Hey guys, can anyone help me? I am going to install an aftermarket valvebody and torque converter on my 01 dodge.Are there any particular things to watch out for when installing? Anything I could ruin if I don't get it right? I am mechanically inclined but I have never tore into an auto transmission before. Where can I get a diagram for a 47RE tranny so I can atleast see what I may be getting into? Or Option 2, Should I just take it to a tranny shop?

 

Please help!

 

I watched the guys at Georend Bros replace my tranny. I can honestly tell you I would not attempt it.

 

The V/b Is Not He Hardest Thing. Remove The Pan, Remove The Shift Levers, Unplug The Eight Way Connector On Top Of The V/b And Remove The Bolts(10). If The Accumulator Piston Falls Out, Just Make Sure It Goes Back In Small Side Up And Spring Down, Unless You Get An Udated Accum Pkg With The Valve Body. Swap Whatever Electronics, Filter, Etc Over And Put It Back In In Reverse Order.
Adjust The Bands While Pan Is Off. If You Can Slide A Transmission Back From The Engine, You Can Replace A Tc.
Dhawk

 

If you have the tools, the place, and the time; It is not a hard job, just a little time consuming/messy. I did mine a little while back when I was 17y/o. Its just turning wrenches, and getting down there, and doing it. You will be laying in tranny fluid, but its all worth it when its done. The VB also is not hard; and it doese'nt even take that long. I am 18y/o and have put the TC/shift kit in my truck, and installed a clutch for a buddy of mine, and I am getting ready to put a VB in mine hopefully, and put a VB/TC in for a buddy. If you consider yourself fairly mechanically inclined, and have the 3 listed requirements, then you can do it no problem. I do reccomend a Tranny Jack for the TC install though. Im telling ya right now, I wouldnt put a TC/clutch in without one.Good luck, and if you need anything, dont be afraid to ask.

Eric

 

The very best infos on how to do what on your truck can be found in the service manual. You can get one at www.techauthority.com - IMO this manual is the best 100 bucks to spend on a RAM if you want to work on it yourself.

Removing and reinstalling the tranny isn't too hard if you take your time and if you have some tools. The tranny is a heavy bugger, and if you are on your back under the truck and it falls on any part of your anatomy it's no fun, so take care!
I prefer removing the tranny completely because you can clean up everything and inspect the stuff in there pretty easily. (And if you go for a better TC and VB why not go for a master rebuild kit with an updated front clutch, 4.4 apply lever etc- this does reap a lot of benefits compared to just a TC and VB IMO)

HTH

AlpineRAM

 

BTW you didnt mention how many miles were on it. If its high mileage may want full rebuild? Seems like alot of not to do it right 1st time.

 

Its got around 89,000 miles on the truck with original tranny. There was minimal pulling done with this truck so I seem to think everything else would be ok but who knows until I get in there and look.

 

Dave Goerend also suggested that I install a stronger 1-2 shift lever for $60. Anyone know what this install consists of? Sorry for all the questions but I know nothing about a tranny internally and I hate to screw anything up. Thanks

 

The 2nd gear band is applied by a servo that acts on a lever- this lever has a ratio of 3.8 :1 stock (IIRC) and some aftermarket vendors sell levers with a higher ratio. These levers will increase the pressure on the band and therefore increase the holding capacity of the 2nd gear. With the higher ratio lever and increased pressure from the VB you will also want a stronger band strut (the stocker could bend)
At 89 k miles I'd definitely do a full rebuild.

I think you should call Bill Kondolay from DTT and talk to him. My experience is that he is a very helpful guy. (I can't comment on others, never worked with them)

AlpineRAM

 

If the tranny is acting fine now; I personally wouldnt worry about a full rebuild yet. The VB, and TC will make it last a lot longer as it is. Unless the tranny is already acting really bad, then I think you would be fine with a TC/VB, and Dave Goerend definatley knows what he is talking about, so he will shoot you straight with what you need.

Eric

 

Just did mine this weekend.
It's a lot of work, took two days and i have a lift and tranny jack, did it myself too.
The hardest part is getting the trans support out and in. I used my Hi-Lift jack to seperate the frame. Also the cooler lines were not cooperative either.
And the little hole they gave us for getting to the TQ bolts.
Make sure you have 15 + quarts of AT+3 on hand.
The BD valve body came with the second gear strut thingy. I also put in a TCI Maximizer TQ in from Jegs the price was right. It has the billet front cover.
good luck
scotte

 

hey scott,

any input on th tranny you did????hows the truck now? difference???

 

I'm also thinking about doing the same thing to mine cuz I really don't have the money to buy a built tranny right now..............so I'm curious as well as to how hard this project is.




~Nick

 

It is preforming great, i have no complaints at this time.
Holds the Comp on 5x5 no problem. The shifts are really firm and i love the extra power it gave me.