Transmission Upgrades For Your GM, Ford, Or Ram Transmission

Here at DieselArmy.com, we’re all about making your diesel truck the best it can be. When that comes to towing and hauling, it’s no secret that the transmissions in our rigs can always benefit from a few upgrades. Whether you drive a Ford, Chevy, or Ram diesel-powered truck, there are definitely some transmission upgrades, as well as complete transmissions you can take advantage of. To get more information about some of the more “needed” transmission upgrades, we reached out to the folks at RevMax Converters for some solid insight.

The company has a reputation for producing quality transmission upgrades and complete transmissions that are designed to handle the demands of added power, heavy-duty towing, and even racing applications. Founded in 2006, RevMax has become a leading manufacturer of transmission upgrades, high-performance components, torque converters, valvebodies, and complete transmissions. RevMax is based in Charlotte, North Carolina, and all of its products are designed, tested, and manufactured in-house.

The Benefits Of Upgrading Your Transmission

Upgrading your truck’s transmission internals can provide a host of benefits that improve its overall performance and longevity. The durability and reliability of an upgraded transmission can also save you money in the long run. Additionally, an upgraded transmission can provide better-shifting performance, whether towing or not. One significant advantage of an upgraded transmission is improved towing capacity. If you frequently haul heavy loads, upgrading your transmission can make the job easier, safer, and more efficient. With a higher towing capacity, you can transport more significant loads with confidence, knowing that your vehicle can handle the added weight.

Another advantage of upgrading your transmission is the improved fuel economy. With an upgraded transmission, your engine operates more efficiently, reducing strain and improving overall fuel consumption. This means you can save money on fuel, making it an excellent investment for those who use their trucks frequently. Overall, upgrading your transmission can significantly improve your vehicle’s performance and make it more reliable, efficient, and safe.

Better Parts For A Better Transmission

We wanted to find out more about some of the Revmax-recommended transmission upgrades available, and we learned RevMax offers a wide range of transmission upgrades for various applications, including towing, racing, and street performance. Some of the more popular and recommended transmission upgrades include the following:

  • Torque converters: RevMax offers a range of high-performance torque converters, which are designed to improve low-end torque and towing capacity. They offer a range of stall speeds to suit different towing needs, and their converters are designed to fit a range of vehicles.
  • Valvebodies: RevMax also offers high-performance valvebodies, which are designed to improve shift quality and performance. The company’s valve bodies feature upgraded solenoids, springs, and valves, which are designed to improve shifting under load.
  • Transmission rebuild kits: RevMax offers transmission rebuild kits, which are designed to improve the durability and reliability of your transmission. Their rebuild kits include upgraded clutches, steels, and seals, which are designed to handle the demands of heavy-duty towing.

transmission upgrades

If you use your truck for towing, the transmission upgrades we are showcasing are a great way to ensure your transmission stays together and delivers the reliability you need.

Choosing The Right Transmission Upgrades

When it comes to choosing transmission upgrades for towing, there are several factors to consider.  For instance, the type of vehicle you are towing with will determine the type of transmission upgrade you need. Trucks, SUVs, and vans all have different requirements when it comes to towing, and you need to choose an upgrade that is suitable for your vehicle. Also, the weight you are towing will also determine the type of transmission upgrade you need. One aspect you might not think plays a role in parts selection is the driving conditions you will encounter when towing. For example, if you will be towing in hilly or mountainous terrain, you will need an upgrade that can handle the demands of steep inclines and descents. Finally, your budget will also be a factor in choosing a transmission upgrade.

Transmission Upgrades For Towing

If you plan to do a lot of towing, RevMax has a few tips that can help your transmission live a long and healthy life. For starters, check your transmission fluid regularly. Towing puts extra strain on your transmission, so it’s important to keep an eye on your fluid levels and quality. Regularly checking and changing your transmission fluid can help prevent overheating and damage.

Using the right towing equipment is crucial. Make sure you have the appropriate hitch, tow bar, and safety chains for your load. Double-check that everything is secure before hitting the road. Also, avoid aggressive driving. Sudden stops, starts, and turns can put extra strain on your transmission and increase the risk of accidents. Drive cautiously and give yourself plenty of time to brake and turn.

You should also consider upgrading your cooling system. Towing generates a lot of heat, which can damage your transmission. Upgrading your cooling system with an auxiliary cooler or larger radiator can help keep your transmission cool and prevent overheating it’s no secret how heat can affect a transmission’s lifespan, and you can learn more about that by clicking here.

Converting Torque Into Movement

Towing heavy loads can put a significant strain on your vehicle, so it’s essential to take care of it. One critical component of any towing vehicle is the torque converter. RevMax offers high-quality torque converters that are specifically designed for towing applications. Using a high-quality torque converter can improve low-end torque and towing capacity, making it easier to tow heavy loads.

Transmission upgrades

RevMax torque converters come in different stages and offer several stall speeds. For instance, the Stage-4 converter is designed for those with mildly modified engines who don’t tow heavy weights. The Stage-5 triple-disc billet converters are designed for those who have heavily modified engines or for those that tow heavy weights. RevMax has redesigned the lockup clutch piston to be able to accommodate a piston damper. This upgraded billet piston and damper allows the clutch to apply more smoothly, which in turn puts much less strain on the input shaft.  Revmax Stage-5 converters have no horsepower or torque limitations. In fact, they dare you to try and break it.

In addition to using the right torque converter, it’s essential to choose the right gear ratio for your vehicle’s differential. Vehicles with lower gear ratios are better for towing, as they provide more low-end torque. RevMax offers a range of different gear ratios for transmission upgrades, which can be tailored to your specific towing needs.

