any sugesstions on how to prolong the life of my tranny (47rh) while plowing commercially

 

I've heard that the biggest killer is not fully stopping when shifting from forward to reverse. Get a trans temp gauge and maybe another cooler to help keep it cool.

 

4 lo and 1st gear would be a start

and try not to go too deep on the plow. I have disked a ropin arena with the truck before and just do that, and all was well, even with a stock clutch..

On an auto tho, id suggest fluid changes more often, a beefier TQ converter too as well, and bands and what not, but im not an auto guy, so im sure others will chime in... Although IMHO if u can finance it, buy a bulletproof trans from one of the builders



Rick

 

Built tranny would be best...but not for your wallet. I would run another tranny cooler from B&M or whoever, and always make sure to stop between shifting. Always drop the plow when parked, sounds simple but a lot of people forget it and kill springs, ball joints, and shocks. Definitely change the fluid more often. If you can afford a Billet TC get it...and with a lower stall speed as well, it'll help alot with plowing. A really cheap add-on that'll make a huge differenct is a shift kit, they're like $120 and your clutch packs with thank you. Hope that helps a bit, remember the shift kit is cheap, somewhat easy, and will make a big difference in shift firmness, but the TC will lower temps and give you better plowing power.

 

I have a shift kit already. what would be a lower stall speed. which billet tc is good ?

 

My DTT builder has told me plowing is a transmission killer even if you drop the bucks on a good setup.
Ive also heard of frame rail cracks developing where the mounts are bolted in.

 

I've got a '76 Chev, 4x4, auto. I use for everything including plowing. I had the trans rebuilt about 12 years ago when reverse when out while pulling down a barn. When the guy rebuilt it he told me I got 1 year warranty because of the snow plow frame and pump on the front. Well, it's still going with only fluid and filter changes. I've used (and abused) it dragging logs out of the creek bed, hauling 1500 # bales of hay, anything that needs done. It stays together. If it goes out tomorrow, it's paid its dues..

What's the difference in manufacturers of transmissions?

 

I had a plow on my 78 for most of the life of thr truck,believe it or not the auto. trans,has never been apart. The only thing ever done to it was a shift kit. That old 727 is one tough tranny.The main thing is to keep the transfer case in low range as much as possible,and don't try to do more than truck can handle.I even have run chains on all for corners a few times,with no problems.Iv'e got the plow on my 93 now,and i hope I have as good of luck with it.