Help Me Decide!!!
 

Self explanitory here guys. I've done alot of research and narrowed my choices to two. Suncoast is closer to me and easier to drive to to get a service rebuild. Dave I know seems to be the most reputable but is kinda far.

Yes I would be driving wherever to get a rebuild, Only cause I know how my tranny's been used and it's current condition. I have a budget of about $5500, and wonder what I need and if it would cover the cost. I know I want a billet input and flexplate. Wht about intermediate shaft and forward drum?

Wish I could help but I know just about nothin about autos.

I did a load of research before i built my tranny
suncoast was up about 7000 for a full built tranny but only about two to 3 hours away.
nadp (closest to me) was about the same price
dtt was about a five hour drive for a reputable installer
goerend was a great guy and also the cheapest he was about a eight hour drive.
ats: i have heard to many mixed reviews about them

well, I dont want to go into any wars with who has a better tranny. All i can say, I have experience with only one (cause it is my truck) and I am pleased
upon my research they had the best mix of reputation, cost, reliability. I am so pleased with the build and install that i have continued to purchase and build up parts from the same magician/mechanic that did my tranny.

LOOK UP TIMINVA, he hooked me up big time

I voted for Goerend, obviously. But I think HTS is another very good builder with an excellent reputation. I don't think you'd go wrong with either one. Dusty or Dave.... :cool:

You gotta go see Dave. He lets you stay in a house next to his shop for FREE! That's worth the trip right there. [laugh]

So my question now is about internal upgrades. Like I said, I know I'll get a billet input shaft and composite/billet flexplate. But what about the intermediate shaft and forward drum? Should I upgarde those pieces also? Keep in mind this truck is a 2wd, but I would like to use the 600hp (not official yet but should be close) I got more often without worrying about breakage.

Have you actually been on the phone with any of the shops? If not, I would recommend calling Dave. It was his knowledge and customer service over the phone that helped me make my decision. After having spent the night for FREE and spending an entire day with him ALSO FOR FREE - not doing my tranny, but helping me solve a different problem - I would have to say that if you choose to go see Dave, you will not be sorry you did. The thing about Dave, is that he is a small town guy. He is very genuine. Yes, he runs his business to make a living, but he is not in it to get rich. He does what he does, because it was a family business and he enjoys it and is good at it. My point is this...Many times a larger company will upsell as much as they can and get every last penny from you that they think they can get you to spend. Dave will take as much time as needed to discuss your truck, its uses, and your driving habits, and give you only what you need - nothing more. I felt safe spending my money there.

I agree with Omaharam. You are trying to decide how to build a Dodge transmission. Why not let the expert tell you what is best? Just tell him what you are going to be doing he will tell you what to build. The man has a 100K miles warranty on the tranny, lifetime on the T/C. I think he knows what he is doing. You will not be dissapointed. Just call him.

Do you know what the term billet shaft means?

Uh................YES!!! I know what a billet shaft is.

I've tried calling Dave many times and left alot of messages and he's just busy I guess. I just want to have an idea before I actually talk to these shops is all.

Where is Dave located?

In the middle of "Nowhere" Iowa [laugh] [laugh] is best I can say!

BTT for more info.........

Hey John,

I picked Dave, just for the warranty. I like someone who wwill stand behind their product, no matter what you puit it through. I mena, he is not dumb, he knows why people buy his beefed up trannys, yet he still gives a lifetime warranty on the converter, and still gives a 100,000 on the actual tranny. That speaks volumes to me..

Oh, and by the way, I hate I can't make it to the Commerce event. It sucks, but family is first for me..

Good info. In my opinion HTS is the greatest on earth but I'm biased [laugh] If I hadn't have gone with Dusty it would've been Dave. With what I've heard from other people about other trannys I wouldn't consider going with anyone else. I personally have never heard ANYTHING bad about either one of those 2....