Transmission advice please
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 319
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From: Verona NY
Transmission advice please
I have a late 99 F350 cc drw w/ a toasted tranny. I've read of many of you who recommend BTS, has anyone herd of the "Diesel Wizard"? I don't know how reputable he is, I spoke to him on the phone and I don't really get a warm fuzzy. He claims a lifetime warranty w/ towing up to 150 miles, and on and on about how good his rebuilds are. Claims to have done thousands of them. He has a website that does'nt really say much. I've also looked into a reputable local shop, much less than a BTS, and they will use upgraded parts, including a heavy duty billet TC.
I bought the truck so I could tow heavy loads, and I don't want to fry another one; but I don't want to spend more than I have to of course. A BTS is about $4000 plus shipping (>$500). What do you all recommend? Thanks for the help.
I bought the truck so I could tow heavy loads, and I don't want to fry another one; but I don't want to spend more than I have to of course. A BTS is about $4000 plus shipping (>$500). What do you all recommend? Thanks for the help.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
Likes: 50
From: Texas
We've heard many stories where some rebuild shop will guarantee they can build the best tranny out there that can handle anything you throw at it, only to find out later when it fails that they just used stock parts and said there warranty does not cover trucks with a chip or heavy towing.
I've never heard of the Diesel Wizard, but if you think a BTS is expensive, try spending 2k-3k on a tranny to have it fail in 6 months and need to spend that money again.
If your set on finding a cheaper alternative, make sure you get everything in writing, including a list of any "heavy duty" parts they use, and get a copy of the guarantee before you allow the work to be done so you know what is and is not covered before you authorize any work.
I've never heard of the Diesel Wizard, but if you think a BTS is expensive, try spending 2k-3k on a tranny to have it fail in 6 months and need to spend that money again.
If your set on finding a cheaper alternative, make sure you get everything in writing, including a list of any "heavy duty" parts they use, and get a copy of the guarantee before you allow the work to be done so you know what is and is not covered before you authorize any work.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,144
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From: Rochdale MA
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 319
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From: Verona NY
I think that's the one, it's dieselwizard.com. I take it you all wholeheartedly recommend Brian's? Hey F350-6, I like that quote, and by the way I went to Texas to get my truck (a little north of Houston).
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 4,243
Likes: 16
From: AZ
I saw your original post yesterday and knew that numerous folks would tell you BTS...it is a lot of money, but think of it this way and it will seem like a lot less. The BTS will be the LAST tranny you put in your truck...period. Amortize the cost over ten years or so and it is $8 a week.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 750
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From: Weimar,TX
Sparkplugless,
Welcome to FTE!
I just had my trans rebuilt last week. Torque converter was locking up.
I had it done by a dealer in Houston. One year or 12000 mile warranty.
Drive out was just over $2100.00.
The BTS are supposed to be one of the best. However, unless you install it yourself,
you have another $1000. to $1500. for the install. I would be tempted to go with your local shop.
Good luck,
Welcome to FTE!
I just had my trans rebuilt last week. Torque converter was locking up.
I had it done by a dealer in Houston. One year or 12000 mile warranty.
Drive out was just over $2100.00.
The BTS are supposed to be one of the best. However, unless you install it yourself,
you have another $1000. to $1500. for the install. I would be tempted to go with your local shop.
Good luck,
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Hook it, I'll pull it.
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 15,037
Likes: 4
From: Grand Lake, La.
Sparkplugless,
Welcome to FTE!
I just had my trans rebuilt last week. Torque converter was locking up.
I had it done by a dealer in Houston. One year or 12000 mile warranty.
Drive out was just over $2100.00.
The BTS are supposed to be one of the best. However, unless you install it yourself,
you have another $1000. to $1500. for the install. I would be tempted to go with your local shop.
Good luck,
Welcome to FTE!
I just had my trans rebuilt last week. Torque converter was locking up.
I had it done by a dealer in Houston. One year or 12000 mile warranty.
Drive out was just over $2100.00.
The BTS are supposed to be one of the best. However, unless you install it yourself,
you have another $1000. to $1500. for the install. I would be tempted to go with your local shop.
Good luck,
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Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Newport, WA
Basically if you can break it, he'll fix it.
Hook it, I'll pull it.
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 15,037
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From: Grand Lake, La.
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 319
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From: Verona NY
Thanks for all the help, I think I'm leaning towards BTS. One reason is, I'm planning to do some mods. Also, Brian gave me references, and I spoke to a guy named Mike who has three vehicles with Brian,s transmissions (2 company vehicles, and 1 personal). He couldn't say enough good about both the quality and the service. Now I just have to come up with some more cash. Thanks again for the advice, I appreciate eveyones willingness to share your knowledge and experience. I have some other questions that I'll post soon, with more confidece that I wont be humiliated, but helped through my ignorance. Thanks again.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2006
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I considered and wanted a BTS when mine failed. I could not get the truck there as there was a hurricane to deal with, and the local shop would install it but warranty NOTHING. No one would accept responsibility for installation unless it came out of a box from the Ford dealer. So I made other options that still cost over $4200 so hopefully it will hold up.
