E4OD/4r100 Fix!!!

[Pelican]

Well most of you know I went to Arkansas for a new tranny from Brian's Truck Shop. I drove 1320 miles in 22 hours, stopping for fuel and food only. I lost about 20 minutes to one missed exit and another 20 to a stupid mistake too embarrassing to mention! I arrived at Lead Hill, Ark. at 2:30 am. Brian picked up my truck at 6:30, I slept until 10:00 and then went to his shop.

[Pelican]

When I arrived, my tranny was already out and on the bench.

[Pelican]

Here's the oil that came from my tranny! Ugh!!!!!!

[Pelican]

Here's my Torque Converter. Notice the pretty blue color???

[Pelican]

These are the parts that came out, all heat damaged.

[Pelican]

Brian basically blueprints the trannies on rebuild. Here you see an assortment of clutch plates and discs of different thicknesses. By choosing these and retaining clips of different thicknesses, he tightens the clutch assemblies so there's no play in them. This eliminates slap and movement in the tranny.

[Pelican]

Brian also has some custom maching done to an internal drum and clutch pack housing. Again, he's looking to minimize movement in the tranny.

Here's a shot of the valve bodies to go in.

[Pelican]

Brian installs a V-10 tranny cooler in place of the stock unit. It's nearly 50% bigger than the original. Why Ford doesn't do this one can only guess!!:headwall

[Pelican]

The master at work! On the pegboard to his left are the snap rings in different thicknesses.

[Pelican]

Here's my tranny going together

[Pelican]

New torque converter to go in, Brian says the clutch surface is 3 times stock!

[Pelican]

Converter, valve body installed, pan going on next. Nearly ready for install, it's about 1:30 pm!!!

[Pelican]

We test drove the truck at 3:00 pm and what a difference!! Throttle response is instant now, I'm having to get used to driving it all over again! The truck is much quieter and smoother running too with the tolerances tightened up.

The truck shifts normally under light throttle, but if you pour the coals to it, the shifts snap off with authority! The converter locks up tight and it drives like a standard transmission truck with the way you feel connected to the ground.

I forgot to mention, Brian has found a way to install additional clutches making the tranny more durable.

Some questioned the sense of travelling so far in season, but as I suspected my tranny was in a very poor state! I don't know that it would have made another storm. By travelling to Brian, I prevented having the truck go down, then waiting for an appointment to have it repaired. Lead time in my area for tranny repairs is usually about 2 weeks!!! I was in control of my destiny and that's the way I like it.

I'm very pleased at how this has turned out and can plow again with confidence in my truck, something that's been missing for quite some time. Brian's magic will work with the E4OD from '97 and older trucks and the 4R100 from '99 to '03 Super Dutys.

[gslam88]

Steve,

Great photo's of all Brian's work... I am glad everything wroked out and shortly you will be able to recoupe some of that money if the storm goes the way we are hopping...

Also do you plan on having someone take pictures when you go to the Furd stealer and address the work that they did???

Pete

[Pickering Snow]

Steve

No need to explain traveling for good service to me i understand you buddy did it in feb and last weeks big storm sure was nice having to blizzards.

Its sad that quailty work sometimes is so far away and when you talk to locals even my best friend in the tranny buss here noone understands us plow contractors and how we think of course i dont think the same people questioning us traveling so far to get work done understand that empty pit in your stomach at 2am when things go all wrong and your under contract people just dont understand the committment we has snow pros put into a season the time, sleepless nights , long hours even my wife just cant understand my madness.

[John DiMartino]

Nice,pictures Steve. Again,no need to explain your reasoning on going there.It was a trip well worth it,the peace of mind you have alone was worth it.

[CT18fireman]

Sounds like a worthwhile trip. It will be interesting to hear your reaction after a storm. Will it be like new or better then new?

Have you had any problems with the 550? Will it be getting the same treatment?

[John Banks]

Steve, glad it all worked out so well and you had a safe trip back. One question though...When we all met a coupla weeks back, did Bill or Jay slip you the paint for your TC? Or did Brian mix up that paint color himself? It's a nice match to the exterior, LOL. Glad you're happy again. :grinz

[Mark Oomkes]

Steve, glad to hear it worked out for you. I am sure it was well worth the money.

And the big question: Can he do the same for the Torqshift? Do I need to load both my POS's on a trailer and have him do both? :D

[Pelican]

Thanks for the support guys!!

My 550 has the 6-speed standard tranny in it, I don't feel an automatic is suitable for hauling that kind of weight around, and Brian agreed.

Mark, I showed Brian the thread here about the new trannies and he said he's getting ready to start looking them over. Right now he doesn't do anything for them.

Brian has a new shop under construction, it's about 4 times the size of the one pictured. He's setting it up specifically for transmission repair, his current shop was a former hardware store he moved into. The new shop will have "clean rooms" for rebuilding.

Brian's son is a senior in high school and has a keen interest in the business. It appears the torch will be handed down when the time comes, but I don't expect that will be anytime soon!

[Mark Oomkes]

Originally posted by Pelican
[B]Thanks for the support guys!!

Mark, I showed Brian the thread here about the new trannies and he said he's getting ready to start looking them over. Right now he doesn't do anything for them.



I have a couple he can practice on! :grinz :grinz

[Tileman]

Steve first off glad you had a safe trip out to Brians and back home.
Second I have read about Brians work here and in a few 4 wheeler mags, of what he can do for the Ford tranys. I know it was not cheap for the rebuild, but I am sure the peace of mind will be well worth it.

Good luck and happy plowing.

Rich

[Dockboy]

Originally posted by CT18fireman
Sounds like a worthwhile trip. It will be interesting to hear your reaction after a storm. Will it be like new or better then new?



It's not even comparable to new!!!!!!!!!!!:eek:

If I had a brand new 4R100, the first thing I would do would be to drive down to Brian's!!!!!:eek: :grinz :burnout

Good Deal Steve!!!!!!!:grinz :grinz :burnout

[Dockboy]

Oh....

Just for sh!ts and giggles, Here is mine at Brian's:grinz

Looks like the floors a little dirtier now!!;)

http://image06.webshots.com/6/1/30/97/92913097zxMmSP_ph.jpg

[Dockboy]

Sorry!!:o

http://home.comcast.net/~gdapron/Brians4.JPG

[Dockboy]

http://home.comcast.net/~gdapron/Brians3.JPG

[John DiMartino]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by CT18fireman
[B]Sounds like a worthwhile trip. It will be interesting to hear your reaction after a storm. Will it be like new or better then new?

