Transmission In Heavy Duty Truck Performance - Dave's Auto Center

Big rigs (heavy-duty trucks) are the real monsters of the highway. They stand for strength, resiliency, and invincibility. The reliability of these mechanical beasts is essential to the smooth running of businesses. Their transmission is an integral part of their operation. The gearbox is an often-overlooked yet crucial component of heavy-duty vehicle performance.

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This article will review the importance of transmission in these large vehicles. We’ll go down to the nuts and bolts of how it works so you can better understand how it affects things like fuel efficiency, power, and overall performance. So, buckle up and join us on this journey into the world of heavy-duty truck transmissions.

THE ROLE OF TRANSMISSION IN HEAVY-DUTY TRUCK PERFORMANCE

Heavy-duty trucks frequently conjure up images of amazing size and strength when we think about them. However, many individuals are unaware that transmission plays a crucial role in this performance. The transmission is a conduit between the engine and the wheels. It acts as the orchestra’s conductor, making sure that every instrument is playing in unison.

This is accomplished by the transmission using a number of gears. Depending on the load the truck is towing and the road conditions, these gears enable the engine to run at various speeds and powers. The final drive ratio, or the ratio of the number of teeth on the ring gear to the number of teeth on the pinion gear, is another factor determined by the transmission. The final drive ratio impacts the truck’s entire power and torque production.

The transmission must be able to withstand the extra weight and stress that come with towing heavy loads in addition to controlling the engine’s output. The transmission is very stressed when a truck is fully loaded. It must therefore be sturdy enough to support the added weight while still offering the required power to move the load.

Furthermore, the transmission must shift gears smoothly and swiftly to give the driver the power they require. A truck’s performance and general driving experience may be affected by jerky or delayed gear changes brought on by a dysfunctional transmission.

Transmission plays a crucial role in the operation of heavy-duty trucks. It controls the engine’s power, manages high loads, and makes sure gear changes are seamless and effective. Thus, keep in mind how vital transmission is to a heavy-duty truck’s performance the next time you see one on the road.

THE CRUCIAL ROLE OF TRANSMISSION IN OPTIMIZING FUEL EFFICIENCY FOR HEAVY-DUTY TRUCKS

Trucking businesses place a premium on a heavy-duty truck’s fuel economy. Cutting back on fuel use has several benefits, including saving money and lowering the transportation industry’s carbon footprint. The gearbox is a crucial component in controlling fuel consumption in these cars.

The gearbox employs a set of gears to modulate the engine’s torque, which in turn modifies fuel economy. The gearbox may change into a higher gear, and the engine’s revolutions per minute (RPM) can be lowered while the vehicle is moving flat out or downhill. As a result, fuel costs are reduced, and efficiency is improved. Similarly, an upward grade presents an opportunity for the truck’s gearbox to downshift so that the engine may rev higher, delivering more power to the wheels while conserving gas.

In addition to coordinating with the Engine Control Unit (ECU), the gearbox helps the vehicle achieve peak fuel economy. The ECU monitors readings from a wide variety of engine and transmission sensors in order to fine-tune the vehicle’s propulsion. The engine control unit (ECU) can order the transmission to shift up when it detects that the engine is operating at a greater RPM than necessary.

Parasitic losses can be mitigated in part by the transmission and in part by gear selection. Parasitic losses are the energy lost in the engine due to friction between moving parts. Because of its role in transmitting power from the engine to the wheels, the gearbox experiences a great deal of wear and tear due to friction. Proper transmission maintenance may cut down on these friction losses, leading to better fuel economy.

The gearbox plays a crucial part in heavy-duty trucks’ overall fuel economy. When transmissions are working correctly, they help transportation firms save money by decreasing fuel use and increasing fuel economy. Thus, many trucking businesses spend money on routine transmission repair to guarantee their vehicles’ optimal performance and fuel economy.

To sum up, heavy-duty vehicles rely heavily on their transmissions to control their fuel economy. It aids the engine and the ECU in minimizing parasitic losses and maximizing fuel efficiency. The trucking sector may save money and minimize carbon impact by maintaining its transmissions to maximum fuel economy.

EXPERIENCE TOP-NOTCH TRANSMISSION REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE FOR HEAVY-DUTY TRUCKS WITH DAVE’S AUTO CENTER

Overall, a truck’s performance might greatly benefit from a well-operating gearbox. The transmission’s job is to get the engine to do as little work as possible while yet getting the power to the wheels when hauling big loads. Slipping gears is one symptom of a malfunctioning transmission, which can cause the vehicle to lose power and slow down, leading to later delivery times and less output.

Furthermore, road safety issues might arise from a defective gearbox. For instance, if the truck’s gearbox fails while in motion, the driver might be unable to put the vehicle in the safest gear. In addition, the driver’s ability to manage the vehicle and navigate safely on the road might be negatively affected by jerky or delayed gear changes brought on by a malfunctioning transmission.

