Forum Discussion

AKSuperDually's avatar
AKSuperDually
Explorer
Jan 20, 2014

7.3L transmission overhaul/replacement looming, advise?

My transmission/torque converter is starting to slip a bit, and prior to another trip down to Oregon and back this spring (anticipating a 10K lb trailer coming back with the camper on the bed), I'm going to need to do some transmission work.

I expect the torque converter to be ready for replacement at this point, and I don't believe the transmission is really shot...just a re-build/refresh likely.

Any recommendations? Anyone been through this with a built 7.3L? I've had my computers de-tuned for some time, and I'd like to be able to open up the power...which means appropriately pairing a torque converter and transmission that can handle that.

I'm going to be limited to a local shop....so that's really going to take some research. I could take the truck to Anchorage to have it done...and I might, as I'm more likely to find a diesel shop with experience up there. Another option, is to have it done in Oregon while I'm down there. The trip down will be easy, basically empty. That could save some money, and open doors for additional shops.

What kind of mods/aftermarket/built transmissions are you 7.3L guys running?
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8 Replies

  • psford's avatar
    psford
    Explorer
    Jan 20, 2014
    LarryJM wrote:
    AKSuperDually wrote:
    I definitely wouldn't travel to SoCal to have it done, but I'll look into shops recommended by BTS. Anyone have experience with ATS? I think their stage 3 combo would do nicely, looks like retail is $5,400 +deposits. I've got a $5K current budget, but will just rent a Uhaul if I need to wait another year to afford the tranny. I hate spending $3K on a Uhaul, when that could go into my transmission though.


    I didn't mention some of the others like ATS, Jasper, or even the FORD heavy duty since over the years I have read mixed reviews on each. The two I mentioned are the only ones to my knowledge that have 99.99% satisfaction rate. I can't remember the shop, but I thought one in IIRC SLC, Utah actually carried a BTS in stock for immediate use, but again that was some years ago when I was actively watching 4R100 tranny goings on, so my info is somewhat dated.

    Your $5K budget is at least in the ballpark and not being unrealistic in wanting something for close to nothing in the 4R100/E40D world.

    Larry



    If you are talking about Wide Open Performance in SLC Utah they are no longer in business, but yes they did handle BTS trannies . I got my DP tuner ,and installed from them, they were a great shop. They seemed to be pretty knowledgeable with the 7.3. The best way to deal with BTS would be to call them to see who locally can deal with them. IMO it is the only transmission shop I will deal with when the time comes for my 4R100 rebuild. The price tag for BTS is going to be at least 5K or more.
  • carringb's avatar
    carringb
    Explorer
    Jan 20, 2014
    If you decide to have it done in Oregon, I can't say enough good things about Marsh Transmission in Tualatin. They can build it as strong as you need, and prices are usually competitive with dealer reman units. At the very least, give them a call to discuss option so you have something to at least compare with.

    http://marshtransmission.net/
    As a side benefit, they are walking distance from the train station, so you could get around Portland without renting a car.
  • AKSuperDually's avatar
    AKSuperDually
    Explorer
    Jan 20, 2014
    LarryJM wrote:


    Your $5K budget is at least in the ballpark and not being unrealistic in wanting something for close to nothing in the 4R100/E40D world.

    Larry

    :) lol

    I'm looking at ATS right now.... less mileage for shipping costs, 5 year 500K mile warranty, quicker availability.

    Stage 3 bundle goes for around $5.5K + deposits and install, includes a controller to handle the exhaust brake torque converter lockup. I guess the next step would be to hear from those who are running these....I'm also looking at a few diesel forums, and to price out the package installed locally vs anchorage vs somewhere in Oregon....then start setting $$ aside. If the transmission and torque converter package is ~$5.5K, is it unreasonable to expect a shop to do the install for $500-800? I hear BTS does an install in half a day.

    I still can't believe automotive shops get more money to fix cars than I can charge to fix jets.
  • LarryJM's avatar
    LarryJM
    Explorer II
    Jan 20, 2014
    AKSuperDually wrote:
    I definitely wouldn't travel to SoCal to have it done, but I'll look into shops recommended by BTS. Anyone have experience with ATS? I think their stage 3 combo would do nicely, looks like retail is $5,400 +deposits. I've got a $5K current budget, but will just rent a Uhaul if I need to wait another year to afford the tranny. I hate spending $3K on a Uhaul, when that could go into my transmission though.


    I didn't mention some of the others like ATS, Jasper, or even the FORD heavy duty since over the years I have read mixed reviews on each. The two I mentioned are the only ones to my knowledge that have 99.99% satisfaction rate. I can't remember the shop, but I thought one in IIRC SLC, Utah actually carried a BTS in stock for immediate use, but again that was some years ago when I was actively watching 4R100 tranny goings on, so my info is somewhat dated.

    Your $5K budget is at least in the ballpark and not being unrealistic in wanting something for close to nothing in the 4R100/E40D world.

    Larry
  • AKSuperDually's avatar
    AKSuperDually
    Explorer
    Jan 20, 2014
    I definitely wouldn't travel to SoCal to have it done, but I'll look into shops recommended by BTS. Anyone have experience with ATS? I think their stage 3 combo would do nicely, looks like retail is $5,400 +deposits. I've got a $5K current budget, but will just rent a Uhaul if I need to wait another year to afford the tranny. I hate spending $3K on a Uhaul, when that could go into my transmission though.
  • LarryJM's avatar
    LarryJM
    Explorer II
    Jan 20, 2014
    AKSuperDually wrote:
    My transmission/torque converter is starting to slip a bit, and prior to another trip down to Oregon and back this spring (anticipating a 10K lb trailer coming back with the camper on the bed), I'm going to need to do some transmission work.

    I expect the torque converter to be ready for replacement at this point, and I don't believe the transmission is really shot...just a re-build/refresh likely.

    Any recommendations? Anyone been through this with a built 7.3L? I've had my computers de-tuned for some time, and I'd like to be able to open up the power...which means appropriately pairing a torque converter and transmission that can handle that.

    I'm going to be limited to a local shop....so that's really going to take some research. I could take the truck to Anchorage to have it done...and I might, as I'm more likely to find a diesel shop with experience up there. Another option, is to have it done in Oregon while I'm down there. The trip down will be easy, basically empty. That could save some money, and open doors for additional shops.

    What kind of mods/aftermarket/built transmissions are you 7.3L guys running?


    IMO the only two decent options are either a John Wood (SoCal) or BTS (Lead Hill, Ar.) tranny. Neither is cheap, but both are well worth the cost of admission so to speak. I don't think John Wood ships, but BTS does or used to. His preference in the past is to do it in shop since he has had issues with installers messing up the tranny install. Issue is time since BTS is generally a fairly long lead time. I seem to remember a couple of shops in either Oregan or Utah used to install BTS trannies, but Brian can tell you how to go. I have had my BTS tranny since 2004 and while I don't put a lot of miles each year it's the best investment I made and I did mine before my 3/36 warranty was even up. Not sure of costs anymore, but would think either is going to be between $4-$6K when all is said and done.

    Larry

    Larry

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