Hey guys, I have a pretty basic stock truck. I have a Smarty Jr for towing. But I was thinking, would a new "good" torque converter be worth it, installing onto a stock tranny? Will that help me out moreso for fuel economy as well? I tow about 8k twice a year for about 800ish miles total. (Boat to Valdez and back)

Suggestions? I still some warranty on everything yet. Didn't want to tear into the tranny itself just yet.

Regards,

 

If you do a TC then you will need to upgrade the VB. You will also need a flexplate. If you want to do just one thing, upgrade the VB or do a shift kit. Bear in mind that you have drive by wire and setting up the VB can be a pain to get it right.

 

Although Spooler is correct, I don't think he answered your question. Unless your TC is broken, a new one will not get you better mileage.

 

Actually a "good" TC on a stock trans makes a BIG difference, definitely in the power area and some with the mileage. Anything that will allow more power to the ground is going to help to a certain extent.

 

I'm in the same boat - trying to decide if I can just get a new T/C and VB or if I need to get the whole tranny.

If you just add the T/C and VB, can a stock trans handle it fine?

 

Essentially, a TC and VB is fine in a stock trans. Replacing the front servo, accumulator, and billet band strut should address all the weak points. If you get a single or set up a tripple disk correctly you don't *need* a billet input.

 

You should only need a billet input shaft if you tow with a combined weight of over 17,000lbs, drag race, or have an over 600HP truck.

 

800 miles of 8000 lbs?

forget about it. stick in in tow haul and go.

 

I replaced my stock TC when 4 out of the 6 welded nuts on my TC let go. I can tell you that an upgraded TC (triple disk and tighter/less leakage) makes a WORLD of a difference in driving the truck as well as tranny temps.

I spent the weekend and 6 beers along with $1300 to change out the TC. I did not go any further since I figured that if the tranny "goes" I would simply go thru Goered and get a rebuilt one. By the time you start piecing it together (valve body, bands, etc), you are then better off biting the bullet and buying a $4000 tranny. I figure if i ever need a complete tranny, atleast I have the $1300 TC which can be deducted from the total tranny cost.

If you have the time and tools yourself, throw in a good TC - they range in price from high $600's to $1300.

That is my opinion - I am happy that I changed out the TC - should have did it the day I bought the truck.

 

According to the person I spoke to at Goerend, if I buy a TC and VB I can install them on my tranny and drive. She also said they will deduct those costs if I decide to upgrade to a built unit. IOW, I send my old unit with the VB and TC and they send me a complete tranny w/new TC and VB! How do you beat that deal?