2002 7.3 AT Weak Link

[Engineer]

I just bought a 02, 90k mi. with an automatic, if I start pushing modifications to improve performance, what is the first thing I am going to break? I assume it will be the transmission but would like to know what to watch out for. I will never be towing anything that will really load it hard. But I do expect to make it get up go.

[overl0rd]

If I had to venture a guess itd be tranny or torque converter. I'd get a temp gauge for it, a big cooler, and keep up with service. Also, make sure you run a pyrometer, so as not to fry the turbo.

[Engineer]

My thoughts as well, recommendation on exhaust, this was where I was going to start, then EGT, then chip it.

[bigred99]

I Would Say Start At The Tranny And Egt's Also. If You Want To GO All Out There Are Steps To Take To Get A Better And Safer End Resort. First Start With Gauges And A Trans Cooler Then Chip, Intake And Exhaust Then Put A Valve Body In Your Tranny Or If You Got Money To Spend Buy A Fully Built Tranny. Then Go Turbo, Injectors, Methenol System Then The Only Thing Is Left Is Build Your MotOr And Thats A Whole Other Project.

[sea71]

I also have an 02 and was leary about the tranny. The TC is the culprit 99% of the time, so the pros say. I just finished a complete rebuild with new triple disc TC, Transgo tugger hd shift kit, and Alto Eagle clutches. I hope Im out of worry zone!

[bigred99]

WHATS UP SEA! CAN I CALL YOU THAT? WELL ANYWAY YOU SHOULD BE FINE INTILL YOU START PRODUCING LOTS OF TOURQE THEN YOU MIGHT WANT TO DO HARDEND INSIDES...... SEE I HAVE A FULLY BUILT BTS (BRIAN TOMPSON SHOP) TRANNY. EVERYTHING IN SIDE IS HARDEND AND IT HAS MORE CLUTCHES THEN NORMAL BUILT TRANNYS ALSO TIGHTER. I LOVE MY TRANNY IT IS THE BEST UP GRADE TO MY TRUCK YET..... BUT ANYWAY I WAS READING YOUR UP GRADES AND YOU SAY YOU HAVE A SHIMMING PLATE ON YOUR FULE PUMP? WHAT IS IT AND HOW DO I DO IT? I ALSO SAW YOU HAVE A HIGH PRESURE OIL BYPASS? WHAT DOES THAT DO? WHAT IS IT AND HOW DO I DO IT ?