A brand new stock 4 speed transmission for the Ford Sd is junk,this is just my opinion,but after driving several of them,its clear they are very much like the stock Dodges,which arent much better,but seem to last a lot longer.It is difficult to explain to someone who has never driven or ridden on a properly moddified automatic just what they are missing. I think this goes for both Dodge,and Ford with the 4 speed autos. The thing to keep in mind is there is no comparison at all.Trying to compare them would be an insult to Brian. The torque convertor is half the difference as well.
Just to try to give a comparison to what is before/after with my truck,you would have to understand that my truck can now do at 1000RPM,what it used to take 2000RPM to do before. At idle in gear now,my truck will literally push 4-6" of snow easily. The Cummins B as delivered is detuned to 350 ft lbs of torque(for Dodge) at idle.Im sure the PSD has a good amount too, the aftermarket TCs use this torque,and build the TCs tighter to match the torque of the engines,stock ones are like those in gassers,they never optimised the TC for the lower ,stronger powerband of the newer turbo diesels.When you put mine in gear you better have one foot on the brake,and the truck is ready to go now,touch the throttle and it instantly moves out,just gently touching it. A stock truck,you wouldnt even feel it go into gear,and you'd need to rev it close to 2000RPM to get it going at all.You can drive mine around all day and never go over 2000RPM if you dont want too,on a hill a stock one wont make it to the top unless you rev it to almost 2500 to get going.Im sure Pelican's truck is very similar to mine now. BTW my truck has the 93% DTT torque convertor from dieseltrans.com.if i had a Ford it would be going to BTS to get the trans done,as the first mod I did,drive it off the lot and too his shop.I would not own a stock auto after having mine,I get frustrated just driving stock ones on test drives,feels like your driving a stick with a burnt clutch, just revs up and a few seconds alter it ever so slowly starts to move.

[Pelican]

Originally posted by CT18fireman
Sounds like a worthwhile trip. It will be interesting to hear your reaction after a storm. Will it be like new or better then new?
Jesse, I think you missed the whole point of my making the trip to Arkansas, 1320 miles!!! I could have had my tranny rebuilt locally if I wanted it "as good as new", I think it's been made pretty clear that Ford trannies are problematic. I had an E4OD blow up 3 days out of warranty on another truck and the one in question here had been repaired once (turns out incorrectly) under warranty.

I wasn't interested in having a "like new" transmission, I wanted one that I can count on for working, plowing and towing. I can't afford down time, my truck earns my living, no truck, no income! I'd have travelled further and paid more to have this done, in the long run I'll come out ahead financially.

If a truck manufacturer were to build an ultra reliable truck, I'd buy it no matter if the cost were $5000 to $10,000 more than their competitor, reliability means that much to me. I fully expect Brian's work to meet my expectations.

[CT18fireman]

Steve

I certainly got your point. I relaize the problems and that is why I am looking forward to you plowing with it and telling us if indeed it does meet you expectations, or if it just feels like new. I expect you to come back and say it is much better.

Hope to hear your reaction tomorrow.

[CT18fireman]

John, I actually have never had the opprotunity to drive a "built" automatic in a truck, just normal rebuilds.

I did have a lot of custom work done on the C4 in my 67 Mustang so I know what it is like to drive one. I know exactly what Steve means when he says it is like driving a manual.

One of the reasons I am so interested in the job, I want to hear about the results. I have already contacted Brian today about his work after hearing reading about Steve's experience.

[Dockboy]

Originally posted by CT18fireman

One of the reasons I am so interested in the job, I want to hear about the results. I have already contacted Brian today about his work after hearing reading about Steve's experience.

Jesse,

What am I.......Chopped Liver??:confused: !!! LOL!!!:D :jk

I have been trying to tell people about how great a BTS is for plowing for 3 years:confused: But I always get "My truck is not modded and my stock tranny (or rebuild) is just fine!":huh

You plow once with a BTS and they would be in any EOD4 or 4R100 truck you have, stock or modded!

Besides, not only is this my 3rd plow season on mine, but I've also put over 600 hp to the ground through it and it still works exactly like the day I drove out of Brians parking lot!!:burnout

[CT18fireman]

To be honest Greg I never picked up on any threads you had about it. I did start reading when you stared posting in the most recent threads.

I believe every word you say, but like everything else, I like to hear from more then one person.

Every rebuild shop you talk to says, their job is the best. I went through four bad rebuilds in my Mustang before I sent it to a guy like Brian who did it. Four years and many 300+HP holeshots later and it shifts like the day we put it back in.

Just looking for more input is all.

[wyldman]

There are two factors here,which add up to better performance.

1 - Torque convertor - most factory diesel convertors aren't designed for diesels at all.They are very loose,and soft,to relieve stress on drivetrain conmponents,and are usually an off the shelf gas convertor.A better convertor just transfers power more efficiently.You can feel it,no more lost power.You can see it on the temp gauge,no more power wasted as heat.The truck will just flat out haul now.The other aspect of the convertor is usually an improved lock-up clutch,which will actually hold now,and put full power to the ground,with zero slippage.

2 - Blueprinted transmission - building a blueprinted trans involves replacing or beefing up weak components,adding clutch packs (for more holding power),and reduce or controlling clearances.It's just like an engine.Most factory engines are just thrown together,with clearances that are "close",so they only last so many miles.Some last longer,some don't.A blueprinted engine with "selected" components,and clearances set to a certain spec,will usually perform better,and last much longer.It's hard to "feel" this part as much,just the shifts will be a little firmer,and tighter.The biggest change is usually the torque convertor.

Does Brian use ATS convertors ? Looks like it.

[Dockboy]

Originally posted by wyldman

Does Brian use ATS convertors ? Looks like it.

Precision Industries Chris;)

[Dockboy]

Precision Industries (http://www.converter.com/stallion_power.htm)

[Randy Clarke]

Chris & John...your right about a good tQ. The lower stall stall in my Ex is right there.
It has been funny watching the wife leave the first week she was driving it since the r&r.
Spinning the tires up leaving the house...LOL she's got it figured out now so I think I will turn the programer up again...

[Dockboy]

Originally posted by Randy Clarke
Chris & John...your right about a good tQ. The lower stall stall in my Ex is right there.


I think alot of people have a misconception of what a good, or proper stall, for a diesel TC is!! A lower stall is not neccessarily better!!!:eek:

The spec Brian has Precision build his TC's too actually has a HIGHER stall speed than stock!!!! Not much, but it is higher. The reason Brians combo put's more power to the ground is because of the increased torque multiplacation and clutch surface area. ;)

There are many instances where a low stall speed converter will work against you! Especially towing and hauling!! You want to have a combo designed to keep the motor in it's optimum operating rpm range, yet still transfer as much of that power to the ground as possible. If the stall is too low, or the converter is to tight, you only succeed in "Lugging" the motor and not tranfering optimum power to the ground;)

[Lawngodfather]

So how'd it do in the snow Steve?

Also I have a built tranny behnid a 360 gas in one of my Rams, I can deff tell the difference.

I drove it last night salting.

[Pickering Snow]

Greg

It was your post a few years back that always makes me remember Brians its just like the blizzards word travels fast m Johnny D and Steve were the sole reason i went blizzard and of course Jerre we have to go back along time and to the dark side to remember motor mouth i mean blizzard wizzard i mean Jon Geer he is the one that gave me a bad taste in my mouth over blizzard pushy person a aB/A it was John, Steve , and Jerre that got me wide . I hope Brian puts some r&d time into the new ford trannys i would be a beta tester in a second.

[Mark Oomkes]

Too late Fred. :p :grinz I offered first. :grinz

Hey Pete, now is it not only Cummins, alternators, Blizzards, tires, etc, etc, it's also getting tranny's redone.

You guys really got me thinking, though. I drove our wonderful '05 550 that we got 500 miles out of yesterday to do a little plowing. And I started thinking about this thread and wondering if the TC is about where half or more of my lack of power problem is coming from. I never really thought about it before, but after reading what a decent TC does or should do, I started paying attention to the shifting, takeoff and I personally think that tranny sucks, to put it mildly.

It also puts some doubts in my mind about my 'reman' transmission from Ford that I got back in November. I thought something wasn't quite right, but wasn't sure. Now after this, I can feel that it is lugging in OD when it very seldom if ever did before. I had noticed this before with my plows on and couldn't wuite put my finger on it.

I sure wish my truck was a crew cab, I'd drive down to Brian's ASAP and not even be thinking about a new truck for a few hundred thousand miles.

[gslam88]

Mark,

I hear ya... and I told ya...

btw... I was up a friend's shop .. trying to hopefully resolve my electrical issues... well in talking to them.. local ford dealer
Bridgehaven Ford has 83 trucks with blown tranny at their place...

gee.. how startling is that news...

Pete

[apgarconstruction]

83 trucks, so those guys should be getting their trucks back to them by next plowing season. I checked with my local ford dealer, I know one of the guys working there. He said they haven't had any come back in this area(NJ). not sure if we was covering for the company he works for, or if it was really the truth.

I'd hate to be one of those guys who dropped their truck off and now had to wait all that time. I'd be demanding a replacement truck and let them sort out the mess of dealing with my truck when they get the tranny fixed.

[Pelican]

Well I've got a real storm under my belt with the new tranny, it went very well!

I've got a few drives that have very steep inclines that I need to back up and it required full throttle with the old tranny to get up these. That was an indication I had a problem. I'm using half throttle now, it's a big difference!

I'm comfortable plowing in drive now too where before I would drop it into low. This is reducing wear on my shifter. I still use low for real heavy pushing

I plowed for 15 hours without a hitch, I'm really pleased with the way this is working out. I also picked up 1 mpg on highway driving, from 15 to 16 mpg. This has been a worthwhile endeavor!!!

I've been burning my candle at both ends since I returned, I'll post some more pictures of the internals as soon as I can sit down for a few minutes. I've got a fight on my hands with Ford.

[CT18fireman]

That is what I wanted to hear. The lag time has disappeared and you are more confident in drive?

Looks like I know where my transmission is headed in the spring.

[Pelican]

I contacted Detroit today about the problem with my tranny and how the 2nd gear sprag was installed upside down. They claim since it has occurred out of warranty, they hold no responsibility in this case. If you recall, the transmission was "repaired" under warranty and I believe this is when the sprag was reversed. No one else has touched the transmission except for fluid/filter changes.

Their story is that they are not responsible for "quality of workmanship" issues and I will have to take it up with the dealer. This is really beginning to smell bad! I spent 20 minutes on the phone pleading my case to someone who uses English as a second language and obviously has been trained in pacifying customers.

I had called Detroit when I had the original problem last year looking for a resolution and was told that when the transmission failed Ford would take into consideration my concerns even outside of warranty. The woman today said that there was no record of that having been said and it was not Ford's policy.

My Kraut is fired up now, This will get as nasty as it has to to get some satisfaction!!!!!:headwall :fuming

[CT18fireman]

Keep going Steve and complaining, eventually you will get to the head of the truck division. This is how I was able to get my truck to be tested (by International as the local dealer could not handle it) and found to have dead cylinders and finally replaced.

Got to be a squeaky wheel. Document every call and who you talk to.

[cat320]

Just goes to show must get everything in writting on what they say.It seams that they are all the same when it comes to owning up to responsability plus why talk with a dealer they are ford rep and they goofed it up ,as why your talking with ford and not them .

[Pickering Snow]

Steve

Welcome to my world iam with you 100 percent and this is why i asked for the poll in jan but most answered satisfied ,when going up the steps to ford we needed a posse of people this happen in numbers Dearborn has heard my one voice loud and clear has far has iam concerned the people there are only jamming the pacifer up my ass not were it needs to be. This season has been nothing but worrys every blade drop because of the time its taking getting a upgraded alt for erie1 i have made a temp fix and ill post picks its funny to look at but it works i hard wired one of my generators in the back of the truck to the batterys up front looks silly and sad to need to hoky rig to keep a gol dam 40k truck running threw a storm. Once again we need to collect a pool of people to PRESENT OUR CASE AND BE HEARD other wise we will fall threw the cracks that simple.

On another note this past storm Wayne my contractor buddy that just passed away last week had two trucks go down monday night and one on tuesday Jeanie his wife asked me if i would deal with the dealerships on getting them fixed one of them is a 03 dodge3500 ctd trust me dealing with the local cpd dealer this week trying to get the tranny fixed in that truck was no diff than dealing with ford to be honest it was worse they said because of snowplowing i said please snow plow prep package did you think the guy bought it to run to the mall, still waiting for that truck .

Waynes other truck that went down 04 chev 2500 fuel pump that truck i picked up yesterday and the service manager said Fred we just are in shock over Waynes death anything we can do let us know handed me the keys no hassles. GEE iam thinking FRED in a RED CHEV 4500 next year good possibilty

[John DiMartino]

Steve, Im sorry you've gotten nowhere with Ford.:headwall .. Fred,glad to hear your Chevy dealer is taking care of you.If thats how the Dodge dealer is, then a Chevy is your new Truck,besides the 4500/5500' are nice trucks.Im glad to see the chevy dealer took care of one of Waynes trucks without hesistation.

[75gmck25]

One other solution is to put together a short letter that explains the major details (failure under warranty, incorrect warranty repair, failure of Ford to provide redress), and send the letter to the office of your State Attorney General.

Some states won't get that involved, but others are very ready to go after a major manufacturer and make them stand behind their warranty. Even a polite letter from the State Attorney General might get the attention of the dealer or FoMoCo.

Bruce

[Pelican]

I have to bring this thread back as I've experienced some trouble with the tranny here. I serviced the tranny about a month ago, changing the fluid and filter. When I did, a small broken spring about 3/16" in diameter was stuck to the pan magnet. This concerned me but the truck was still running normally.

After about two weeks however, when at a stoplight I noticed the engine reved quite a bit before the truck would move, like it was low on fluid. Fluid level checked out fine. Then about a week later, the tranny started slipping real bad, and my fluid turned grey. I parked the truck and called Brian.

He didn't know where the spring could have come from, but sent me a new transmission with no questions asked. I installed it on Tuesday and have been running the truck since with no problems. I'm returning the failed transmission to Brian and he will report what happened.

I'm hoping this is a fluke, up to this point I've been thrilled with the tranny's performance. I'll keep everyone posted on the findings of why it failed.

[gslam88]

Steve,

Well I guess you could say its better it is nipped in the bud and Brian stood behind his tranny as expected then the Ford way ..... because if not .. that would have been a real long drive again for you...

Hopefully is only a fluke..



Pete

[Dockboy]

Steve,

Glad you got the new one in. Sorry I couldn't answer the call when you called! You did get my message didn't you?

Greg

[tlc]

What was the cost for the origional tranny re-build?

[jbutch83]

Tlc

Steve and Greg would have a better answer, and it also depends on how many miles are on the current tranny, as I believe it is a little less with a newer tranny. I thought it was somewhere around the $4000 range to have Brian work his magic.

[Pelican]

In March of '05, it was $3800 + tax, I have no idea of the current price.

[PSDFordMan]

I haven't looked into it yet: how much does a "stock" transmission job from Ford run? I know when the Dodge crapped out, they wanted $3000 for the job and they were going to give me a refurbished piece of garbage, basically.

[Pelican]

Back in '97, it cost me $2200 to have an E4OD rebuilt by the dealer, I have no idea what they cost today. Brian gives a 2 year unlimited milage warranty on his work.

[Mark Oomkes]

I haven't looked into it yet: how much does a "stock" transmission job from Ford run? I know when the Dodge crapped out, they wanted $3000 for the job and they were going to give me a refurbished piece of garbage, basically.

Doesn't matter to me anymore. It isn't worth having the dealer install the same crap the mfg did. And after driving trannies that have been rebuilt by someone who knows what they're doing, their is no comparison. I haven't even been fortunate enough to have one of Brian's or the others.

[PSDFordMan]

Doesn't matter to me anymore. It isn't worth having the dealer install the same crap the mfg did. And after driving trannies that have been rebuilt by someone who knows what they're doing, their is no comparison. I haven't even been fortunate enough to have one of Brian's or the others.

I agree 100% That was my point, in a roundabout way. For around 30% more upfront cost, you can have something that's superior in every way.

I've never driven a rebuilt transmission from a 'custom' shop.. but I can imagine it's a dream compared to the slop in most stock transmissions.

[wyldman]

I agree 100% That was my point, in a roundabout way. For around 30% more upfront cost, you can have something that's superior in every way.

I've never driven a rebuilt transmission from a 'custom' shop.. but I can imagine it's a dream compared to the slop in most stock transmissions.

While adding all the goodies inside the trans improves durability,shift points, and shift firmness,the biggest improvement that you feel is the better torque convertor.It's what puts the power to the ground,unlike the sluggish stock convertor.The OEM build them soft to eliminate costly drivetrain damage and make it feel smooth when driving.

I'm sure if you put the stock convertor into one of Brian's,or any modded trans,you would not feel that much of a difference,except for the firmer shifts.

[Mark Oomkes]

Well, in another thread (Torqshift rebuild) I stated we cooked a OEM tranny in my '00 350. According to the shop I've been using (and fast losing faith in) the internals are too fried to rebuild. So they want to install a reman, change out the cooler, add a trans gauge, etc for $4650.

I explained my lack of faith in the junk Ford builds and how a massive 3 yr\100K warranty does me exactly jack SQUAT in the middle of a snow storm when the above mentioned POS Ford OEM trans takes a dump on me yet again.

So I called BTS. Couldn't get a firm date on a build from them, but they said they'd work with me as best they could.

The best part? Price: Call it $4600 including shipping and refund when I get the core back to them. Add another $550 for R&R and and it's pretty much a no-brainer.

Unless my good friend up in Midland can come up with a better deal for me. (Hey Fred, I'm thinking that tow might not have been a bad idea from the get-go, next time I follow my gut feeling.)

I might be throwing some good money away, but this truck is a semi-backup, so my thought is to take the transmission out of one of my '02s and install it in this truck and the BTS in the other truck. Maybe even a 450 Matt. ;)

Only bad part is my '02 350 is getting weak as well, I can tell that the TC is getting very weak. Not bad considering it's pushing 100K.

[John DiMartino]

Mark,I suggest you go with BTS unless Fred has a better option locally.

[hlntoiz]

I might be throwing some good money away, but this truck is a semi-backup, so my thought is to take the transmission out of one of my '02s and install it in this truck and the BTS in the other truck. Maybe even a 450 Matt. ;)


Your having problems with the tranny in the F450:eek:?

[Mark Oomkes]

Your having problems with the tranny in the F450:eek:?

Nope, '00 350, thinking of the BTS in the 450 or my other 350. Doing a multi-truck swap.

Unfortunately, I need 2 trannies, but only 1 immediately.

[hlntoiz]

Nope, '00 350, thinking of the BTS in the 450 or my other 350. Doing a multi-truck swap.

Unfortunately, I need 2 trannies, but only 1 immediately.

Ohhhhhh......That tranny was tight like virgin when I sold it to you. :wink

[P&DDennis]

I just replaced my tranny in the 97 F250. Bought direct from motorcraft off the net. $1850.00 Exchanged. Dealer wanted a grand to do the swap, Did it ourselves, Installed new radiator,tranny cooler and all new lines to keep the warranty valid. The old one lasted 130,000 miles. Been a plow truck all its life and also pulled equipment when it wasnt plowing.Did the whole deal for under 2500.00 Dont know what the tranny for my 550 would be.

[Mark Oomkes]

Ohhhhhh......That tranny was tight like virgin when I sold it to you. :wink

Still is. Will probably swap it with my '02 350, since that's the one that isn't as tight anymore. Probably more along the lines of Madonna now. :eek:

[John Banks]

Still is. Will probably swap it with my '02 350, since that's the one that isn't as tight anymore. Probably more along the lines of Madonna now. :eek:

I fell outta my chair and can't breathe! That there's funny right there

[Mark Oomkes]

Mark,I suggest you go with BTS unless Fred has a better option locally.

Well, looks like I'll be going the BTS route. Just spoke with Patti and they had a cancellation for Friday. Can't get better timing than that. :rockon

So looks like next week when it comes in, we'll have to do a little juggling, so I hope it doesn't snow. Decided on the BTS in my '02 350 and we'll move that tranny to the '00 and rebuild it later when the timing is better. And cash flow.

[BB64]

Good luck, Mark -- and consider taking the next one down to BTS yourself, Patti and Brian (& Co.) are great to deal with. I forget the name of the lass who works the front desk, but she is definitely easy on the eyes -- and everyone is friendly as all get out and wants you to be happy. They laughed because mine was the first bone-stock truck to visit in a long time. Oh, lunch is great, too!

Have him ship you the 6.0 cooler, too -- his price beat my friendly dealer and Wabash -- his crew made extending the lines look easy and it is many times the size, plus it feeds & drains from the bottom, so it won't collect crap like the original.

(If you do drive down, don't get confused as you come across the MO/AR state line and hit the right road number, headed the wrong direction... it was foggy and 4AM, I stopped next to a hog farm and I think I heard banjos :eek:, plus reverse was slipping really bad as I tried to back up the hill)

Brian works his magic on the Torqueshifts, now, too.

Happy New Year!

Mike Kalsbeek (yet another Dutchman)

[Mark Oomkes]

Good luck, Mark -- and consider taking the next one down to BTS yourself, Patti and Brian (& Co.) are great to deal with. I forget the name of the lass who works the front desk, but she is definitely easy on the eyes -- and everyone is friendly as all get out and wants you to be happy. They laughed because mine was the first bone-stock truck to visit in a long time. Oh, lunch is great, too!

Have him ship you the 6.0 cooler, too -- his price beat my friendly dealer and Wabash -- his crew made extending the lines look easy and it is many times the size, plus it feeds & drains from the bottom, so it won't collect crap like the original.

(If you do drive down, don't get confused as you come across the MO/AR state line and hit the right road number, headed the wrong direction... it was foggy and 4AM, I stopped next to a hog farm and I think I heard banjos :eek:, plus reverse was slipping really bad as I tried to back up the hill)

Brian works his magic on the Torqueshifts, now, too.

Happy New Year!

Mike Kalsbeek (yet another Dutchman)

Whoa, Kalsbeek? There's a bunch of them around here. Had one in my class through JH and one as a teacher in HS as well. Must be time for some Dutch bingo.

Another inductee to the Wooden Shoe Plowers Club for sure.

Pretty sure that my personal truck will be a BTS at the right time--before next winter. It has that wonderful delay and slam into reverse about 1 out of 100 shifts. No warning, just happens. Not pushing my luck too far on that one. Wish I could've had him do my 550's.

[Ggg]

Hey Mark why did you dig up a 4 year old thread to tell us you were going to BTS? You could have started your own thread. lol BTW to anybody going down there don't use the photos in the first post as clues to what Brian's shop looks like. He built a new shop a few miles north, near Diamond City, AR.
Mark you might as well have Brian ship a H2e, big oil, exhaust, and a big intercooler then let Cale burn chip for ya. You will never get the goofy grin off your face.

[Mark Oomkes]

Lazy........

As Mike said, this truck is bone stock, for now.

I doubt I would do much with this truck other than maybe an exhaust and some gauges. Too many operators for this truck. :wink

Mine on the other hand.........

[Pickering Snow]

Mark make sure Brian knows one of these trucks is getting little inline 6 cylinder Cummins.

[Mark Oomkes]

Mark make sure Brian knows one of these trucks is getting little inline 6 cylinder Cummins.

That'll be either the '04 or my '05. Really should be the '04, I hate driving that truck, plows great, salts great, has the most God awful delay and turbo lag one can imagine.

Funny thing is, now that I said that about mine slipping occasionally, I think I jinxed myself, felt like it was doing it quite a bit this AM. :headwall

I did have my BFG's back on it for a road trip north, so maybe it was that. They suck compared to Cooper M&S.

[BB64]

Mijnheer Oomkes, has your BTS arrived? Here's to hoping it has arrived, been installed and used! Now your problem changes to discovering the next weakest part of your driveline... (my limited slip seems to be out to lunch).

Oh, when I was at BTS in May, Brian had a Destroked adapter plate in the shop, allegedly waiting for a Dodge to put an E4OD/4R100 into, so he probably likes Fred's suggestion.

Whoa, Kalsbeek? There's a bunch of them around here. Had one in my class through JH and one as a teacher in HS as well. Must be time for some Dutch bingo.

Another inductee to the Wooden Shoe Plowers Club for sure.

Off-topic: Not sure I really qualify for the Wooden Shoe Plowers Club, I'm usually the sidewalk monkey, mechanic and equipment hauler... But with all the Nederlanders around here, I'm surprised there isn't a smiley with klompen or tulips or a windmill... or maybe just black teeth from all the licorice? :D

FWIW, my Father & his family came over from Gronigen in '51, ended up in Orange City, IA with other relatives (sponsors), then moved on. We contributed to a book of all the Kalsbeeks, ever, with all the "mis-spelled" derivatives, too -- neat thing, to be able to trace back through 5000+ to one guy. I'll try and find the book and see how far back the Michiganders are... I took 2 semesters of Dutch at UW-Madison, so I can almost understand a low-slang, non-political discussion in Dutch; can't slap together sentences on the fly but I can cough and spit with the best of them! Remember "Dutch isn't a language, it's a throat disease."

Mike Kalsbeek (yet another Dutchman)

[Mark Oomkes]

Finally got to plow with the BTS, man what a difference. Granted, the OEM had 101K on it and a bushing was wearing so it wasn't going to last long, but dang what a tranny.

Nice firm shifts, moves snow almost at an idle now. Pushing 11' in front and pulling 14' in back, barely had to go over 2K on the tach.

Plowed more than twice as much snow as last week--5-6" vs 1 1/2-2" this AM and used less than half the fuel as well. I know this was not helped by the age, but I was still surprised that there was that much inefficiency in the old one.

Made a convert out of me, I'll be scheduling tranny replacements out of season so I can get more BTS in my trucks.

Wish I would have had 2 of them sent up. :( Since the other one was that bad.

[John DiMartino]

It feels nice to have a nice torque convertor matched to the torque of the diesel engine doesnt it! The stock TCs are more like gasser tcs,way to loose for a diesel. The only thing I will say,and this goes for ALL trucks with aftermarket,tighter than stock TCs,is dont sit in gear long idling,the tight tc builds heat 2x as fast as a stocker sitting still,since its sheering more fluid.Once your rolling 5 mph or so,its all gain,the tc runs cooler than stock,but when your up against it sitting in gear,you can watch the hot cooler line temps rise like the second hand on a clock moves.

[niteman9]

The best part? Price: Call it $4600 including shipping and refund when I get the core back to them.

Mark does that include shipping both ways? If not what did it cost to ship the core back. Looks like I'm in the same boat my started slipping on my first lot Saturday night. Parked it and ran all night with just the old dodge. I going to have the guy who rebuilt it 07 look at it and see if he can do anything short of a complete rebuild again. (I doubt it, took him twice to get it semi right the first time). I have already sent BTS and e-mail but should give them a call I guess.

[William B.]

I noticed that ATS has a thing on their website about a plow truck transmission.
http://www.atsdiesel.com/ats_new/#

[John DiMartino]

I noticed that ATS has a thing on their website about a plow truck transmission.
http://www.atsdiesel.com/ats_new/#

ATS isnt in the same league as BTS,with Fords, do some research on ATS with respect to Ford's before buying,talk to ppl who have it.The ford guys swear by Brian at BTS.I have a friend with a 4R100 right now with a blown ATS triple lock TC with about 3000 miles on it,it was a full blown ATS crate trans,not cheap either.

[Mark Oomkes]

ATS isnt in the same league as BTS,with Fords, do some research on ATS with respect to Ford's before buying,talk to ppl who have it.The ford guys swear by Brian at BTS.I have a friend with a 4R100 right now with a blown ATS triple lock TC with about 3000 miles on it,it was a full blown ATS crate trans,not cheap either.

I have a friend (fellow FF) who has been having nothing but problems with his ATS in his GM. Bought it used, think he's on his third since buying it used. All under warranty, but that is ridiculous.

After running that truck, I'll stick with a BTS. Ran Matt's 450--which is still tight--and man is there a huge difference.

nite, that did not include shipping, which to me was about $260 each way, well worth it. Just have to get the core back now. Maybe since it's stopped snowing, I can.

[niteman9]

I talked with them down at BTS today and they said $4100 for the trans and would get back to me with shipping quote.

Gonna have the guy who rebuild it look at it this week and see what went wrong. I talked with my sisters boyfriend who works in a trans shop and said based on what it is doing he thinks it is the torque converter. If that is the case and he with R & R and just charge for a new TC I will try that to get through the rest of the season.

