View Full Version : auto trans upgrades for towing
qtrhors
Fri, May 27th, 2011, 02:15 AM
Have a 28 ft 5th wheel Im leaving with for Portland Or from Billings Mt. Some grade to deal with :) My question is what mods have you guys done or like for the auto trans. Now this may sound like a pretty dumb question but does my rig have a factory external tranny cooler?(no I havnt looked yet). What type/size? What should I get? Im thinking a better tranny pan too:hmmm: Suggestions? thanx.
Tim
cleatus12r
Fri, May 27th, 2011, 10:01 AM
Unless you get a full "heavy duty" rebuild, there are no bolt-on parts you can add to the transmission to make it stronger (valve body, torque converter, etc.). None of these parts make the transmission itself any stronger.
A larger transmission pan won't do anything but add fluid capacity. It won't add strength or cooling efficiency as there is just more hot fluid to extract heat from at that point.
The transmission cooler you have stock will be a little guy located between the A/C condenser and the intercooler near the bottom. It never hurts to add a bigger cooler.
qtrhors
Sat, May 28th, 2011, 09:29 PM
I found the tranny cooler? :) I guess I well just have the tranny serviced(replace filter and fluid). Cody your comment about cooling efficiency is interesting. I have heard that increased pan capacity actually helps with cooling because the fluid stays in pan longer account more fluid volume and a finned aluminum pan helps this process.
Tim
Lowdown89
Tue, May 31st, 2011, 01:02 PM
I found the tranny cooler? :) I guess I well just have the tranny serviced(replace filter and fluid). Cody your comment about cooling efficiency is interesting. I have heard that increased pan capacity actually helps with cooling because the fluid stays in pan longer account more fluid volume and a finned aluminum pan helps this process.
Tim
From what all I have read about bigger pans,coolers,etc. It seems that unless you upgrade your cooler it's not a great idea to get a deeper pan for the fact that once the fluid does heat up it takes longer to cool down in my opinion I would either add a larger cooler and a deep pan or just a larger cooler
qtrhors
Tue, May 31st, 2011, 09:49 PM
Sounds reasonable to me :) Im no pro tech guy. Im just a hobby/tinker around guy at best. I have messed around with cars some...once upon time I had several "hot rods" including mid 11 sec stang. Getting the tranny flushed with filter and fluid change tomorrow. Going to head out thur morning.
cleatus12r
Wed, June 1st, 2011, 09:20 AM
Have a good trip. I've taken that trip a couple of times but my destination was the Tillamook area. I like it there a lot.
Save your money on the transmission pan. They look neat and that's about it.
qtrhors
Thu, July 28th, 2011, 12:20 AM
Well I made it home. 3200 mi and no major probs. The old white horse chugs along and shakes off any tough conditions. Im impressed even more with this engine. Hard to believe I once thought diesels were junk lol.
Power Hungry
Thu, July 28th, 2011, 01:19 AM
I used to be the same way. You couldn't have given me a diesel in the '80s or early '90s. Now look at where we are!
qtrhors
Thu, July 28th, 2011, 05:40 PM
my rig at daughter and son-in-laws
88Racing
Fri, July 29th, 2011, 10:15 AM
my rig at daughter and son-in-laws
Nice!:thumbs up yellow: