95% of the time this truck will haul a 40 foot gooseneck car trailer
loaded trailer weight is around 10000.

this is the vin 3D7MA48693G737394

it already has intake and exhaust
and a diablo predator tuner goin to set on tow or stock
the truck must live

what should i do to it to make towing better and live long time
previous truck was 93 f250 7.3 idi no turbo

some more info on truck 2003 dodge quad cab 8 foot bed, dually, 24 valve common rail so, fully fully loaded interior 154000 miles paid 10000 for truck from alabama

 

rear Airbags (pacbrake IMO), exhaust brake (packbrake also), bypass oil filter, aftermarket fuel pump, full sythetic fluids everywhere.
is it manual or auto? if auto- valve body and torque converter is just fine for you. Manual- new clutch.

That should be good for longevity, but as stuff breaks its always better to upgrade then replace.

 

which converter and valve body
the trans is my only concern

 

thats the same as asking which toliet paper to use. Everyone has their own goods and bads when it comes to transmission parts. I can handle anything engine wise, but have never messed with a tranny, so i went with a local guy for my build incase anything went wrong i can just call him up. If you dont mind digging into your tranny, i have read people who installed their own TC/VB. Its all up to preferance and cost.

 

With that kind of miles on the auto trans, especially if it has the stock valve body, you may be advised to take it to a local trans shop that knows these transmissions and let him drive it. Best if you have the trailer hooked up.

A local builder here suggested pulling the trans with the intention of adding a torque converter. While its out, he wants to pull the front pump and inspect the clutches at the front of the transmission (a very small job once the trans is out he says). If those clutches are still good, proceed, otherwise there are decisions to make.

They could add a valve body at that time too if the clutches look good. I've got a BD body and have been very happy with it.

A trans rebuild will start at 3-4K and continue up to the sky depending on how fancy you want to go.

 

If it's a 2003 automatic trans you can just about forget about putting an exhaust brake on it unless PacMan has just come out with one. The 2003 is an odd ball with the 48RE trying to get an exhaust brake. Problem is cable between engine computer and trans computer. I've tried since 2003 to get one on my 2003 3500 dually auto and have had zero luck. This includes PacMan, Jake and Banks.

 

I agree with changing all the fluids. Do this right away along with the fuel and air filter.
After that, concentrate on the tranny the most and have it done. There is enough reading here to make a good informed choice that fits your needs.

After the tranny, you can slowly nickle and dime yourse....... I mean, change and upgrade items that are normal wear and tear to keep you going with reliability.

 

thanks for your responses
but on the tc and valve body
i understand that everyone has their own opinion and i would like to hear everyones for the simple reason the if someones product sucs or is way over priced why should i buy and find out for myself i want your experience

 

I would add a spin on 2 micron fuel filter and water seperator. Trash and water will kill the injectors.

I made and installed mine for just a little more than $100. Used Baldwin bases and Baldwin BF1212 water seperator and Cat fuel filter. I kept the factory filter/water seperator in line and will only change filters when the fuel pressure starts dropping. There is a very good write up by AH64ID. Do a search using his name.