Another Diesel Power Challenge competitor who fell on hard times was Danny Elmo, who had converter, transmission, and transfer case problems all weekend. We even saw some molten metal falling out by his converter during one dyno run. As we said, 700 horsepower and 8,000 pounds, along with sled pulling and drag racing, can be murder for diesel transmissions.
17. My transmission seems like it is slipping. How do I know if it is the converter or clutches?
Goerend: Normally, the clutches won't take it for very long. If you can feel a difference in a certain gear (versus all the time, in all the gears), it could be your clutches. If you feel a shudder while the converter is unlocked, it is also most likely something internal.
18. Will nitrous hurt my transmission?
Goerend: (Laughs) Yes. If you're going to be putting nitrous on there, you're probably above 500 horsepower and either drag racing or sled pulling, so not only are you making more power, but you're being hard on the transmission.
19. I am going to be towing a camper with my truck. Do I need to worry about my transmission?
Goerend: Probably not at stock power. If you've increased the power (even a little), you may be looking for trouble. A converter and valvebody can help with slippage, but if you're towing really heavy (overloading), you need to worry about the input and intermediate shafts. A large transmission cooler (or second one) will also help.
Lovrich: You have to worry about transmission cooling, but other than that, this is what these trucks are designed to do, so not really.
20. Any last words of wisdom?
Goerend: Make sure your transmission is full of fluid! The number one and number two causes of failures are running the transmission low on fluid. When you add fluid, walk away from the truck for 10 minutes to allow the fluid to drain in so you don't get a false reading. Running the transmission "a little low on fluid" should never be done. It should always be completely full.
Lovrich: All the newer trucks are pretty well-built. I'd like to see the factory put in stronger converters. These trucks are better than they have ever been. If you're going to modify your truck by adding power, you need to address the transmission immediately. These transmissions were not built from the factory to spin up really quick and handle 500 horsepower. They were built to move heavy and steady and tow things.