Mikael87

First post but I have been luring here since I bought the truck last month. I think I have a decent basic idea of what I need to do but I have a few questions.

First how accurate does the vin decoder tend to be, I was pretty sure I had 4.10's but the decoder says 3.73. I know i should have verified at purchase but I got a good deal, was excited and missed a few key points. I was able to pick up a 2012 3500 longhorn DRW in showroom condition with only 11k on it. Pre deletes I was getting about 13mpg highway post about 17mpg at 65mph. This makes sense to me for 4.10s not 3.37. Running the ME JR on fuel economy.

Now the real question: I tow a 16-17k (fully loaded) toy hauler 3X a year for 2,000 mile trips. I want to be able to run the 70hp tune and keep my transmission safe.
I know a torque converter is a must and I am also thinking an ATS copilot. Will these 2 get me through for a year or two until I can afford an ATS or similar built transmission. I say ATS because I would be able to go to their facility to have it installed. I have a CTS monitor to watch the EGT's. I have tried to do searching but i keep coming up with people building these 600hp+ rigs and that is not what I'm looking to do. I just want a reliable tow rig that can handle my trailer in the CO mountains.

Currently leaning towards a suncoast TC because the shop .2 miles from my house carries them and only charges 2 hours of labor.

Thanks for your time.

Jim W

On My truck with stock size wheel 17" my engine RPM's are 1500 at 60 miles and hour with 3:73 gears what is your RPM on the engine?

Now why do you think you need a new Torque Converter for only a 70HP increase?

I am running a Smarty SR67;60HP increase with the 68RFE auto and have pulled a 5er between 11K and 12,5K with no issues. There is another thread on Turbo Diesel Register where a gentleman has put 335,000 miles on his first 68RFE auto when the transmission finally failed; on his 11 he has 210K with no issues. He is a hotshoter that uses his truck for hauling.

I do run a Mag-Hytec pan and keep the fluid temps under 180F when towing this is the most important thing to do heat kills transmission.

Jim W.

BobTipton

Don't mean to hijack the thread but how do you control the tranny temp? We full-time RV and routinely pull our fiver that weighs in around 14k. Truck is bone stock with 3.73 rear end. I routinely see around 134-140 degrees running empty. Have seen 190 once - was towing the fiver in Mesa in stop and go traffic. Any pointers?

Thanks,

Bob

Busboy

I agree with Jim, adding an after market deeper finned aluminum transmission oil pan with a drain not only makes oil changes cleaner but lowers oil temps 10 to 12 degrees C. I watch my trans temps constantly while towing especially in the mountains, normal towing was 73c/163f now 58c to 63c/136f to 145f. My EVIC displays Centigrade while the Mini max displays Fahrenheit.

JimC

I have been running my stock 68rfe for the last 2 years pulling a little over 14K loaded and have seen 190 one time in a small N.GA town in traffic up hill and down. Other than that it rarely runs over 160. I have been contemplating the Magtec pan but just have not ponied up with the cash yet.

Jim W

Bob,

The way I control the tranny temperature is to insure that I stay around 180F for the inlet transmission fluid. My probe is in the tank and this is measuring the fluid that is going into the trans. If I see the temperature rising when towing I will down shift from 6 to 5 gear and speed up the engine RPM's this which seems to lower the EGT's and the transmission temps at the same time. But the boost pressure will rise also so I need to what that also to keep this under 35 PSI. I tend to drive watching the engine RPM’s and my installed gauges EGT, Boost and Transmission temps. I know that in 6th gear at 1500 RPMS with 3:73 gears and 17” tires I am doing 60 MPH. So this is why I drive with the tac and gauges instead of the speedometer.

Now it is also important to have a fin AL pan such as the Mag-Hytec pan which also adds 2 quarts of fluid or so. This all helps in keeping the trans oil cool for the transmission.

Jim W.

BobTipton

Thanks, Jim - that's just the information I was looking for!

Bob

Mcmopar

Jim,

Where did you put the probe for tranny temp? Do you have a picture?

Thanks,

Mc