC is best for your needs and wallet. The Dayco I went with was NOT CHEAP, nor as expensive as what ATS offers.
Everyone likes the Mag-Hytech pans and so does he. I for one may go with the deep pan from TCI. It is more expensive than the MAG-Hytech, and the jury is still out on that one..

I do not sled pull, or do boosted launches and drag race. I do pull very heavy on a daily basis. Try pulling a T-300 track Bobcat with a 2500lb trailer for a total TR weight of 12,500 lbs. in the Mts. and hills of North Ga.

Our Ford is doing great with a similar setup, not as upgraded as mine will be since the HP isn't as high, but able to tackle towing better than stock. My tranny should be ready tomorrow. I will keep you posted

Billm2004

I have an hts coming in tomorrow, dusty was awesome to deal with and he's in MI, he also doesnt charge a core which helps with the $

sliqwille04

I had another 06 mega cab with twin cp3's and twin turbos. Had a nameless Florida based company tranny in it. I bought the truck with the tranny in it. Had about 15000 miles on it. Broke the hub off the TC, called company and was told tough s*&t because I was not the original buyer!! Not to say their trannys aren't good, but their customer service and warranty is CRAP!
I talked with Dave and now I will run nothing but his stuff in my trucks and customers trucks. My opinion, but I think Goerend is one of the best in the biz.(not to mention I got a complete tranny for about $3000 less than that nameless Florida company!!!)

Price_Dog

Sounds like Goerend is a pretty safe bet to go with . . . albeit tough to get ahold of! So should I figure on around 2500.00 for a new TC and VB? Anyone had a tranny recently upgraded with Goerend?

Thomas

coolslice

It sounds like all you really need is a TC/ VB, a kevlar band, and maybe a flex plate.

One thing I can tell you, as you can see is that transmission companies get people fired up and some people take it personal if you buy something other than what THEY use. There will ALWAYS be someone with a horror story, and who even knows if it's the truth or if they are just trying to steer you away from a certain brand.

coolslice

It shouldn't be that high unless you include the install, I have my invoice right here for $1761 (which is pretty standard) + core deposits. I think a Kevlar band is around $30.

DetroitDiesel71

Guys and gals, you all are right, Dave is tough to get hold of, but he did call back in a few days, and boy did he spend time on the phone with me wanting to know exactly how, when where I will drive this truck with his tranny. He said it would probably ship tuesday or weds of this week, sure enough, it shipped yesterday. I should have it by monday at the latest, general freight can be hit and miss, which is out of Dave's hands. I have purchased new Transfer case seals, u-joints, and Fliuds, but forgot to ask Dave if I need to replace, Upgrade, or just flush my cooler. My current trans is worn, but have never had any metal in the pan, or hardly any residue, alway been the same bright red coming out as it went in. I am going to post a slew of install pics, lessons learned with the project. So any insight on the cooler from everyone would be appreciated. thanks again everyone, and can't wait to share the install with everyone.

Stephen