1st gen power?

[PToombs]

Another guage to put on your list, trans temp if you are going to tow with it! If you ask, you will get 16 opinions on where to put it, I think in the pan, then you know what overall temp is. Some guys like in the "out" line, but that gives the temp of the oil coming right from the converter, which is going to be high if you are pulling or accelerating hard. An aftermarket auxilary fan cooler might be on the list if the tranny temps are above 180 very much.

Check your throttle linkage too. Have someone step on the pedal, and push the lever on the pump and see if it goes farther. Most of these trucks are old enough that the cable has stretched and the joints are worn. You might only be getting a little over 1/2 throttle. 1/8 inch of travel makes a huge difference on these.

Good luck!

[florida4x4]

I think the pan is the best place for teh temp sensor. That's on the list too. lol.

I haven't been able to do much with this old tank but when I do I'll post the results.

Thanks for the tips everyone. I gots a plan now.

[Renigade]

You want the trannie temp sensor in the pan for good reliable readings. I ran one in both places on the outbound line and also the pan. I get a more true reading in the pan.

[florida4x4]

YEah it's also easy as heck to weld a bung in there!

[dpuckett]

Richie O- as for needing 4.10s for pulling, I had a near stock 93 that I hauled hay with, frequently grossed in the mid 20s, and never had any issues with needing to downshift- 3.54s let me get low teens for MPG. Of course, this was in Colorado and Kansas, where hills arent as steep as around here, but they are longer, and the elevation is higher.

I'd keep the 3.54s, esp if you only ever tow 8-10K.

DP

[Richie O]

DP, Yup, I have hauled a 7500 pound tractor and a 2000 pound trailer with my old stock 89 I had with a 727 and 3.07. It will haul fine just a little harder starting off. I have always been a fan of low gears for a working truck but with my 3 speed thats all there is. ( unless you want to do 60 flat out ). I am sure the 3.54's are a slight improvement over the 3.07's I was used to.

[STACKED]

what kind of temps should u see with the sender in the pan.

[Mad Max]

hey bud, don't do anything else until you get a good converter behind the engine. If you've got a stock 1st gen converter all the power mods will be useless until you get a good converter in there. I'm a big DTT fan and I use their converters. They're not cheap but they're among the best, and you will notice a huge difference in how the truck drives, and likely gain 10-20 'useable' mph on the top end.
DTT is having a sale on their converters now through the end of the year. They are on sale now for $695, down from the usual $895. Don't gasp - With these 1st gen converters, you get what you pay for, period. If your trucks' tranny is 'stock' then you've likely noticed the truck seems to wane for more direct 'contact' with the tranny at the higher speeds - engine just sortof free revs and not a lot happens at the wheels??? - that's converter. Spend the $ and get the tranny up to snuf, then bomb the engine.

Oh hey, while yer at it, grab hold of either a B&M or MagHytec deep tranny pan - they have the ports for the temp sensors in 'em now, and the extra fluid is always, always good.

PS - Flat and level (even towing), temps at the pan will typically be w/in 10* of the temps at the engine.

- M2

[florida4x4]

I think the 4.10's make it perfect for running 35" tires but honestly, I'm thinking of selling it because I miss the room I had in my Suburban. I appreciate all the help you guys have given. Sound advise. If I do keep it I know just what to do. A good converter is definitely on that list.

[peobryant]

Get a Suburban, and swap the Cummins in there.

[Mad Max]

I run 3.54's and a 35" tire and I actually wish I had another gear - no kidding. The truck cruises at 75 mph at 2000 rpm, just purrs along, but I'd be happier if it was 1800 rpm. I'm actually considering a GearVendors overdrive.
- Sam

[florida4x4]

yeah I forget the powerband of the diesel. torque is king and gears are not needed. just turn the screw!