Transmission Swap

[84TD]

I am definitely going to do a driveline improvement, I would really appreciate other members feedback with the same setups I am considering. I dont really tow or haul much so drivability and mpg are my main goals and I would like to stay under 2K. I am heavily leaning towards a Auto but I could be talked out of it.

OPT#1 Add a OD to my existing T19
OPT#2 Swap in a ZF-5
OPT#3 Swap in a E4OD or 4R100 and Baumann controller (What I am leaning towards the most)
OPT#4 Swap in a C6 and a Gear Vendor

The manuals are straight forward swaps but I am not sure about the autos.
E40D/4R100, anybody ever swapped one in? I an sure there are 10 different things that you would only know by doing one.

 

[SparkandFire]

I love my ZF5... Plain and simple.

The simplest swap will most likely be the ZF5. You've just got to solve the clutch issue, in my case I bought a SMF clutch kit from South Bend.

Can't comment on the E4OD swap, haven't done it. You've got the right idea, though. If you install one, make sure and get the aftermarket controller for it. Lots of E4OD's are killed by factory programming.

Adding an OD to your T-19 can be done, but its tough getting the OD unit, and the brackets specific to your application.

Adding an OD to a C6 can be done, but you will still suffer economy-wise due to the lack of a lockup torque converter.

 

[1994Diesel]

I say ZF5 cause that what i would like to swap into my truck.

 

[wmoguy]

I don't think for under 2k you can pull off the Gear Vendors unit unless you already have one. New I've seen them for about 3k, used on Fleabay sometimes you can pay less.

I don't mind my E4OD at all. It has a few quirks but for a daily driver I like it. My ZF5 is good too.

 

[icanfixall]

No AOD was ever behind a diesel in our trucks. The E4OD was and is a great trans if... You have it built properly. First off the factory converters have 25 square inches of friction material and they work very well if taken care of. I towed heavy and never hurt mine. Now my BTS E4OD has a triple disc converter that has 150 square inches of friction material. I can't make enough hp or torque to ruin that. I probably could overheat it and ruin it but thats really trying hard to do something. With my built E4OD and a gear vendors behind that I'm turning around 1800 rpm at 85 mph running a set of 3.55 and stock height tires. The final gear ratio is 1.96.....

 

[wmoguy]

No AOD was ever behind a diesel in our trucks. The E4OD was and is a great trans if... You have it built properly. First off the factory converters have 25 square inches of friction material and they work very well if taken care of. I towed heavy and never hurt mine. Now my BTS E4OD has a triple disc converter that has 150 square inches of friction material. I can't make enough hp or torque to ruin that. I probably could overheat it and ruin it but thats really trying hard to do something. With my built E4OD and a gear vendors behind that I'm turning around 1800 rpm at 85 mph running a set of 3.55 and stock height tires. The final gear ratio is 1.96.....

I"m diggin the water temp reading in that pic. Is that with a Rodney Red for a radiator?

 

[Agnem]

I'd put a GV behind a T-19B over just a ZF-5 alone anyday. 7 forward gears is better than 5, and the T-19 is stonger/GV combo is stronger with no gear rollover noise. Of course a ZF-5 with a DMF has no gear roll over noise, but I would never own a DMF.

 

[mattplumber]

Strictly speaking, staying in the $2k marker, you have really only one option. Swap in a zf5. The autos are good, but each has its inherent issues.
The c6 is stout as balls, but lacks the lockup TC.
The e4od is a jewel, but to make one worth installing it has to be built and upgraded which kills $2k in the blink of an eye.
The t-19 and gv is probably the stoutest combo, but finding the gv and necessary parts for less than 2k could be a lengthy search.
The zf5 swap could be potentially done for less than 2k assuming you could find a donor truck wrecked or with a bad engine that you could pick up for $1k or less, and figure its going to need a clutch conversion with SMF which is $600-700 or doing the lucky mod if you're feeling froggy. Just make sure you find a donor truck that matches your wheelbase/cab configuration or your're going to be pricing driveshafts/searching for the right ones.
I sold a truck I had with a bad engine last year on here that was a zf5 truck with a SMF clutch already installed for less than 1k so I know they are out there.

As far as all those that complain about "gear rollover noise" with the zf5 and SMF conversion, it never bothered me at all. Just a little rattle when letting out on the clutch at low speeds. Actually kinda sounded cool to me, I know- i'm weird. Overall a small price to pay for the peace of mind that your days of buying $900 DMF flywheels are over............

 

[icanfixall]

I"m diggin the water temp reading in that pic. Is that with a Rodney Red for a radiator?

Yes... Thats the coolant temp with the Red. I'm able to run the factory gauge and my aftermarket Isspro EV coolant temp gauge..

 

[84TD]

In doing more research today and looking over the replies I am leaning towards either the 4R100 or just keeping my T19 and adding a new Ranger or used GV. Unless I am missing something I should be able to do it for 2K. I can get a local reman for 1K but I have to find a core. A New stock TC is $300 and the Controller is $550. So that would leave me with a few hundred for misc. Am i missing anything?
I am looking at the 4R100 from a 99 to 03 powerstroke because the VSS is built in the the trans, I can still bolt my TC on and have my speedo work and they seem to be cheaper and more plentiful than the E4OD. What I dont know yet is will I have to redo my drive shafts.

 

[icanfixall]

This may help you to make a decision. I just found it on ebay...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...akeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:top:en

 

[mabc926]

T-19+GV

 

[GOOSE]

I am not a slushbox guy and I like gears Think I'll go with the T19/GV combo. It's strong, useful and way cool This route may also be the easiest wrenching wise and may be attainable for 2 grand if you find a deal on a used one.

As for the 2 grand, I believe the ZF is the only other option that may keep you close. I would not put an auto in my truck if it was not rebuilt because chances are, its going to need a rebuild. Man I want a GV behind my ZF

 

[papastruck]

I vote just keep the t-19. I'm getting into a rebuilt GV for right around 2 grand, including adapters. Try to get the adapter off ebay; GV wants like $650 plus core charge for the adapter. If you like the slushboxes, I wished you lived closer, as I've got an e40d core you could build up. I only stuck with the C6 in mine because it happened to be fresh and reliable as is.

But that rig should really have a Brownie, shouldn't it?

 

[crashnzuk]

I know you say you don't really tow heavy, but I'd run a gasser t-19 and a GV. That would give you a deep first gear when you need it, a reasonable gear to start out in when empty (2nd), and the ability to split the 2-3 and 3-4 as well as run 4th over. The gearing in the diesel t-19 will only let you split the 2-3 effectively.
Travis..