Hello:

I have a 7.3 2001 CC 4x4 with the 4R100. I had some issues with my trans. downshifting while towing. It felt as the engine was racing between shifts (in other words slipping), otherwise the trans felt normal when not towing.

In any case, I'm in the process of moving to Colorado from California, and the Mountain passes are steep, so I felt rather than take chances, I would just have the trans rebuilt before the next trip back there.

I called the two people I think do the best jobs that I know of with trans rebuilds. John Wood and BTS. I spoke to both of them, and decided that I would have John Wood do my trans. (don't forget we live in the same state!). Well, I'm EXTREMELY happy with my choice of builders.

I made the appointment a couple of weeks in advance, and showed up on time, to have it rebuilt that day, right in front of me. When they started taking the trans. apart, it was apparent the trans was not long for this world. It was coming apart by itself. The snap ring had already broken, and it was just luck that I made it to his shop.

While there, I watched as John custom made numerous different parts for my trans. He takes the time to get on his lathe and turnout truly custom parts that just don’t come from Ford manufactured to the tolerances he needs. He also takes the time to explain why the trans failed, and why it won’t be having that problem again for a long, long, long time.

He also backs his words up with a terrific warranty.

At any rate, while there I decided to have him install a gage set, and toss in a DP Tune as well.

I can tell you, when I drove out of his shop at 5.00pm that same afternoon, it felt like I was driving a new truck, one that had a ton of power (really noticeable from the get go!), and shifted far better than it did, even when new.

Want to talk about CUSTOMER SERVICE, John offers it in spades. Frankly, I felt as if he was a valued friend by the end of the day.

I will be driving the 200 miles to his shop, to have him add some extras in the near future. I guess what I’m trying to say, is when you see just how much knowledge this man has about the Ford Power Stroke trucks, you know you can trust him to get the job done right the first time (unlike some places I’ve been to in the past).

I am not knocking BTS, I know they put out a quality product. I’m just telling you John Wood is at least his equal when it comes to building a quality trans. If you are located anywhere in the Western United States, this is your man. If on the other hand you are in the South, I would not hesitate giving BTS a call.

Really, you cannot go wrong with either of these men, they know their business, and they know it very, very, well!

Good luck,


Richard

 

I will second that. While I do not have a trans by him(yet), I had a chance to swing by his shop about 6 weeks ago and was absolutely amazed as well. We spent at least an hour just talking about Torque Converters. He simply refuses to use stuff that he knows is not perfect, or can potentially fail. As Meatco mentioned, if a part he needs doesn't exist, he makes it. And he is a die hard 7.3 supporter. Has no use for the 6.0, other than the T.C.

 

Meatco,

Thanks for this first-hand report on John Wood's work. On the basis of things Gene (weweld) has said about him, if (or rather when) mine fails, that's where I'll be going.

I believe he is THE choice for us WestCoasters.

Of course, it doesn't hurt that he's 2000 miles closer than Brian... ;-)))

Pop

 

He cooks up some mean carne asada, too.

 

Nice Truck Ryan. Thanks for the help too. I finally got some of my own truck pics posted... Sorry!!! Next BBQ I'll have you and POPS over..Thanks Agian!! I had my Trans built by Jimmy Gallant in Sunland.. He too is class act with excellent customer service..Take care.

 

OK, now that you mentioned someone even more local, you gotta tell us more about him.

Pop

 

Hey Pops, I found him in an issue of Diesel World Mag where he did a full 4r100 rebuild in detail. His name is Jimmy Gallant. He is the Owner operator. You can find him at Racetrans.com. He is located in SunValley CA. and is the nicest guy you'll meet. He built my tranny.. Ats 5star Billet TC, Billet Shafts valve body Trans-go kit etc. He like's to use TCI converters but likes the ATS unit as well. Take care Pops. OH I'm over the hill from yah. Simi-Valley..

 

Springer:

John is a certainly a lot closer than BTS from us, but the clincher for me, was his complete knowledge of the 7.3 drivetrain.

I will be driving back down there in just a couple of weeks for a new exhaust system. I figure now that I know my trans is warrantied & bulletproof, I can play with different power upgrades and not worry about puddles of ATF under my truck.

Richard

 

does he have a website? how close is he to AZ

 

http://jwtt.com/

Pop