Guy's,

I'm a first time poster on DTR and I'm hoping your experience can guide me. I've got a 305hp - 555ft/lb Ram with the Automatic and 4:10 Gears She is bone stock with the exception of a Pac Brake and a Trans-Flow aux fuel tank.

I've been happy with the trucks perfomrance (power/economy) empty. We recently purchased a new 5th wheel trailer and man is it heavy! Truck, Trailer, Gear, Fuel, I'm a over 24K lbs total Weight.... Yes 24K! The truck is rated for a total weight of 23K so I'm over by 1K.

We just returned from a 1500 Mile trip across the Rocky's and I experienced overheating and a couple of times we had to pull over and let the old girl cool down. I also experienced a few passes were she had all she wanted -1st gear, 25mph foot on the floor!

I'm wanting to increase the pulling performance of the truck without sacificing reliability or economy (if possible). I feel that the issue is transmmision slipage but I'm not sure. Thoughts?

What other mods would you suggest for pulling?

 

I doubt that the issue is transmission slippage (disregarding converter slippage, which is normal). I think under that kind of load, if it were slippage in the transmission, you would know because you'd be posting about your new transmission. Now, one thing you REALLY should consider is a good aftermarket torque converter and valvebody. That right there will get more power to the wheels due to decreased converter slippage. It will also increase fuel economy and heat the transmission less. As for performance boxes, I'll defer on that to people who have actually done such things to '03s. However, the more power you make, the more you'll need a good converter and valvebody...

 

If your pulling that kind of a load and slowing down to 1st gear on an auto I wouldn't put any power enhancement parts on until I addressed the auto transmission first. If you do put on power enhancement parts you will be rebuilding the transmission anyhow. Then your next concern would be high EGT temperatures burning a hole in your pistons.

1. address transmission
2. fuel, transmission, boost, EGT gauges.
3. Intake and exhaust mods for better breathing.
4. Some sort of power module of your choice.
5. use money instead of 1,2,3,4, and buy a 325/610 manual tranmission for those kind of weights.

 

bluebull,

Thanks for the advice but the Manual Trans isn't an option for me. I stuck with the Auto shifter.....

 

Well I agree with Bluegill. With the new 6 speed you'll be geared much better for your load . You do have choises .#1 $5,000.00 into a ATS trans and $2,000.00 for motor bombing #2 New 6 speed truck, and keep it stock,or #3 Get a lighter 5er.

 

What part of Texas are you in?

 

Wolfeman,

I'm in the Beamont Area.

 

What is the Maximum Torque & HP that the stock Auto transmission can handle?

 

I would say it's more on how the Hp and torque is applied. I know guys with the weaker 47RE that are running more than 60 Hp over stock but they baby the trans alot and eventually some of them have pooped out on them. The 48RE is a little stronger but not much.

I would say you could possibly get by with a 40-60 hp module but towing mountains as you describe will cause premature failure. The biggest problem you will face before transmission failure will be high EGT's. If you get yourself a set of gauges to monitor things before problems get too far out of hand will help. A better flowing intake (high flow filter and swiss cheese air box). Be warned though is you do anything other than what the truck came with you will void your warranty. Yes, DC can even void it for a swiss cheesed air box.

 

You in all reality do not have enough truck to haul what you are hauling....

Worrying about a swiss cheese air box is the least of his worries right now. His truck has its "tonque" draging, begging for water. Towing that much, you can't be cheap about it at this point of the game.

Tranny...is a must with that much weight.

Gauges....once again...that much weight...foot to the floor...EGT's and
Tranny temps are going to be up there. Heck, your coolant temp's were!

Intake/Exhaust...AFE or Airraid type. As for exhaust a MBRP or any of the other 4 or 5 inch systems that you see.

As for power, something like a Edge Juice/Attitude would work well, because it has gauges, and it adjustable like no end. Try and stay away from the "pressure" type boxes.

Sure a 6speed would be a better configuration, but that's not what you have. Just build up the auto, and it will serve you well.

 

You need a medium duty truck to pull that kind of weight. Don't spend 10k .You'll still only have a muscle-bound pick-up.

 

Guys, what's going on here? I pull close to that weight with a bone stock truck. We were over 22K going up I-5 through Oregon, full of 6% grades at 65 mph in August. Over 90 degrees outside. First gear @ 25 mph and overheating....somthings wrong with that!

 

I agree this dosen't sound right.

 

If the truck is overheating bone stock then your overloaded, period.

 

ASHNBAK,

I can't believe there would be that much difference between your rig and mine. What were you pulling?