Best Bang For Your Buck Torque Converter For 4R100?

[MrClean]

My torque converter will no longer lock up, and the trans shop says the problem is with the torque converter itself. So I need a new one. I replaced the solenoid body because it was ohming slightly out of speck, which was a waste of money. When I changed it, I did notice my trans fluid had turned from red to black as dirty oil, while not smelling burnt, in the course of a few driving trips with it not locking up. There was a whole bunch of gunk on the magnet without any chunks. To me this all indicates clutch material. So, I tend to agree with the shop about the torque converter needing to be replaced, as the lock up clutch itself must be fried.


So the question is, what is the best bang for your buck torque converter on the market as of December 2012? I know people used to put a modified 6.0L converter on the 4R100. I also know Ford has there own heavy duty triple disc unit they sell, which Tousley has listed for only $350.

I'm highly interested in something with a lower stall speed. I hate mashing the pedal and having the RPMs just hang at 3000 while I accelerate through 1st and 2nd. I don't know why Ford would waste the amazing power curve of a diesel with such a sloppy converter from the factory.

Any prices, links, or input would be highly appreciated.

BTW, this trans shop quoted me $1400 to put in a new converter!!! I should be able to do it for under $500, which includes the $100 in ATF. Any trans shop should be able to do this job in two hours while getting a better price on parts than I could. How any shop could justify charging almost $500/hour for labor is beyond me.

[Bart_3500]

John Wood of Wood's automotive is a great trans/psd business. John builds a great trans, valve body and/or torque converter. I got my '02 with 56K on the clock and went to John for another question (problem). I learned earlier of his trans work through this site and talked with him about my trans. He wouldn't sell me one of his transmissions until mine went out. He did sell/install one of his valve bodies. My truck has over 123K now and still going strong. Good guy to talk with over the phone, he's located way down in So Cal. and his phone # is
760 356 9421. Good luck