A cheaper more available torque converter upgrade?

Science and Energy · **Joined:** Thu Mar 30, 2017 9:12 am **Posts:** 246

So check out these torque converters:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Torque-Converte ... hf&vxp=mtr
http://www.ebay.com/itm/545RFE-45RFE-JE ... Ho&vxp=mtr

They are each for the 545RFE transmission. Each lists much bigger engines in the compatibility chart so I don’t think any tune in the CRD will trouble them. They are much cheaper because they were remanufactured without Mopar association/resale. They would be rebuilt by independent companies.

I started thinking about it in case I get torque converter failure after my tune up. The previous owner (a now a documented liar) said a torque converter was put in within the past 4 years. Maybe it happened, maybe it was a good one, and maybe I won’t have trouble with it. Based on how everything has panned out on this Jeep, I am researching torque converters.

flash7210 · **Posted:** Fri May 19, 2017 2:26 pm

Both of them look like they might be good.

Mountainman · **Posted:** Fri May 19, 2017 4:11 pm

The hemi ones from Florida TC are the way to go IMO, or their cheaper stock stall ones for about $200 on eBay

TKB4 · **Posted:** Sun May 21, 2017 12:42 am

I have replaced 3 torque converters on my crds so far. all were working ok except for the pump leakback problem needing idling a few seconds after idle several hours. I put ged hot tune on one and GDE turbo on other two. I put mopar reman torque converter on one about $550 Mopar reman converter for 5.7 Hemi on one about $280 and Dayco rebuilt or reman Hemi converter from Rock auto about $139 delivered plus $50 core and about $15 to return so about net $154. Or you could get sun coast delivered for about $850 now.

All have functioned flawlessly for over a year now. Also remember 13 quarts new ATF4 cheapest I found $4.27 at walmart Supertech brand about $52 plus new sump and spin on filter about $30 to $40 so plan to add about $90 and if you haven't already I would strongly recommend adding aftermarket drain plug at about $12

The good thing is you shouldn't have to service again for at least 15,000 miles and then you could do it in 15 minutes with no mess and change filters next 15,000 . So, about $30 its time and $70 the next and much less messy procedure.

Also remember, if you have or want to prevent the drainback issue you will need to gain access to the pump and a transgo kit for about $60 and take the chance that reinstalled seal doesn't leak. Or new style reman pump for about $180 IIRC but I left them as they were. I have also seen where some put check valve in transmission line to prevent this but evidently they can clog and cause overheating of tranny, I have no experience or first hand knowledge of this.

If you tune much even a non full torque GDE tune you will eventually have problems, although you can learn to drive around them so to speak avoiding the potential damage.

By the way I love my GDE eco trans tune.

So, in summary Torque converter replacement fluid filter drain plug $100
Torque converter about $120 to $850
Transgo $60
Front pump $160 to $400
12 hours or more of first timer time with correct tools could be much longer depending on breaks and confidence etc.
likely at least 10 hours for second timer

so minimum about $220 for fluid filter and converter 12 hours or more time

Maximum cost DIY with reman pump, transgo, Suncoast converter with delivery $1100 and 12 hours or more time

Personally, next one i do will be reman Hemi torque converter and fluid for about $400 plus time. I can't tell transgo does much. I just feel more comfortable with Mopar reman not rebuilt Hemi converter even over the more expensive euro reman and don't think Suncoast is needed (though nice to have) unless planning on adding arp bolts bigger injectors super aggressive tune propane injection etc and then your basically just asking for trouble anyway . Front pump choice depends on how much the drain back bothers you, there is also a place on solenoid body transgo kit tells you that you can replace with a solid bolt which i did but didn't stop drainback may have decreased it a little.

GordnadoCRD · **Posted:** Sun May 21, 2017 3:04 am

Thanks for the solid info from a very experienced Libbytarian!

TKB4 wrote:

If you tune much even a non full torque GDE tune you will eventually have problems, although you can learn to drive around them so to speak avoiding the potential damage.

Safe to assume this refers to TC clutch damage? not internal Trans damage?

Thanks again

TKB4 · **Posted:** Mon May 22, 2017 10:10 am

Actually Daaco not Dayco i think autocorrect changed it

TKB4 · **Posted:** Mon May 22, 2017 10:17 am

Yes it refers to torque converter malfunction but it can lead to transmission problem if you allow it to shudder much.

A cheaper more available torque converter upgrade?

Who is online