Is a 518 that bad?
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Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Mt.Vernon,Mo
I'm not interested in sled pulling or racing. I want fuel mileage and I'll pull a load of cattle or horses twice a month. Right now i'm running2300 rpm's @ 60mph. I'm runnig 3.54 gears W350 CC. Seems high rpm to me. Don't know if a better TC would fis all of that or not. The max load I'd probably pull would be 15K. Thanx! ps-- I hate tranny problems!!
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Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Lyndon KS
I'm not interested in sled pulling or racing. I want fuel mileage and I'll pull a load of cattle or horses twice a month. Right now i'm running2300 rpm's @ 60mph. I'm runnig 3.54 gears W350 CC. Seems high rpm to me. Don't know if a better TC would fis all of that or not. The max load I'd probably pull would be 15K. Thanx! ps-- I hate tranny problems!!
It sounds like you are using your truck about the same way I am using mine.( daily driver and pulling the horses, hay and occasionaly the tractor)
Id give John a call and talk to him...you could PM him on here, but not sure how often he gets online....
If you want references on him, ask MColeman, Satburn, or most of the SW MO guys.....
Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Mt.Vernon,Mo
I have 3.54 gears. it seems to be in OD, but it doesn't seem that the OD is correct. My '92 D250 is @ 1800-1900 at 69mph. It also has 354 gears. What's up? Is the OD jerking me around. It doesn't feel quite the same in both trucks. The speedo is off a couple miles per hour according to the GPS on the dash.
DTR's Night Watchman & Poet Laureate
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Lyndon KS
take it out and get up to around 65 or 70 and hit the OD off button.... should tell you real quick if the OD is working or not!!
I hadn't thought about the OD not working, but that would sure make a dent in your mileage and in the RPMs...
JD may be on to something there.
I hadn't thought about the OD not working, but that would sure make a dent in your mileage and in the RPMs...
JD may be on to something there.
Chapter President
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,155
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From: Pottstown, PA
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...
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...
DTR's Night Watchman & Poet Laureate
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Lyndon KS
I won't be doing any sled pulling or hot roding. just want to be able to put out power when needed. I also pull a camper (9k) about 10 times a year. Would an upgrade like you mentioned be able to handle this? My trans was rebuild by the previous owner about 15,000 miles ago so the trans is in good operating condition. I can certainly tell the TQ is slipping though.
1st Generation Admin
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,601
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From: Buies Creek, NC
I think our trucks need the better converter with a full valvebody kit minimum for the work-truck running stock power. With that, a fresh A518 should be able to handle the more common free mods power in a work truck just fine. 
But I've not blown mine up yet, and I'm NO transmission pro by a l o n g shot.
I'd feel better hearing what Mike has to offer (JD730).
But I've not blown mine up yet, and I'm NO transmission pro by a l o n g shot.
I'd feel better hearing what Mike has to offer (JD730).
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