This thread is for those who are looking to upgrade there stock transmission. My rig is a E99, which was prone to torque convertor failure. When my convertor became extremely noisy, it was time to make some decisions. My rig has a beans diesel chip, no muffler and, a K&N filter. I have a excavating business and often tow 12,000 pounds up some pretty gnarly hills in upstate New Pork. Not a type O. When I ran this by john, inquiring about his tow master, he simple said, "you don't need that". I said I have a chip, and his response was "that does not bother me". According to John, his econo transmission is basically what his tow master was a few years ago. For more info on that call John. I was pretty stoked this guy did not try and sell me his more expensive transmission, just what i needed. In my book that says something. After a few calls and emails, I went ahead and ordered the econo. Shipping was very reasonable and the transmission came in a timely manner. As of this writing, I have bolted the tranny to the motor and bolted torque convertor to flex plate. Tomorrow I plan on finishing the install, and doing a test drive. I will post my opinions after the test drive. So far, I am very pleased with my decision.

 

That is what I got a few months ago. So far so good...

According to him he built this tranny to compete against the Ford HD, but he says his tranny is much better than the HD.

I don't pull heavy anymore, so I just went with his econo...

 

First, good on John for listening to the customer and selling him what he needs etc.

Second, love the price point on the Econo vs. Towmaster. If I need a rebuild etc. this is a very attractive option.

Let us know how it goes.

Steve

 

Nice find, I was looking at the 4r100HD as well when the time comes. Keep us updated.

 

Finished install of the JW econo transmission today. All I can say is WOW!!! The truck now shifts instantly and just plain goes like a rocket. Anyone debating on what aftermarket transmission to install, my advice is save the headache and just get the econo, you will be very happy.
The choice was easy for me, buy from someone who specializes in these transmissions, or buy from a company that hires high school kids on summer break looking to make minimum wage working on a assembly line. I would rather support a ma an pop type operation.
On another note my truck is so much quieter now, before you could not hear yourself think! The torque convertor noise was obnoxious. One other thing, if your tranny is feeling like it is going to crap out, order one now. If you wait till it explodes, your truck will be down for a couple weeks waiting for it to be built and shipped. Hope this helps someone on the fence about which trans to install.

 

I've been loving mine for almost 7 years now!

Stewart

 

Can someone PM me or post the price diff between the Tow master and the Econo? Thx

 

I do not see why not. The difference is 1800$

 

Yup......$4700 vs. $2900 I believe.

 

I'd kinda' think that most local rebuild shops will quote about $3K anyway.

Why would one NOT go with the John Wood unit, given his background knowledge on this specific transmission? He knows all the smallest details to make these live.

When mine goes, unless I'm in another part of the country and need to be back up immediately, there's no way I will do anything else!

I'm glad he's now making this level of rebuild available to those of us with stock power levels. For the money, these will undoubtedly still be head-and-shoulders above the "locals".

Experience counts.

Pop

 

I hear ya Pop!

By the way, what ever happened to Art Carr? I'm sure you are old enough to remember him? He was in central California somewhere, and was famous for his work beefing up the Ford C6 automatics. Back when I had my two 79 Fords, I said the same thing about Art Carr that you just said about John Wood... when my tranny goes, I'm taking it to him.

Only thing was, neither one of my C6 trannies gave me any trouble, so I never had the chance.

 

He's still around, still doing transmissions. He's in the Los Angeles "South Bay" area somewhere insofar as I know.

He used to be the "go to guy" in the trans biz, but haven't heard much about him in years other than he is now somehow associated with Chip Foose.

"Hollywood" racing.... fooey!

Fortunately, I haven't needed his services, or anyone else's in the last couple of decades. I now install external spin-on filters in my "working" vehicles, and go lightly on their loud pedals, and that seems to prevent problems.

Pop

 

Thanks for posting the prices. Is shipping included?

 

I doubt it, though freight is usually pretty reasonable if you're not in a hurry.

I'd be more inclined to ask, "Is installation included?"

Also, I doubt it......

California sales tax would be significant for me, though.

Pop

 

For those who have purchased one, what was $$$ shipping?