Hi guys,
I have been reading and researching a better built auto for my '98 12 valve. Right now it is almost bone stock except a restriction in the wastegate valve. The tranny seems to be slipping and I am fairly certain it is the original with 230k on it. Pretty good for a stock tranny. I don't hardly pull with this truck as I am afraid of burning up the transmission, and I hate the way it runs in its stock configuration. If you pull without overdrive you are stuck under 55mph as the truck winds out, but if you kick it on into OD the TC locks up and you are around 1300RPMs and loose all your torque. Anyways since I need to tear it down I need advice on what to buy to get a better, but not a dragster type transmission. I ocassionally will tow 8-10K but not often. Most the time my wife drives the truck just towing the kids around. I was leaning towards a Goerend single disc TC for around $600. I also would like to modify the VB. My question is... the VB sold complete, are they just a stock VB with something like a shift kit installed? I believe I can install a shift kit...which one should I buy? Also, clutches bands etc...are the altos the Best? What about Borg Warners? What areas should I beef up? Do the OD gear set need to be upgraded for medium towing applications. I was also planning on installing a deeper pan (Actually modifying the one I have), large cooler, and temp gauge. It looks like I might be able to get out for $1200-1500, with the above mentioned parts. I think this type of transmission would hold a few minor mods and make a difference in my peace of mind when I want to haul. I also don't have any more then about $1500 I can spend. I also spoke with this guy on ebay, has anybody had any experience with him or his torque converter?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/46RE-...spagenameZWDVW
He sells all those parts I mentioned above with this torque converter for around $1000. Would I be better off with Goerend, as he seems reputable? Thanks so much for your input and the wealth of knowledge on this forum. Along with the tranny I think I would like to do gauges, straight exaust, a BHAF, GSK, and AFC adjustment, maybe a fuel plate too. What do you think? I don't mind doing the work but money is very tight, so bang for the buck!

 

Goerend is the way to go!
They sent me a free noise filter for my truck, shipped and everything.
if i ever buy a TC, or VB, its going to be from them.

 

I'm in the same boat / but not the same truck , and have been looking into this for some time , so my bottom line is , I'ld like to go to Goerends to watch ,help ect , build the trans. , the next is buy all the parts through Dave [ he's giving so much , that I will let him make pro. on parts ] I'm reading about video's that he has ,
The only other consideration is I've been reading about the Allison 1000 , but that is at least dubble the cost , so that kinda lotto thing .

 

Chevummins:

I am biased towards Goerends. He will not over sell you anything.

For $140 more than the web TC, I would look at his single disk convertor. He will also warranty it which I doubt the web site will. Add one of his valve bodies and then have someone do a rebuild with parts necessary and you will have a tranny that will shift like it is suppose to and last you onother 250K + miles.

Talk with Dave and tell him what you need. He'll take care of you.

Paul

 

Any advice on Internal parts? What brand clutches and bands? What about beefing up the Overdrive gear set? Is this necessary for light towing applications or only a concern for more serious stresses. Thanks.
-Greg