Oldranger wrote:
Can anyone recommend a good transmission rebuilder in Arkansas? I’m thinking about upgrading my torque converter.
Whatever torque converter you choose, please don't make a costly mistake that you will regret later.
These little diesels can produce a lot of low end torque and it takes a very good torque converter to hold and not slip or shudder in 5th gear overdrive.
This is especially true if you reflash and increase the HP and torque output and / or pull a loaded trailer.
If you want the best TC that will handle anything you throw at it, get yourself a Suncoast, they make a billet TC just for our Jeep Diesels... Suncoast -- CRD-1ES TC
https://suncoastdiesel.com/p-35847-home-diesel.html
They are not cheap, but it will be the last one you ever have to purchase. In this case you get what you pay for.
These are the known torque converter ratings as we know of:
Stock Mopar OEM TC is rated for 300 ft. lbs. max (406 Nm)
Mopar Euro TC is rated for 400 ft. lbs. max (~ 542 Nm)
Hemi TC is rated for ~450 ft. lbs. (they have a higher stall speed due to being for a gas engine)
Suncoast CRD-1ES TC is rated for 600 ft. lbs. max (813 Nm)
It is highly advised to replace the front pump assembly while you have the transmission out to replace the TC.
There are some wear items, bores and plungers, that wear out over time and can cause some issues with the torque converter lockup.
Also, most install a Transgo kit at the same time which will help the transmission and improve shifting along with extending clutch life...