Well I recently got a 1997 Ram with a 12v cummins and the Auto tranny. It had a new transmission put in about 60k miles ago, it was either a new mopar or a rebuilt mopar. (I'm still trying to figure out which) It wasn't used for any sort of towing in the last 60k, and I was wondering if there is any "easy" mods I could do to A) Improve the life and longevity and B) increase towing ability.

I was looking at the ATS website and saw that you can buy just the valve body. Would this be a good idea? I am not going to tow much, not very often, and when i do max weight would be around 8k lbs.

Anyone have any pointers for me? I did a little searching and am trying to just gain as much knowledge as I can about these trucks in general. Thanks, Tim

 

I have the ATS stage V and love it.

From what I hear the stock torque converter is the weakest link because the cummins develops so much torque (450lb stock) that the torque converter starts to slip and then contaminates the rest of the tranny.

 

Im trying to avoid Dropping the tranny and also trying not to spend too much money. I will be doing all the work myself.

Also, I was able to find out the general concensus is the valvebody will help out considerable with towing, which I would assume will increase the life of my current tranny. Who makes the Best Valvebody kit? I was looking at ATS and thiers are around $500... anyone have one comparable to that? Maybe for a little less $$$?

-Tim

 

Tim,

Yes the valve body will help, but just remember your tranny will only be as strong as it's weakest link and once your torque converter goes it doesn't matter how strong your tranny is if you can't transfer the power.

 

Perhaps you should just look at a good quality shift kit. I think you will find that the changes are about the same as an ATS....don't quote me, but been there done that.

 

Do a search on valve bodies and you will find many opinions about them. I think that a shift kit or valve body will help as long as you don't add much horsepower to your truck. Their are atleast 4 good places to get tranny parts so shop around before you spend your hard earned $$$.. good luck

 

Tim scored a sweeeet truck... really cherry!

Welcome to the board Tim...

 

There is SMR Transmissions close by to where I live, my dad bought a torque convertor for his 1st. Gen. there and he said it helped lot for towing. I am looking at buying from there. What should I all get to keep my tranny intact for up to 450hp/950ft/lb of torque?
Valve Body? TC? Shift Kit?
What is all included in those ATS kits?

Thanks

-Jared