It seems that there is a lot of slamming of the AUTOS in these trucks. Are they really that bad to maintain,keep running, and get fuel mileage. Ifso, what can I do to help that situation. Also, does anyone build a nearly indestructible auto tranny for these and what can a guy expect to spend on a good one. Thanx again for the help

 

The biggest thing on the 518 is the torque convertor. Chrysler made it about 60% efficient so the engine wouldn't tear up the rest of the drivetrain. That can easily be fixed with a new TQ from Hughes, DTT, Suncoast, Goerends, etc. Most of these companies also offer rebuild kits and services to bring the 518 up to snuff.

 

flooritdiesel.com / John Isacs can build a nasty auto but get ready to spend some money

 

I really do think the A518 auto transmission gets a bad name. Most of my friends run manual transmissions with their Dodge Cummins pickups. I believe that most of the negetivity comes from folks who take a stock equipped 1st gen (with auto) and start hot-rodding or pulling heavy loads all the time and expect "Allision" type longevity. BE REALISTIC! know what these transmissions are capable of. I do agree that these transmissions have dissapointing torque converters, it almost feels like you have to give it heavy throttle to stay up with traffic. A good TC can take care of that, along with a better valve body. I'm planning to do these mods well before any engine power is increased.

 

Are you going to do the TQ yoursef?

 

It's not too bad given a few required tools and the FSM ~ https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...d.php?t=160276



.

 

Firstgen is correct. I'm the first one to bash my 518, but it's still trouble free at 228K, with really good maintance. I HATE the torque converter, but have no complaints otherwise. I've debating the NV4500 swap for a year now, but the 518 wont die and force me to decide!
Sure I have staring at the trans temp gauge while towing in the Texas summertime, sure I hate dropping from 70mph down to 50mph while the tach stays at 2100 thru the drop, but I know it's the converter, not the trans. I just like not having to shift. At least I know I'll never break anything.

 

Right on. That's what I'm doing.

 

Actually I am suprised at how LITTLE a new 90%+ TC and a built valve body are gonna cost!!!!
I just got off the phone with John at FloorItDiesel, and have my truck scheduled for the end of next week...

New TC, built valve body, up-graded flexplate and all fluids, filters and such are gonna be under $1500......
If it was a total rebuild on the tranny, it would be around $2400 plus the TC and flexplate...

Considering I spent over $3800 rebuilding the Getrag and a new clutch on my last truck, that isnt bad at all.....

What I came way from the converstation with is that the a518 isnt a bad tranny at all... if you arent gonna try and dump a lot of power thru it...
For guys like me, normal driving and towing, its fine, just the TC and valve body that need improvement...

 

New TC, built valve body, up-graded flexplate and all fluids, filters and such are gonna be under $1500......
If it was a total rebuild on the tranny, it would be around $2400 plus the TC and flexplate...

Considering I spent over $3800 rebuilding the Getrag and a new clutch on my last truck, that isnt bad at all.....


for another 1000.00 you could put in a NV4500 and its all brand new

 

Well, if you want to spring for the diff between the $1500 and the cost of the NV4500 and all the parts to convert to a manual, and the labor, I'd be more than happy to do it!!!!!!

 

I called thebest diesel shop here today and Jim said that he could put an auto in my '93 that I couldn't tear up. Cost is around 5000 and I think he said it was from ASI. Does that sound correct? Is it at all worth it and will it be nearly indistructible? I asked him about a TC. He said that then I would have a great TC and a junk tranny. Thanx!

 

Chrisreyn make sure to inform us about your experiance and the final result and performance of your trany.

 

Floor it diesel shop is known for sled pulling hot rod trucks and running autos, but he specializes in the CP3 pumps, and mucho mass fuel flow thorugh them. besides the non first gen pumps his trucks are all auto and hold that pump and alot of mods. Ive seen an first gen auto that he build smoke 2 pinion shafts out of a d70.

 

I think what everyone needs to realize about this conversation is that there are two avenues of looking at this..
the first is the 'power" one, and if your trying to really run up numbers on the Dyno and put a ton of horse power through it, the 518A probably isn't the best choice. The factory clutch packs and bands simply wont handle the stress of allot of high high torque. It requires a total overhaul/upgrade before it can handle this sort of use.

However, if your simply running your truck with moderate to no mods, and use it as your daily driver, grocery getter, towing occasionally( 15K or less roughly) then its a decent unit that will do fine with simply upgrading the TC and valve body.
This is what I have garnered from a few years of reading here and talking to allot of folks who know trannys...
So it really depends on your end-goals as to what you need to do with it....