[Mark Oomkes]

I talked with them down at BTS today and they said $4100 for the trans and would get back to me with shipping quote.

Gonna have the guy who rebuild it look at it this week and see what went wrong. I talked with my sisters boyfriend who works in a trans shop and said based on what it is doing he thinks it is the torque converter. If that is the case and he with R & R and just charge for a new TC I will try that to get through the rest of the season.

I'll readily admit my new bias, but if you can swing it, skip the R&R and just do the BTS. I really wish I had spent the coin and time to do my backup truck with a BTS, but too late now.

One other thing that comes with the BTS for a little added expense. He will ship a larger cooler for the 4R's at his cost. I was shown his cooler compared to Ford's original cooler and Ford's 'upgraded' cooler. The upgrade is approx 50% larger than original. Brian's cooler is at least 50% larger than the upgraded cooler.

Just remember, a cooler tranny is a happy tranny. I did have him ship 2 coolers so both of these will have the new coolers. Should have had a third one added for Matt's former 450.

[John DiMartino]

One other thing that comes with the BTS for a little added expense. He will ship a larger cooler for the 4R's at his cost. I was shown his cooler compared to Ford's original cooler and Ford's 'upgraded' cooler. The upgrade is approx 50% larger than original. Brian's cooler is at least 50% larger than the upgraded cooler.

Just remember, a cooler tranny is a happy tranny. I did have him ship 2 coolers so both of these will have the new coolers. Should have had a third one added for Matt's former 450.

Mark,the best mod you can make is those bigger coolers.Even better if they are direct bolt ins.Biggest problem with aux and aftermarket coolers is not the cooler itself,but usually the crapy rubber lines and hose clamps that work there way loose,leak,and eventually fail causing a catastrophic trans failure if not shut down soon enough.I did a monster cooler(40,000GVWR) on my CTD,and plumbed it with -8an fittings,and braided lines just to be safe.

[BRUNSWICK CONCRETE]

Finally got to plow with the BTS, man what a difference. Granted, the OEM had 101K on it and a bushing was wearing so it wasn't going to last long, but dang what a tranny.

Nice firm shifts, moves snow almost at an idle now. Pushing 11' in front and pulling 14' in back, barely had to go over 2K on the tach.

Plowed more than twice as much snow as last week--5-6" vs 1 1/2-2" this AM and used less than half the fuel as well. I know this was not helped by the age, but I was still surprised that there was that much inefficiency in the old one.

Made a convert out of me, I'll be scheduling tranny replacements out of season so I can get more BTS in my trucks.

Wish I would have had 2 of them sent up. :( Since the other one was that bad.


About time .

[Mark Oomkes]

About time .

:huh :huh

Didn't say it was the first time the truck plowed, first time I plowed with it. Not my normal plow truck.

And the tranny sat for a week before the snow slowed down enough to be able to run it into the shop to get the switch.

I'll try to do the next one just a little quicker just for you. :p

[chtucker]

ATS is local to me.... They are supposed to be the shizzle for allisons not Fords.. I see the ATS fellows from time to time at the fuel pumps.. Nice fellows, I would hope they stand behind their work..

[William B.]

Alot of guys on dieselplace are using Suncoast. I'll be going with them when I do mine soon.:D

[BRUNSWICK CONCRETE]

ATS is local to me.... They are supposed to be the shizzle for allisons not Fords.. I see the ATS fellows from time to time at the fuel pumps.. Nice fellows, I would hope they stand behind their work..

ATS ratted out all DPF delete kit manufacturers to the EPA ..... nice bunch of guys eh...I wouldnt buy a cotterpin from them .

[BRUNSWICK CONCRETE]

Alot of guys on dieselplace are using Suncoast. I'll be going with them when I do mine soon.:D

SunCoast trannies are awesome units and they are great to deal with .

[BRUNSWICK CONCRETE]

:huh :huh

Didn't say it was the first time the truck plowed, first time I plowed with it. Not my normal plow truck.

And the tranny sat for a week before the snow slowed down enough to be able to run it into the shop to get the switch.

I'll try to do the next one just a little quicker just for you. :p

Its about time ....that you got one , you know after all the Ford issues you got . But hey I dont care either way , never have never will , what ever floats your .........

[Big Dog D]

Its about time ....that you got one , you know after all the Ford issues you got . But hey I dont care either way , never have never will , what ever floats your .........


Bobcat??????? :beatsme


:D:D

[Pelican]

Its about time ....that you got one , you know after all the Ford issues you got . But hey I dont care either way , never have never will , what ever floats your .........

Just curious, have you disovered some secret fuel additive that keeps all 12 of your trucks 100% 24/7?

[hlntoiz]

After running that truck, I'll stick with a BTS. Ran Matt's 450--which is still tight--and man is there a huge difference.



The difference between owner driven and just owned! IMO. No complaints with the mechanics of that truck. just wish it has more bells and wistles I would have kept it. Glad it is working out for you Mark.

Quote:
Originally Posted by BRUNSWICK CONCRETE
Its about time ....that you got one , you know after all the Ford issues you got . But hey I dont care either way , never have never will , what ever floats your .........

Just curious, have you disovered some secret fuel additive that keeps all 12 of your trucks 100% 24/7? :popcorn2:popcorn

[BRUNSWICK CONCRETE]

Just curious, have you disovered some secret fuel additive that keeps all 12 of your trucks 100% 24/7?

You just need to wear a smaller hat .

[BRUNSWICK CONCRETE]

Bobcat??????? :beatsme


:D:D


Lol , how was your sled trip ?

[BRUNSWICK CONCRETE]

You guys got to lighten up ...... OH OH here comes the LTS Posse ....

[Pickering Snow]

You guys got to lighten up ...... OH OH here comes the LTS Posse ....

Pete

No posse coming sorry bud if BS was money however you would be rich if you ever think i belive you have ran 12 of anything, Ford, GM, or Yugos without problems .

Honeslty i think you can be a decent guy Pete however it seems to depend on what time you post , So with that said if there after Midnight i know its not Pete so much talking as much as Captain Pete , Royal Pete, Jack Pete , you get my drift .:wink

I know this give me enough Morphine and i my whole fleet could be setting broke and i wouldnt have a care in the world............................................. .....................:wink

Only thing were missing here is seeing the same truck with same plow posted 200 times and with have a carbon copy of someone else...

[Mark Oomkes]

You just need to wear a smaller hat .

Great, could you point me in the direction of where I could purchase one of these smaller hats?

Maybe it's a magic hat like Frosty wears?

Really don't want to get into hallucinogenics to make my truck problems go away, so a change of hats would be great.

[BRUNSWICK CONCRETE]

Pete

No posse coming sorry bud if BS was money however you would be rich if you ever think i belive you have ran 12 of anything, Ford, GM, or Yugos without problems .

Honeslty i think you can be a decent guy Pete however it seems to depend on what time you post , So with that said if there after Midnight i know its not Pete so much talking as much as Captain Pete , Royal Pete, Jack Pete , you get my drift .:wink

I know this give me enough Morphine and i my whole fleet could be setting broke and i wouldnt have a care in the world............................................. .....................:wink

Only thing were missing here is seeing the same truck with same plow posted 200 times and with have a carbon copy of someone else...

