I have read many threads that suggest that this tranny is weak. but if i was to add a beefed up valve body and a strong torque converter would the rest of the tranny hold up?

 

id think it would depend on what your plans are. EZ or Comp with mild injectors? probably would be ok

Drag Comp, EDM's, twins, etc... ud probably need a whole DTT, ATS, Suncoast setup

 

How many miles are on the clutches and bands? What shape are they in?
Here are some sites to check out :
http://www.gbtransmissions.com/default.htm
http://www.suncoastconverters.com/
http://www.dieseltrans.com/
http://www.atsdiesel.com/
There might be others. Some of these sites have forums to check out. Do your home work, there is a lot of information and opinions out there.
Good Luck

 

Well IMHO there are huge differences between stock trannies. I think that due to teh manufacturing tolerances you might either luck out and the tranny will stand almost any abuse or on the other hand it may just die behind a stock engine.

My main reason to go for an aftermarket transmission would be to get the power to the ground. The stock auto with the stock TC isn't up to the torque of the Cummins imho.

An aftermarket converter and VB will lower your rpms and therefore can reduce the amount of pressure that generates the holding force for the clutches.

AlpineRAM