Howdy DTR.

I have recently trading in my manual for an automatic transmission. I just couldn't take sitting in traffic for an hour every day with a dual disc clutch.

I am looking for some guidelines on automatic transmission upgrades. All the research about diesels I've done up to this point has only been about manuals.

My goal for this truck is a reliable 500hp daily driver. I plan on the following mods
Smarty SR
Garrett ball bearing turbo
Airdog II
F1 injectors
6in lift with 37in tires

...not necessarily in that order. I just want to know just how much I need to spend on the transmission to support my goal.

 

better plan on replacing the front & rear end gears w/37's & 6 inch lift

it looks like a really nice build plan until you read the last mod

the 37's & 6 inch lift are not going to help the life of the transmission or driveline

at 500 rwhp the tq converter , valve body will be a good start , you may have to upgrade some hard parts in the transmission , a lot also depends on how you drive the truck etc

 

48RE 373 gears w/ 37 inch tire

70 mph 1636 rpms in OD

60 mph 1403 rpms in OD

35 inch tire = 70 mph 1730 in OD
= 60 mph 1482 in OD

33 inch tire = 70 mph 1834 in OD
= 60 mph 1572 in OD

 

A friend has a similar set-up. He just broke the input shaft because he didn't want to spend $750 or so.
he is now spending more than twice that to fix it.

 

Yeah I figured that was a possibility. I'll cross that bridge when I get to it, that one is a lower priority than the rest of the stuff. I just want info on building up my transmission to be strong enough to handle 500hp and a 6inch lift, when the time comes. I just want to do the transmission once.

I'll drive the truck pretty conservatively about 85% of the time. But I do want the tranny to be strong enough for me to cut loose and get wild from time to time.

So torque converter and valve body, check. What are the "hard parts" you are talking about in the transmission? Is it better to build it up piece by piece, or should I just start saving to buy a fully built transmission?

 

Drop the coin now and get a full billet. I skimped in the beginning, and broke mine. (my fault)

Goerend is the best name right now in transmissions, but I have had zero problems with my ATS, and love it.

 

Flex plate,converter,valve body,billet input,clutches,ect..

I would suggest finding a major builder in the area and talk to them about your needs like Hotroddiesels.com

 

agreed with the above statements running the big tires i would prolly get a billet output shaft as well your looking at about 5-6 grand for the above. id get a tripple disk,converter billet input/output, flexplate, cluches, servos, vavle body etc etc the list goes on and on.

 

It's sounding more and more like I just need to save up for a fully built one! So madhat like Goerend and ATS, any other recommendations?

 

DTT sells good stuff

 

Arrrg, I wish i knew you where selling your truck. I'm sick of my auto, and want to go back to an manual. Did you sell, or trade your truck? Any chance it's still on the dealers lot?

Carl

 

Check Carmax's website, they should post it up on there soon I imagine.

 

Garmon's out of Griffin, GA, is another option. They build all of their converters in-house, too.

garmonsdieselperformance.com

 

x2 for DTT products.

 

I just upgraded my 48RE with DTT parts. Triple disk torque converter, all clutches, bands, billet input shaft, valve body and flexplate. It is amazing how quick the truck is now. i am very happy with it. James Northum did all the work. His shop is James Transmission Tech in Midlothian Tx, which is just south of Dallas. That's not too far from San Antonio. It might be worth your time give him a call. His number is 972-467-3702. I believe he is the only DTT certified installer in Texas.