No posse ..... LMAO Ok , Where is the BS , show me .
12 trucks .... thats what plows.... we have 48 last I looked ...
Ummm no drinkin' , we got in late after pouring a 480cuyd slab and I logged in ...
When did I say I never had problems , I'd like to see the post .

[BRUNSWICK CONCRETE]

Great, could you point me in the direction of where I could purchase one of these smaller hats?

Maybe it's a magic hat like Frosty wears?

Really don't want to get into hallucinogenics to make my truck problems go away, so a change of hats would be great.

I think you need a Scuba hat ...........

[niteman9]

Well had the Ford towed to the trans shop on Saturday. Just called him and said the fluid was clean no metal in the pan. He is not sure what is going on. Well I know the autos can be mysterious sometimes but he does rebuild them for a living. Shouldn't he be able to give some idea of what happened without tearing the thing completely apart.

[niteman9]

Well he has had it a week now and said he has it completely apart and the "forward drum" is burnt? He is not sure what caused it and is inspecting parts will call me tomorrow. He keeps saying "it still has 190,000 miles on it" I think he is pushing getting a remain unit. I told him I was getting a BTS if I go that road. He has not heard of them and trying to talk me out of it. Says I should go Ford or Jasper.

[John DiMartino]

Says I should go Ford or Jasper. I personally would go for a BTS,just because the performance is like going from a school bus to a corvette,theres no other way to put it.His units seem to hold up better than a Ford or Jasper unit as well.Brian does a complete build with all tolerances much tighter than Ford's,and all hard parts that only meet his high standards,and only upgraded planets,and drums that are modified by him to perform better,and last longer.

[niteman9]

I agree John, if I go that road it will be a BTS. The guy who has the truck now rebuilt it 18 months ago and said he would give me a brake on it. If he can put it back together and it works for under $750.00 I will do that and start as savings plan an plan a trip to Arkansas.

[niteman9]

Well I heard from the guy today. 1400 - 1500 to put it back together and replace forward drum and clutches. I asked what I would owe him if I got my own reman (BTS). He said 900 to 1000. I was quoted 600 from my local mechanic to R&R the trans. So he wants 300 - 400 to disassemble and reassemble it. (Which I did not ask him to do.) So I can spend 600 on top of the 900 which he wants anyway and take my chances or spend 4100 plus 600 shipping plus 900 R&R to get a BTS. So its like 5700 for the BTS. On top of everything he really keep trying to talk me out to the BTS saying if they put it in and it doesn't work they are not responsible. I don't know if I trust him to do the install correctly. I am sure he is capable just not sure if would want to prove I should have listened to him. Also said a Ford Reman with 3yr/75,000mi warranty is 2600. Didn't ask but I am sure that is still plus 900 - 1000 for work to date plus reinstall. So I am sure it would be 3500 - 3600.

I also read on-line Ford has a HD4R100 reman but he had not heard of it is going to call ford back and see about a price is such an animal is available.

[Mark Oomkes]

If you plan on keeping this truck for any length of time, go the BTS route. Look at it as an investment in the truck.

If he's trying to talk you out of it, something isn't right, IMO. It isn't his dime if it takes a dump, it's yours. Mine didn't say a word other than no warranty.

[Pelican]

Shop around for an installer niteman, there isn't a whole lot to swapping trannys. The trickiest thing is installing the torque converter correctly and Brian ships his with the T/C clamped in place already.

I did my own in about 8 hours with no lift and a standard floor jack. The only "special" tool I needed was a long extension and swiveling socket to get at one of the upper bell housing bolts. I also had never swapped an automatic before so I was learning as I went.

My point is that for someone with better equipment and more experience, they ought to be able to cut at least 2 hours from my time I would think. If you are at all mechanically skilled it's not that technical a job to do, it's just a matter of step by step bolt removal and reinstalling, plus some cable and electrical connectors. It helps to have a second person when lowering and raising the tranny and transfer case, but I did mine on my own. At Brian's Truck Shop, they had me in and out of the shop in 6 hours, including rebuilding my tranny and swapping out the tranny cooler. Two guys doing the swap and Brian building the tranny.

If you go the Ford reman route, you'll get the same tranny and parts that have failed on you already. When doing your math, consider how much money you could lose if your truck goes down again from a failed tranny in lost work, plus the money you'll have to spend on a second repair.

[niteman9]

Shop around for an installer niteman, there isn't a whole lot to swapping trannys. The trickiest thing is installing the torque converter correctly and Brian ships his with the T/C clamped in place already.

I did my own in about 8 hours with no lift and a standard floor jack. The only "special" tool I needed was a long extension and swiveling socket to get at one of the upper bell housing bolts. I also had never swapped an automatic before so I was learning as I went.

My point is that for someone with better equipment and more experience, they ought to be able to cut at least 2 hours from my time I would think. If you are at all mechanically skilled it's not that technical a job to do, it's just a matter of step by step bolt removal and reinstalling, plus some cable and electrical connectors. It helps to have a second person when lowering and raising the tranny and transfer case, but I did mine on my own. At Brian's Truck Shop, they had me in and out of the shop in 6 hours, including rebuilding my tranny and swapping out the tranny cooler. Two guys doing the swap and Brian building the tranny.

If you go the Ford reman route, you'll get the same tranny and parts that have failed on you already. When doing your math, consider how much money you could lose if your truck goes down again from a failed tranny in lost work, plus the money you'll have to spend on a second repair.

I agree and I would like to find another shop to R&R it problem is he already has it out and wants 900 to put it back together and reinstall whatever tranny I decide to use. I would have liked him to let me know before he pulled it out and tore it apart. I took it to him because he had rebuilt it only 18 months ago. I wanted a idea of what went wrong and if a full disassembly would be necessary. If he had said I need to disassemble the entire trans before I know anything I would have not taken it to him.

If I hadn't just put 500 into front springs, 500 in brakes and 1000 in new tires I would have him replace the drum and clutch packs and trade the thing in.

Mark did you get the 6.0 cooler from Brain if so what was the cost?

[Mark Oomkes]

I agree and I would like to find another shop to R&R it problem is he already has it out and wants 900 to put it back together and reinstall whatever tranny I decide to use. I would have liked him to let me know before he pulled it out and tore it apart. I took it to him because he had rebuilt it only 18 months ago. I wanted a idea of what went wrong and if a full disassembly would be necessary. If he had said I need to disassemble the entire trans before I know anything I would have not taken it to him.

If I hadn't just put 500 into front springs, 500 in brakes and 1000 in new tires I would have him replace the drum and clutch packs and trade the thing in.

Mark did you get the 6.0 cooler from Brain if so what was the cost?

Did you sign a repair order authorizing him to pull it\tear it apart?

Yes, trying to remember, but it was dirt cheap. Brian said he sells them at his cost because it is cheap insurance for him, as he warranties his trannys.

Under $200 IIRC, seems like $160ish???