Regular transmission maintenance is also critical when towing. Dirty or contaminated fluid can cause significant damage to your transmission, which can be costly to repair. RevMax recommends changing your transmission fluid every 30,000 miles when towing.

transmission upgrades

Our trucks are designed to tow and haul, and the listed transmission upgrades are a great way to ensure they do that for a long time.

It is no secret that it’s essential to avoid overloading your vehicle when towing. Overloading can be dangerous and can cause significant damage to your transmission. Make sure you know the weight of your trailer and cargo and ensure that it doesn’t exceed your vehicle’s towing capacity.

Valving Your Transmission Upgrades

Owners of Ram trucks with a 68RFE transmission know all too well how beneficial a valvebody upgrade can be, but you Ford and GM guys can also realize how much a valvebody swap can do to improve the performance of your truck’s transmission. For you Ford 6R140 and Allison 1000 transmission owners, RevMax converters are specially calibrated for use with RevMax’s Stages 2, 3, 4, and 5 torque converters (they can be used with other manufacturers’ torque converters as well) These are perfect for use in trucks with either a stock or modified engine. It will increase your transmission’s durability, lower fluid temps, and improve efficiency.

There are many other durability-related transmission upgrades available like billet input and output shafts, as well as other high-performance rebuild kits and the level of your upgrades relies solely on your budget. Speaking of budget, if you want the ultimate transmission upgrade, why not consider a complete transmission/ Again, it doesn’t matter if you drive a Ford GM or Ram truck, you can get a complete RevMax-built transmission that is everything your truck could ever need.

68RFE Signature Series 700

The 68RFE Signature Series 700 is great for heavy towing, and for the weekend warrior! This is a transmission upgrade package that is specifically designed for the 2007.5-2019 Dodge Ram 6.7-liter Cummins diesel engine. The package includes several components that are designed to improve the performance and reliability of the transmission, especially in heavy-duty towing applications.

transmission upgrades

The Revmax 68RFE Signature 700 performance automatic transmission is great for heavy towing and is rated for up to 700 horsepower

The 68RFE package includes a custom-built, high-performance transmission that has been upgraded with several proprietary components, including custom valve bodies, upgraded clutches and steels, and upgraded solenoids. These upgrades are designed to improve the transmission’s durability, reliability, and performance.

In addition to the upgraded transmission, its 68RFE package also includes a high-quality torque converter that is specifically designed for towing applications. The torque converter is designed to improve low-end torque and towing capacity, making it easier to tow heavy loads safely and efficiently. Again, each of these units can be tailored to your liking.

Finally, the package includes a comprehensive installation kit that includes everything you need to install the transmission and torque converter, including transmission fluid, filters, and gaskets. The installation kit is designed to ensure a seamless installation process and to provide everything you need to get your vehicle back on the road quickly and safely. This unit comes with a two-year limited warranty.

transmission upgrades

Allison 1000 Signature Series

The Revmax-built Allison 1000 Signature Series performance automatic transmission boasts a remarkable capacity to hold up to 1500 horsepower. Achieving that capacity requires upgrading the transmission’s shafts — which many rebuilders do not do. RevMax does not leave these optional upgraded parts out during the production of their units. To ensure optimal performance, RevMax recommends upgrading the input shaft for customers who tow with more than 850 horsepower. If producing more than 1,000 horsepower the output shaft should also be upgraded. If you are well above 1,000 horsepower, it would be time to consider upgrading the intermediate shaft.

Revmax says their units are equipped with the best internal parts available and have invested over $150,000 in valvebody testing equipment to provide customers with the most high-performing and rigorously tested valvebody on the market. Each valvebody is custom-configured to the customer’s truck and individually tested before installation in the transmission.

6R140 Scorpion Signature Series (2011-2017)

The 6R140 is the most robust transmission (in stock form) ever put into a passenger truck. However, due to cost restraints, Ford elected to use a lesser-cost, piston to apply and balance the overdrive clutches. The OE piston design only applies a minuscule surface area to the steel plate. Over time, and with heat cycling, this causes the steel and clutch plates to adapt a formed memory. This coning causes two further issues.

First, clutch pack clearance is reduced which causes drag. This drag then causes the pack to fail as it is being partially applied. Secondly, the coning does not allow the full contact face of the clutch to apply and this causes reduced torque capacity and again rapid failure.

transmission upgrades

Like the other models, the RevMax high-performance automatic transmission is engineered to withstand higher horsepower and torque levels compared to the factory transmission, making it an excellent option for those seeking to upgrade their vehicle’s performance capabilities.

These transmissions are upgraded with increased clutch capacity, improved clutch plate material, phosphate steels, and ZeroFlex technology. This transmission is unique to RevMax and cannot be purchased at any of the other builders. The Signature Series 6R140 is designed to handle up to 1000 horsepower with upgraded shafts and has undergone rigorous research and development, as well as performance testing. The internal components are made with high-quality materials to ensure durability and reliability, even under heavy usage.

The transmission also includes a custom-tuned valvebody that is designed to optimize shifting performance, which is individually tested prior to installation. Additionally, the transmission comes with a torque converter that is specifically engineered to match the engine’s power output, improving overall drivability and performance.

When looking at the big picture, RevMax‘s transmission upgrades are a top choice for those seeking high-performance and reliable transmission systems. With their commitment to precision craftsmanship and quality materials, Revmax ensures that their transmissions can handle the high horsepower and torque levels, making them an excellent option for racing, towing, or heavy-duty applications. For more information, check out their website here.

Article Sources

About the author

Artie Maupin

Artie Maupin is from Southeast Missouri and has an extreme passion for anything diesel. He loves drag racing of all kinds, as well as sled pulling competitions.
Read My Articles