is there a LOCK UP torque converter for these trucks?
#1
is there a LOCK UP torque converter for these trucks?
Hey guys, wondering if anyone can give me some info about torque converters for these 1st gens. i have an A518 in mine. i looked into BD but it turns out their converter is also a non lock up like the stock.
i am not a fan of the non lockup at all and wondering if there is someone who makes a lockup converter?
cheers,
Graeme
i am not a fan of the non lockup at all and wondering if there is someone who makes a lockup converter?
cheers,
Graeme
#2
The A518 (AKA: 46RH) in our trucks uses a NON lock-up torque converter. You can't simply replace one converter with the other.
While the A518 can be converted to a lock-up type converter by way of notable internal hardware and hydraulic (Valve-body) changes, it's usually much more cost effective to switch to a later 47RH trans which by default runs the lock-up converter.
Either way, you'll need the 47RH type engine to trans adapter-plate so as to allow more room for the thicker lock-up converter.
Others with first-hand experience with the details of either conversion will most likely post soon.
Have fun.
While the A518 can be converted to a lock-up type converter by way of notable internal hardware and hydraulic (Valve-body) changes, it's usually much more cost effective to switch to a later 47RH trans which by default runs the lock-up converter.
Either way, you'll need the 47RH type engine to trans adapter-plate so as to allow more room for the thicker lock-up converter.
Others with first-hand experience with the details of either conversion will most likely post soon.
Have fun.
Last edited by BC847; 05-27-2011 at 09:36 AM.
#3
#6
I used to feel good about the trans I have in my '91 flatbed, it seemed tight and shifted firm, both things you want.
It even got 17-18 mpg.
Then I hooked it to a 2-car trailer and towed with it, got 9 mpg and it "slipped" like crazy.
I'm a manual trans guy, I wonder why in heck anyone that tows would put up with horrible mileage and a tranny that slips like that.
Totally worthless.
Mark.
It even got 17-18 mpg.
Then I hooked it to a 2-car trailer and towed with it, got 9 mpg and it "slipped" like crazy.
I'm a manual trans guy, I wonder why in heck anyone that tows would put up with horrible mileage and a tranny that slips like that.
Totally worthless.
Mark.
#7
As far as I can tell and have read the 518 case for diesels (they are differnt then the gassers) cant be converted to lock-up. Some passeges or something missing. Like I said though this is just something I read about in passing looking for somehing else.
#10
Guess it depends on how much you can get the 47RH for. Personally I wouldn't touch a BD TC, I'd be looking only at either Suncoast or Goerend. A TC from either of these vendors will run you from $600 - $1000, but well worth the money. A lockup convertor is somewhere around $1200 I think, (not 100% on that), plus whatever other parts you may need to rebuild it. 'Cause you know that while you're there you may as well. The other thing to remember is that when an auto is in lockup, it's going to create HUGE amounts of heat, so as Mark Nixon says, towing with it can get fun sometimes. (Which is why everyone says not to tow in OD.)