[niteman9]

Mark,

If you get a chance could you check and see what they charged you for the cooler. I just called and set it up for Thursday this week. I asked about the cooler and was told $350.00

[Shadetree]

Just recently had tranny issues. The HD Ford unit was $1000 more than the regular reman. I had the torque convertor go in my 99. Took it to dealer (fleet discount makes them comparable to other shops for me) and had a new convertor installed. The POS lasted 962 kms then had total failure and this time their BRAND NEW convertor took out my tranny. It took 9 days for Ford to decide to replace my tranny instead of rebuilding it. The reman unit came in with a terrible bright silver paint job, non OE seals (cheap aftermarket) and had TWO of the check balls in the wrong locations. THAT POS LASTED TWO HOURS, 25 kms BEFORE COMPLETE FAILURE. They had put a rebuilt oil pump in it that failed. The truck was down 3 weeks and lost $12,000 of income due to their inferior parts. I had a local guy rebuild the reman unit to the similar specs as a BTS. I cannot find a complete list of the modifications BTS makes but I am confident that I got most of them. Search the ford boards (dieselsite, powerstrokenation, powerstroke.org) and find a local guy who builds performance transmissions with the modifications you read about or buy into the internet lore BTS or JW (not knocking them, I believe that there are other decent options out there).
Here is a link with the tranny cooler I used http://www.monstermarketplace.com/Automotive/Landing642a205.html

[niteman9]

Well talked with Brain today. He is building my trany today. He asked what chip I had and what size tires. I told it was stock just plow snow with it. He said he would build it for 60 hp chip. As we continued to talk I told him I wanted to get the 6.0 cooler as well. Then he said I am going to send you a chip to just give me a call when you get ready to install it and I can walk you through it. Said it will all be shipped out today. I can't wait.

[Pelican]

Good for you!!! Brian really knows his stuff, I don't doubt that there are others, but Brian has a proven track record and stands behind his work 100%. You won't be sorry.

When I went down there, I had a 4 setting flip chip already installed. I told what work I do, and what performance gains I'd like to see and he spent a couple hours with the laptop tuning my truck to my specs. I got the stock setting set up so the truck is governed at 65mph for when the help drives it, then there's a +40, +80 and +140hp setting that has an unlimited top speed. Of course my switch is hidden.

[niteman9]

Finally got the truck back with the BTS trans installed. Got the 6.0 cooler installed and filled with Mobil 1 Sync fluid. I wanted to use the Schaeffer's fluid Brain recommends but could not get it in time. Found it at a place in OH just 30 mil from the shop but he said he could go pick it up and I could not make down before they closed due to my day job. It was $112.50 for 5 gal. So I had to pay $160 for the Mobil 1.

Drive real good. We'll see how it plows when we get some more snow.

[niteman9]

Well I spoke to soon. Started binding in reverse then creeping forward in neutral. Also griding noise in reverse. Sent Brain an email will call in the morning. I about had it with this thing.

[niteman9]

Well I talked to Brain this morning and he has no idea what could be the problem. He said he would get another trans on the way. I don't want the same place to R&R this time. I called the local shop I have used for other stuff before. (Not a trans shop just a general auto repair.) He does not want to do it. He will not install parts he doesn't sell. He stated for legal reasons he is liable for parts even if he did not sell them. Never head of that but what do I know. He did give me the number of someone who may be interested. I called him and he said he would call me back and let me know. He has never swapped a trans in this type of truck. What do you guys think? Am I better off having a general mechanic do the R&R or a trans shop? Brain said his biggest problems are independent shops and ford dealers.

I could do it myself if I had a trans jack a helper and the time.

Anybody in the Ann Arbor Michigan area know of a good shop they could recommend?

[Shadetree]

I would go onto some of the boards I listed and ask for a local shop name.

[Milwaukee]

Well I talked to Brain this morning and he has no idea what could be the problem. He said he would get another trans on the way. I don't want the same place to R&R this time. I called the local shop I have used for other stuff before. (Not a trans shop just a general auto repair.) He does not want to do it. He will not install parts he doesn't sell. He stated for legal reasons he is liable for parts even if he did not sell them. Never head of that but what do I know. He did give me the number of someone who may be interested. I called him and he said he would call me back and let me know. He has never swapped a trans in this type of truck. What do you guys think? Am I better off having a general mechanic do the R&R or a trans shop? Brain said his biggest problems are independent shops and ford dealers.

I could do it myself if I had a trans jack a helper and the time.

Anybody in the Ann Arbor Michigan area know of a good shop they could recommend?

I know one near me they replace transmission in 01 F250 few years ago no problem it is Total Transmission & gear

http://www.yellowpages.com/info-LMS72315167/Total-Transmission-Gears/reviews?back_to=%2FTrenton-MI%2FAuto-Transmission%2Fcity-Trenton%3Fsearch_terms%3Dtransmission


you could go to harbor Fright get tran jack then do yourself when you done you could return tran jack back to Harbor Fright.

[Pelican]

you could go to harbor Fright get tran jack then do yourself when you done you could return tran jack back to Harbor Fright
And that would be considered theft of services. Renting one from a rental center would be the legal way to do it.

[niteman9]

The second trans from BTS is on its way. It was shipped out yesterday. I have someone lined up to swap it out for me. What Brain is thinking is the forward clutch was not fully disengaging thus the creeping in neutral and problems in reverse. Jumped in the truck yesterday to give it a try and everything seemed fine. I will drive it more today and see what happens. I will feel better if it acts up again.

[niteman9]

Well got the second trans installed and I installed the Chip Brain gave me. WOW what a difference. This thing shifts great. Unfortunately it looks like I won't be able to push any snow until next season.

Brain called me today after tearing down the first transmission. Basically he said there was evidence it was driven when 3 or 4 quarts low on oil. This had to be down before I picked it up because it was full when I picked it up and it failed within 24 hours.

Brain took care of all the costs for this and I thank him for that. I feel the guy who F ed it up needs to pay part of the cost but don't think that will happen.

I want to at least let this guy know we feel he F ed up so I was going to mail him a letter. Here is what I have so far. Let me know what you think.

Hello Tom,

When I chose to get a replacement transmission from Brian’s Truck shop you had concerns regarding the warranty. Well unfortunately I got to test his warranty. On Sunday the day after picking up the truck I started having issues. The transmission seemed to be binding when in reverse and creeping forward in neutral. I called Brain Monday morning and he said he had never had this issue before. He said he was no going to “mess around with this” and he sent another transmission.

I arranged with a mechanic in Saline and had the transmission replaced again. Brain paid for shipping both ways as well as the labor and fluid.

Brain called me today after tearing down the first transmission. He said the forward clutches were slightly burnt and swollen. Also he mentioned something about makings on the pump which indicate the transmission was driven while at least 3 to 4 quarts low on oil. This is what caused the problem I had.

By the way if anyone in the area is looking for a good mechanic let me know the guy I had R&R the trany was really good. He charged $350.00 which I thought was a good price.

[Pelican]

It's spelled BRIAN

[niteman9]

It's spelled BRIAN

Well he is the master Brain when it comes these transmissions. I guess the spell check doesn't work when you can even get the right word.