Nonetheless, a transmission that is in good working order may provide for a more secure and pleasant ride for the truck’s operator. It can provide seamless gear changes, which are good for the engine, the truck’s acceleration, and driver control. Transmissions that are in good working order also reduce engine noise and vibration, making the ride more pleasant for the driver and any passengers.

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In conclusion, heavy-duty vehicles’ performance depends heavily on their transmissions. When a truck’s gearbox is working properly, it improves the vehicle’s fuel economy, power, performance, and safety. In order to maintain the vehicle and its driver safe and productive, it is crucial to do routine maintenance and inspections on the transmission.

Dave’s Auto Center is well-known in the area for its expertise in fixing and maintaining heavy-duty vehicle transmissions in Utah. Our professionals have the knowledge and experience to swiftly and accurately identify transmission problems and implement lasting solutions. Keeping up with scheduled transmission maintenance and repairs is one of the best ways to guarantee that your heavy-duty vehicle is running as efficiently and reliably as possible.

Dave’s Auto Center is where you can take your heavy-duty truck for everything from regular maintenance to a complete transmission overhaul. Don’t wait to get in touch with Dave’s Auto Center if you’re having trouble with your transmission or if you’re in need of periodic repair.

Table of Contents:

- Introduction 
- Benefit #1 - Lower AOT (Average Operating Temperatures)
- Benefit #2 - Improved Transmission Longevity & Durability
- Benefit #3 - Restoration of Lost Power
- Benefit #4 - Faster Acceleration
- Benefit #5 - Improved Shift Quality
- Conclusion

Introduction:

     One of the most overlooked, essential and worthwhile modifications one can perform to their vehicle is the upgrading of an automatic transmission. It is exceedingly rare in the automotive world to find an upgrade that supports both performance AND reliability, making transmissions an exceptionally attractive upgrade for a diverse group of consumers, ranging from diesel trucks to supercars.

     A little known fact is that factory automatic transmissions in all vehicles are designed to be economical agents of emissions control first, and refined drivetrain components last. This means that they are designed to help minimize tailpipe emissions above all. We can see by the advent of 8 and 10 speed transmissions, designed to keep the motor in a narrow range of operating RPM at all times to aid emissions control. Because of this, they are naturally lacking in many areas that are important to the average consumer, such as reliability, longevity and shift quality.

     In this installment of our popular Drivetrain 101 series, we will be analyzing the benefits of an upgraded or "built" transmission relative to a woeful factory transmission. Keep in mind, all built transmissions are different. Many companies are selling meager OEM rebuilds with fancy paint, or light modifications such as a deep pan or torque converter, with little else to offer. "Budget" companies like this generally do not yield the benefits spoken about in this article.



     As such, it should be noted that the benefits in this article are applicable to Next Gen Drivetrain products, and we cannot speak to the manufacturing or design quality of other companies. This is not to say we are the "almighty", but is to say that we cannot account for the way other transmission manufacturers produce their end product. Without further ado, we will now list the top 5 benefits of a Next Gen Drivetrain upgraded transmission.

Benefit #1 - Lower AOT (Average Operating Temperatures)

     AOT is a simple metric for the mean or average temperature that the transmission in your vehicle will operate at across its lifetime. Minimizing AOT is highly relative to longevity and driving dynamics alike. Transmissions that operate at higher temperatures on average will lose friction material faster than transmissions who average at more comfortable temperatures.

     The cause of high AOT is a combination of unnecessarily high amounts of torque converter "slip" whilst in an unlocked status (except for "Dual Clutch" style transmissions such as the Lamborghini Huracan). This is the product of high stall speeds, used to produce a nominal effect on tailpipe emissions at idle. Modifications to the stator of the torque converter can change this dynamic. Further, the factory oil pan of nearly all transmissions is a stamped piece of metal that can be made for cents to dollars each. It does not support cooler operating temperatures.



     Nearly all Next Gen Drivetrain transmissions feature both an ultra-deep oil pan AND a modified torque converter stator, both designed to support cooler operating temperatures across all applications. By implementing these basic modifications, we manage oil temperature in an intensely effective fashion that dramatically extends the lifespan of the transmission, especially in heavy duty applications.

Benefit #2 - Improved Transmission Longevity & Durability

     As stemming from Benefit #1, the regulation of oil temperature supports enhanced transmission longevity greatly. However, an additional benefit of a built transmission is the increase in torque capacity; effecting durability. Next Gen Drivetrain transmissions feature an amalgam of upgrades that allow the transmission to live longer, and withstand more abuse.

