Trans work
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Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Texas
Trans work
Guys, my truck is obviously screaming it needs a trans, whats the bare minimum I can get by with? Would I be OK to just do a VB and TC, thats the extent I'm capable of doing on my own. Also do I need my trans rebuilt or would it be OK just to upgrade those parts, It seems to be in perfect condition now.
The truck pulls often, will probably never see a drag strip, will never see a sled. I would like to be able to put smarty on #9 and not worry about frying stuff.
I could put a larger turbo on in the far-out future, but not to the extent of needing head work, ect.
The truck pulls often, will probably never see a drag strip, will never see a sled. I would like to be able to put smarty on #9 and not worry about frying stuff.
I could put a larger turbo on in the far-out future, but not to the extent of needing head work, ect.
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From: NorCal
Depends on the condition of the clutches. If it has a few miles on it, a rebuild kit combined with a good TC/VB will do you the most good.
I would recommend rebuilding if you have over 50K on it....just good insurance.
Give Goerend, HTS, Suncoast a call and ask them what they think. IMO, Dave at Goerend is the best at answering questions from a consumers stand point instead of a seller P.O.V.!
I would recommend rebuilding if you have over 50K on it....just good insurance.
Give Goerend, HTS, Suncoast a call and ask them what they think. IMO, Dave at Goerend is the best at answering questions from a consumers stand point instead of a seller P.O.V.!
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Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Claxton, GA
With that many miles I would also do a total rebuild. If you only had 50,000miles you could of just done the TC,VB, and flexplate and been golden unless the input shaft lets go. Do it right the first time or it is gonna cost ya in the long run. I would do TC,VB, Flexplate, billet input, and a fresh rebuild.
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From: NorCal
a good VB will run you between $400-600, and a rebuild kit is approx. $500.
So your looking at between $2000-2400 in parts plus $50 for fluid and filters.
Labor is a different story...I wont even begin to guess what that might be.
Either way...its VERY much worth it in the end. The smile will NEVER leave your face!!!
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From: NorCal
Do it right once!!!
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From: Texas
so If I have this work done, Rebuild, Billet shafts, TC, VB, flex plate, deep pan,
How much HP could I hold up to? Would I be safe as my truck is now to run down the drag strip with a boosted launch?
How much HP could I hold up to? Would I be safe as my truck is now to run down the drag strip with a boosted launch?
DTR 1st Sergeant
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Applegate, CA
The price for all that may not be something you want to hear. Check out Goerends website. There is some good info there and his prices are amongst the lowest for what you want/need. Dave can be hard to get on the phone, but when you do he is very good to speak with and will not sell you anything you do not need.
Even if you don't go with him, I would recommend having one of the folks, like HTS (in Texas), DTT (also in Texas), Suncoast, Dunrite and others, build the tranny themselves and have your local guy install it.
Even if you don't go with him, I would recommend having one of the folks, like HTS (in Texas), DTT (also in Texas), Suncoast, Dunrite and others, build the tranny themselves and have your local guy install it.
DTR 1st Sergeant
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Applegate, CA
These guys will build the tranny to the power level you tell them to with your intended uses in mind; you need to talk to them. The power level also helps to determine the TC they will give you as well as the VB build. (not a one size fits all affair here) How they build a tranny differs from a mid HP towing rig to a high HP drag/puller rig. The turbos you intend to use will also be a difference... a big single turbo will require a looser TC than twins, for instance to help spool.
I would not be doing boosted launches with a well worn stock tranny.
I would not be doing boosted launches with a well worn stock tranny.
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Joined: Jun 2005
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From: Nebraska
You can do a basic rebuild and then add a TC and VB and an inexpensive SFI flexplate and that will hold 500hp. You only need to start looking into billet shafts if you're gong to be well over the 500hp mark or plan to do continuous high boost 4x4 launches or sled pull.
In other words, you can get by for around $2000-2200 in parts and then you're looking at around $800-$1200 for labor for everything. If you have the tools, room, and knowledge, I would do the removal, have a shop do the basic rebuild with the VB you decide on, and then do the install yourself. That's gonna save you $500-$800.
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For what it is worth I did what you are about to do and had to go back later and do the whole tranny. At about 35K I installed an aftermarket billet TC and did valve body mods and left the stock flexplate and stock shafts in there, no rebuild. It cost me around $1000 but I got hooked up on the labor with a good friend and parts were weholesale. After adding much more HP parts, stacking, propane, etc and going to much heavier towing at about 100K miles I went for the big chimichanga and got the whole thing billet front to back. It was expensive but it will handle everything I put to it now and in the future. It is nice peace of mind. My recommendation is to either get a loan or save up until you can do it all at once. If you go halfway and dont get shafts or flexplate and run it too hard and break anything in there and have to have it rebuilt anyway you will have blown through everything you saved.