School me on auto trannies.....

[Big Perm]

OK, I'm old school and like manuals, but now I got an auto and want a SC, without all the reported problems....first, thanks for the PM's, you have really helped.....second, I remembered how many QC's there were this weekend, and they are also interested in a SC, so might be of value to get a thread on this stuff as likely there are others that aren't tranny specialists like me.....

So, I called Suncoast....they started talking about three clutch system and input shaft, single clutch, converters, valve bodys, and a bunch of other stuff.....Mike was kind enough to send me some info around "2nd gear band, strut and 5.0 apply lever....also valvebody work....increased mainline pressure"....

I don't have the basic knowledge to understand this stuff, and it likely might puzzle some others with QC's.....is there anyone who might be willing to offer feedback around this???? Something like a post that would include what really needs to be replaced, what is BS, and what is an option for future upgrades but not needed.....I would say most of us plan to get to 650HP max and 700TQ max.....I just don't understand all of this, and with labor, I've been told anywhere from $4000 for all I need in the tranny up to $6500, which would be a new billet tranny with upgraded stuff.....

Any help appreciated.....hell, I probably didn't even ask the question right

Thanks,

Jason

 

[Michael from the U.K.]

My advice-----------------------Sell it and get a manual :burnout:

 

[ntw0rk]

HA! Not an option!

 

[Scrambler1]

The stuff Mike said is all that you need for what you are talking about. If somehow you burn the clutches you can get upgrades ones from Suncoast or similar and installed for less than you are talking about. If you plan to run slicks, get a different torque converter with a higher stall speed. Mike and 1Fast400 have nice billett ones that are far lighter and perform better. Not needed if not running slicks at the track.

Me I went ahead with a full Billett Suncoast... pricy but I'm happy with it and it has a warranty. I went this route b/c I was already planning on going much higher and power and wanted to just do this once. That said, I may be selling my tranny early next year and going a different route. So I'm still doing it twice I just spent more money the first time! Damn I hate that!

 

[Blakewilder]

THat Suncoast will handle whatever you throw at it.....unless you go over the 1000 hp mark you should be fine. Talk to the guys at Suncoast....theyll tell ya. I cant wait to see a 400 in one of these trucks tho....it will be cool. Timetested 4 sure...

 

[Big Perm]

Thanks for the help....looks like the billet Suncoast is the way to go to offer the most upgrade potential if needed...

Is there any special way to order it as far as clutches and all that stuff, or just let them spec it out??? :dontknow:

 

[Blakewilder]

nope....just tell em that u want the competition 48re with the billet TQ converter (25-2800 stall). Order the double tall pan for the fluid. the extra few quarts of fluid will help. It will shift harder than stock but not too hard. Its what shoulda come in these trucks IF they had to go with a 48re....personally I think they bastardized the drivetrain in this truck. They shoulda used something designed for a gas motor....not a diesel.

 

[Big Perm]

Gracias :rock:

The diesel guys also ragged on the 48, regarding HP mods....but it's better than the 47

 

[Scrambler1]

It is better than the 47, but not much. They don't survive near long enough in a stock diesel that's used for towing IMO. But then again, neither does the Allison. I don't know why a factory can't offer an auto worth a shit.

I talked to a couple of SRT engineers at a car show eariler this year and about cussed them for the 48re... at that time my stock one was about ready to fall out the bottom. They said they knew but Dodge didn't have anything else and the cost of developing a better transmission was astronomical for such a limited number of trucks.

Blake... the TH400 is what is going into mine in the near future.

Joe

 

[Silverback]

You do not need a multiple disk torque convertor if you are not towing heavy loads. The diesel boys need those, not us.

If you want all the mumbo jumbo as to why let me know and I will post it for you.

 

[Big Perm]

Quick update, got ahold of one of my old diesel buddies:

hey jason for what it is worth, my tranny is stock except for the triple disk converter. and it has been living at well over 1k torque at the rear wheels for 10k plus miles and over 500 rwhp. and i have a lock up switch that lets me keep the converter locked between shifts. not very easy on the tranny at all. and i have a 47 re which is weaker than your 48.

Looks like the 48 might last better than originally thought....thanks for the PM's and it's good to hear that the tranny should like for a while before I have to dump mucho dinero....hope for an SC over the winter

 

[Big Perm]

It just stinks we have to abortionize a tranny that's made for a diesel which makes GOBS or torque under 1500 rpm's vs our gas engines that aren't anywhere near that.

I'm not worried about the horsepower, but whether or not the tranny can handle my big load

Yep, at this price point, both the tranny and engine should be bullet-proof....