OK Guys, I know very little about the autos, but I've been researching the rebuild. I've talked to Dave @ Georends and looked into Floor It. The local Dodge dealer told me Saturday that the best tranny guy on the planet is right in Missouri. His name is Jeremy and his shop is called The Compound. I just took my truck in today and he said that he could build me one that would be nearly indestructible. He does not want to build one w/o lockup as that is what kills the mpgs and heats up the unit. So tomorrow I'm leaving it there to try the build. He said he didn't see how I could spend over 2500 to get the best possible job. He said he has the same build with Hotshot rigs with 400,000 on the tranny.12 month 12,000 mile warranty. Really nice young guy who builds sledpullers and race rigs. Just gotta try it as he's 12 miles from me.

 

Hows he gonna make the lockup work in yours?

 

He said we'll use a switch on the dash.

 

I think what he is getting at is that the 518 was not a lock up trans. Is he going to be changing the front pump and valve body to support the lock-up converter (sorry if I have the wrong parts I don't know much about auto's). Or is he building you a 47rh.

 

Dick, for what its worth, John from Floor-It told me yesterday( Monday) that he will be getting in touch with you...

 

Freeway, 47rh New case and all. New flywheel,flexplate and all.

 

Chris; I've got 2 more 518's so I'll be talking John as well. Want to see how Jeremy's fix works. I've checked him out with a few customers and it sounds like he is the man. We'll see!

 

I have one he can do if this truley works. Please let us know all the details. Thanks.

 

He should have it done March 21, this Friday. When I pick it up I'll get all the scoop and try to remember to post it with the total cost.

 

Please do. I just spent 1300 on a good build on my NON_LOCKUP and a HUGHES converter!!!! If I could have gotten a lockup I would have been extatic for twice the $$. Please do keep us informed, thanks.

 

Roger that!! He is going to have a list ready for me to give you guys when I pick it up on Friday!

 

Well I got the truck back Friday nite and I can't believe the difference. Thechange made a world difference. There is no stall and when the lockup takes hold it's like another OD. It dropped the rpms about 500 so at 60mph we're turning 1600rpm. Just a total difference. At 70 I'm turning1850. the little switch on the dash should really help the fuel mileage. I did have to put on an adapter and a different starter, but so far it's definitely worth it. I bought an '89 with59K and the 3 speed. We're going to do OD and Lockup to it as well.

 

What stall speed did you use?

So you put it in "D", drive up through the gears and when you are in top gear or OD you flip the switch to lock it up?

 

I'm not sure of the stall speed, but there is almost no noticeable stall compared to the old. Just go through the normal shifting process and flip the switch and the rpms drop 4-500 and your gone. I haven't had enough miles to check the difference in mileage, but it has to be significant. I'll try to keep reporting as i am also intrigued.

 

Sounds great man keep us posted.