So, I just recently joined this forum. Asked a few questions about some things that occurred when I installed a MADS Smarty Jr, delete pipes, cold air intake, to my truck. It seemed that no one was really able to give a viable answer. Upon research, I feel as if I have stumbled upon the answer.
The answer is that I possibly have a "transmission or torque converter shudder". This usually happens on moderate to hard acceleration of my 2011 ram 3500 4x4 crew cab dually. The truck constantly carries roughly 3000lbs in the bed at any given time. The Cummins runs strong (of course) but I think the tranny may be in need of some help. I have seen ads for suncoast, and heard of the Goerends, and ATS.
I may start off by purchasing a torque converter, but it may end up being the entire ball of wax.
I would like to hear everyones opinion about what tranny is best suited for my needs. I would like something that is plug and play where I don't have to do a whole bunch of other modifications, just the tranny for a 4x4.
Again, I don't race this truck, but sometimes I really like to open it up to "blow out the cobwebs", have a somewhat heavy load in the bed at all times, and need something that can handle roughly between 40 to 100 more Hp on top of stock. Thanks for all your opinions and help.

 

I also forgot to mention, this truck has about 140k. It has also been used to haul car trailers and 5th wheels. So it may be the tranny is a bit tired. will simply changing the converter help?

 

Is it only on take off and is it a light shudder? I noticed a smiliar feeling on mine since new but have heard that its from the long drivelines in these things... And its not that bad and only does it on take off... Hope you figure it out.

BM-

 

Take-off shudder sounds like the carrier bearing to me...got mine shimmed, problem solved.

 

Thanks for your response 409c1 and pronstar. I guess I wasn't very clear. The shudder happens upon moderate to hard acceleration while already moving. It does not happen from a dead stop. This usually occurs between 25-60+ mph's. It happens while taking an on ramp or punching it to pass someone. I will however check the carrier bearing.

The question I was asking was what transmission I should consider, keeping in mind that I carry about 3000lbs in the bed at all times. I need a transmission that is durable (therefore I have weeded out the ATS 68RFE) and curious about others input. I would like to replace the torque converter initially just to see what difference it makes. But, if the higher speed shudder seems to continue, I guess I will need to replace the transmission as well.

 

You running the H&S trans programmer? What transmission line pressure reading at?

 

I would talk to the people at Goerends and go on there recommendation.

 

Hey Mike, I am running the MADS Smarty S67jr ME tuner. I do not know the line pressure because I do not have a guage hooked up. I do know that I hardly surpass 160°F tranny temperature.

@ spider 1954, I have heard many good things about Goerends. I think their web site is back up again. I guess if I do Suncoast or Goerends, I will not have done too badly. Thanks for the input!

 

Goerends does not do a 68RFE