     To aid longevity, we use a variety of upgraded friction materials such as High Energy, GPZ or G3 to support a longer lifespan between internal maintenance. Strategically, we choose friction materials based on the intent of the consumer. For example, our Project Carbon™ products are designed for maximum performance, in a reliable package. Because of this, we favor GPZ or G3 materials in said units as it optimizes for both abuse and longevity.



     For products such as our Xtreme Tow™ series, we use materials such as High Energy as they optimize for smooth engagement and longevity specifically. This strategy allows us to offer uniquely longlasting and durable transmissions for any application. In fact, we physically add more clutches to many products across our lineup to further multiply the torque capacity of said transmissions. The end result is exceedingly reliable transmissions that are designed to go in the vehicle, and stay in the vehicle. Our 2 year, unlimited mile warranty is designed to only be the beginning.

Benefit #3 - Restoration of Lost Power

     In automatic transmissions, especially those with a torque converter, a built transmission is a prime opportunity to "unlock" power that is originally lost in deeply inferior factory or budget-built transmissions. To expound, many OEM transmissions and similar allow for large amounts of slippage to decrease engine load, in turn decreasing fuel delivery, in turn decreasing tailpipe emissions by negligible figures.

     At Next Gen Drivetrain, our priorities are very different. Our goal is to engineer and manufacture the highest quality and best functioning transmissions achievable. To do this, we want to minimize slippage fervently. By minimizing slippage, we minimize clutch drag, minimizing the release of heat by the inefficient engagement of friction elements inside the transmission, beckoning back to Benefit #1; the decrease of AOT.



     Further, and more importantly, our torque converters are designed to be extremely efficient, allowing far less slippage than OEM converters in almost all cases, especially diesel. By decreasing the allowable speed difference between the motor and the input shaft, we force the vehicle to move closer to the speed of the motor rather than further below it.

     The effect is a lighter feeling, more responsive vehicle, caused by the refinement of how the transmission operates. It is a rational expectation to feel more accessible power with a Next Gen Drivetrain transmission. It should be noted that a transmission does not actually increase power, but rather restores power that is otherwise lost in the factory automatic transmission.

Benefit #4 - Faster Acceleration

     To progress upon the information mentioned in Benefit #3, a subsequent benefit of a Next Gen Drivetrain built transmission is faster acceleration, (sounds nice for a reliability upgrade, doesn’t it?) especially in diesel truck applications. This is achieved through 2 different means.

     Firstly, and as mentioned prior, we decrease the allowable speed difference between the motor and the input shaft of the transmission in most torque converters that we manufacture. This is achieved through the use of a less restrictive stator inside the torque converter. This enables the transmission to operate at speeds closer to that of the motor. If you’ve ever gotten hard on the throttle and felt like the motor was doing it’s job, but the power just wasn’t reaching the ground, this is likely cause to what you felt.

     Additionally, factory transmissions take a long time to shift gears. In fact, we’ve recorded vehicles whose zero to 60 times have lost multiple seconds due to extraordinarily slow shifts. Some of the worst are Aisin Seiki and RFE Series Chrysler transmissions such as the 68RFE.

     Through our focus of high line pressure, closure of crossleaks and faster synchronizing friction materials, we ensure the fastest yet smoothest shifts achievable. In fact, some vehicles who are extremely burdened can shave as much as 2 complete seconds off of their zero to 60 time; an eternity in the world of performance.



Benefit #5 - Improved Shift Quality

     Lastly, but perhaps most obvious, is the improvement in shift quality. Many transmissions shift dismally from the factory, offering slow and unpredictable shifts. Others start out fine, but it’s quickly degrade as the miles pack on, or under heavy engine load. When building a transmission, one of our largest priorities is the improvement in driving dynamics.

     For some transmissions, this is more obvious than others. Dual Clutch Supercars such as McLaren 720S and Lamborghini Huracán will see only modest enhancements in acceleration; hardly different. Whereas, large diesel trucks, especially Mopar vehicles, will see massive changes.

     Whoever you are, and whatever you drive, it is a standard of Next Gen Drivetrain transmissions to shift far better than OEM. It is natural to expect fast, efficient, crisp but never aggressive or sloppy shifts from our built transmissions. We are seeking to optimize for reliability, drivability and utility in all applications. This is a testament to our promises of reliable performance for all applications.

Conclusion:

Many people rush to perform motor and suspension modifications because they know what more horsepower and better handling feel like. Few people know what tangibly to expect out of a refined built transmission, making it a less common area of focus. In fact, if you ask many people what the purpose of building your transmission is, they would simply say “so that it doesn’t break.” By reading this article, you’ve learned that this is simply an extraordinary understatement.

     Smart consumers who’ve done their homework will know that a transmission is paramount, and reliability comes before performance. But, with a Next Gen Drivetrain built transmission you can achieve both. This installment in our popular Drivetrain 101 series serves to close the knowledge gap, and educate the public on the benefits of a proper and refined built transmission.

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