What trans upgrades ?
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 493
Likes: 13
From: Aurora, Iliinois
What trans upgrades ?
I posted another thread about "Transmission Problems?" https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...n-problem.html
Well, looks like its not just a sensor that is bad...I just got back from my buddy's shop and he put the truck on the code-reader. The computer is telling the trans to shift but the trans isn't listening.
Looks like its the torque converter (big suprise on a 2000 F250 with 112k) When I get the truck into the trans shop I am NOT going to go with a factory replacement. I tow a 30' fifth wheel trailer about a half dozen times a year (rarely over 30 miles) and an 18' boat about the same. I plan on putting in an upgraded torque converter and trans cooler...possibly a bigger trans pan. Hopefully the trans isn't damaged from the crappy torque converter.
Any ideas on what torque converter and trans cooler to go with ? My budget is kinda limited, but I don't want to go through this again anytime soon...I plan on keeping this truck a LONG time.
Thanks !
Scott
Well, looks like its not just a sensor that is bad...I just got back from my buddy's shop and he put the truck on the code-reader. The computer is telling the trans to shift but the trans isn't listening.
Looks like its the torque converter (big suprise on a 2000 F250 with 112k) When I get the truck into the trans shop I am NOT going to go with a factory replacement. I tow a 30' fifth wheel trailer about a half dozen times a year (rarely over 30 miles) and an 18' boat about the same. I plan on putting in an upgraded torque converter and trans cooler...possibly a bigger trans pan. Hopefully the trans isn't damaged from the crappy torque converter.
Any ideas on what torque converter and trans cooler to go with ? My budget is kinda limited, but I don't want to go through this again anytime soon...I plan on keeping this truck a LONG time.
Thanks !
Scott
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 9,293
Likes: 10
From: Parker, CO
If the rest of the trans isn't toast, you can do a cheap upgrade to make it stronger. Get a torque converter from a 6.0L truck (5r110 torque converter), a trans cooler from a 6.0L truck and an upgraded valve body (either BTS, John Woods, or Transgo Tugger kit). You don't really need a bigger trans pan once you get a larger cooler, so skip that and save some money. Assuming that the rest of your transmission is in good shape, this should be a relatively cheaper alternative than a rebuilt transmission.
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 493
Likes: 13
From: Aurora, Iliinois
If the rest of the trans isn't toast, you can do a cheap upgrade to make it stronger. Get a torque converter from a 6.0L truck (5r110 torque converter), a trans cooler from a 6.0L truck and an upgraded valve body (either BTS, John Woods, or Transgo Tugger kit). You don't really need a bigger trans pan once you get a larger cooler, so skip that and save some money. Assuming that the rest of your transmission is in good shape, this should be a relatively cheaper alternative than a rebuilt transmission.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,088
Likes: 189
From: Reno, NV
Aftermarket Transmission
There are a couple of shops that have great reputations
Brians Truck Shop (BTS) in Arkansas, and
John Woods Transmissions in So. Cal
Both will ship a rebuilt transmission to a local shop for you to have
installed, or you can make the trip and have them install. Might be
quite a drive from Illinois though!
They will build the transmission based on it's intended use, from heavy towing, racing, and sled pulling...Both have very loyal followings.
Brians Truck Shop (BTS) in Arkansas, and
John Woods Transmissions in So. Cal
Both will ship a rebuilt transmission to a local shop for you to have
installed, or you can make the trip and have them install. Might be
quite a drive from Illinois though!
They will build the transmission based on it's intended use, from heavy towing, racing, and sled pulling...Both have very loyal followings.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 9,293
Likes: 10
From: Parker, CO
There are a couple of shops that have great reputations
Brians Truck Shop (BTS) in Arkansas, and
John Woods Transmissions in So. Cal
Brians Truck Shop (BTS) in Arkansas, and
John Woods Transmissions in So. Cal
I've heard too many horror stories about dealership rebuilds, local trans shops screwing up, customers getting ripped off, etc. But you don't hear stories like that about BTS and JW. So if you do plan for a full rebuild, go the BTS/JW route.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
Likes: 50
From: Texas
All of the above is good advice. If you plan on keeping the truck for a long time, consider looking into the 2 replacement options above. You won't be able to break one of those pulling that trailer.
The only thing I have to add is installing a tranny temp gauge (factory gauge is worthless). That way you can keep an eye on the temps and know if you're hurting your tranny.
If money is tight, go with the 6.0 converter, 6.0 cooler (or maybe a tru cool), install a transgo tugger kit to firm up the shifts, and a gauge.
Edit: If for some reason you decide to let a local shop rebuild your tranny because of some fabulous warranty offer, get it in writing up front that things like overheating, lifts, chips/tuners, etc. won't void the warranty. We've heard too many stories of warranties being voided because "you have a lift or chip". On the other hand, I've heard stories about Brian at BTS daring someone to TRY and break his transmission.
The only thing I have to add is installing a tranny temp gauge (factory gauge is worthless). That way you can keep an eye on the temps and know if you're hurting your tranny.
If money is tight, go with the 6.0 converter, 6.0 cooler (or maybe a tru cool), install a transgo tugger kit to firm up the shifts, and a gauge.
Edit: If for some reason you decide to let a local shop rebuild your tranny because of some fabulous warranty offer, get it in writing up front that things like overheating, lifts, chips/tuners, etc. won't void the warranty. We've heard too many stories of warranties being voided because "you have a lift or chip". On the other hand, I've heard stories about Brian at BTS daring someone to TRY and break his transmission.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 9,293
Likes: 10
From: Parker, CO
I've heard stories about Brian at BTS daring someone to TRY and break his transmission.
I also did try to break it. Called Brian up and told him what I did, and his response was "Oh I've done that before, you didn't hurt it".
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Tuned
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 493
Likes: 13
From: Aurora, Iliinois
Yep, and they have great reputations for a good reason to.... they stand behind their products. They don't care how you treat your transmission, or how much you abuse it, the trans is guaranteed.
I've heard too many horror stories about dealership rebuilds, local trans shops screwing up, customers getting ripped off, etc. But you don't hear stories like that about BTS and JW. So if you do plan for a full rebuild, go the BTS/JW route.
I've heard too many horror stories about dealership rebuilds, local trans shops screwing up, customers getting ripped off, etc. But you don't hear stories like that about BTS and JW. So if you do plan for a full rebuild, go the BTS/JW route.
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Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 493
Likes: 13
From: Aurora, Iliinois
Just got news from the trans shop...2nd gear is gone. I opted for the complete rebuild with some beefed-up parts and a billet torque converter. Looking at about $2500...which I kind of expected. I told the owner of the shop EXACTLY how I drive, what programmer I'm using (and what setting), and what I'll be towing. He assures me that I won't have any problems for a long long time. I'm usually leery of trans shops etc, but I have a great mechanic that I trust completely and this trans shop was highly recommended. We'll see...
Looks like it'll be done Weds morning so I'll keep ya posted !
Scott
Looks like it'll be done Weds morning so I'll keep ya posted !
Scott