I decided to start a new thread for this since my thread about breaking my trans was heading in this direction.
Let's discuss known methods and new theories on making the 41TE stronger here.
I'll start by listing weaknesses starting with the weakest part 1st.
- 4th Gear.
- Torque Converter Clutch & Lock-up pin.
- Underdrive and Overdrive hubs.
For the most part, problems with 1 and 2 can be avoided electronically.
#1 can be avoided by careful driving using the auto-stick method to manually shift the transmission, however this method is not fool proof, you still can hit 4th with too much power and break it, as I have proven. The next step is to move up to a stand-alone transmission controller. However we're just avoiding the problem here. What if we actually need to put some power through 4th, say at the end of the 1/4?
#2 is one of the few things that can actually be beefed up easily and relatively inexpensively by a good torque converter shop. I used Midwest Converters in Rockford IL to beef mine up for only $150. Stronger clutch material, and a billet lock-up pin should hold plenty of power. I haven't had the chance to put enough runs on it to say how well this is working yet or not though. You can also avoid damaging this part electronically by keeping it from entering lock-up whenever you plan to put a lot of power to the wheels. One method can be found here: http://www.allpar.com/fix/torque-converter.html A stand-alone transmission controller could also be used to do this.
#3 These parts will show signs of wear on on the splines around the outside. These are caused by the clutch plates (steels) being made from a stronger material than the hubs. Heat and/or cryo treating these parts MAY be an option to make them stronger, but maybe not enough. Also as I've demonstrated (see pictures at http://www.custommopar.com/images/transmission), putting enough power through here can snap the shafts off the hubs.
Other known things that can be done/used to improve the strength and performance of the 41TE:
Alto Red Eagle Clutches (frictions) - These have been tested and proven in this trans.
Raybestos gen2 Blue Plate Special clutches (frictions) - I haven't been able to find any evidence of anyone trying these yet.
Valve body mods - AJ Berge his partner Jerry (TurboJerry) have some secrets for this that seem to work very well. RacerStev posted these mods to the valve body spacer that are supposed to help with a few things.
The Trans-Go Shift kit is also an option for mild builds, but not quite enough for higher power.
If there's anything I missed, please post it. That's all the known issues, fixes, and/or workarounds I could think of right now. I'll be back to ask more questions and get the theories flowing.
Parts Schematic: https://www.wittrans.com/Schematic.a...nsmission=A604
ATSG Repair Manuals: http://oskin.ru/pub/chrysler-dodge/m...ission_Repair/