DTE automatic transmission strut????????
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Joined: Aug 2001
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From: West Palm Beach FL
DTE automatic transmission strut????????
For people who have installed the DTE transmission strut. Did anyone have any clearance issues. The top rods on mine are hitting the fuel tank crossover line (3" line). The rods are pressing against the the stock pipes that run above the transmission. In one area there is a bolt that holds a bracket(which holds the stock lines to the "roof" of the tunnel. This bolt keeps is hitting the side of one of the DTE rods. This is keeping the trans from having any "rocking" under throttle. .....all of these problems can be missed if you are not actually looking for it.....I just ha
I am concerned about long term wear issues with these items actually making contact left to right movement....there should be clearance to allow for transmission rocking under heavy throttle.
I will call DTE tomorrow.....want opinions on the forum who have installed this strut.
I am concerned about long term wear issues with these items actually making contact left to right movement....there should be clearance to allow for transmission rocking under heavy throttle.
I will call DTE tomorrow.....want opinions on the forum who have installed this strut.
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Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,899
Likes: 6
From: Fort Wayne Indiana
We are certainly aware of what you are speaking of and there is a purpose for it, so in a nutshell...no worries! 
The upper strut rods will slightly touch the crossover tube at the top of the tunnel due to the small amount of clearance in that area from the larger physical size of the A4 transmission. However, if you inspect it VERY closely again, you will soon notice that the crossover tube is very flexable and has ample room above it to allow for the slight movement of it to fit comfortably with our product's use. The crossover tube sheath in earlier cars is manufactured of rubber and the later versions of a steel flex (convoluted) type tube. NO fuel passes through the tubes themselves, they just act as sheaths for the other plastic lines within it that fit very loosely and comfortably.
We've fully tested these products 6 months ago for proper fit/finish and if it were a concern, hazard or "problem" in any fashion, you can certainly bet that it would NOT be on the market and we would NOT have released it in the first place.
We've been installing these on our own customers cars for the last month and a half without any negative issue to date and there have been multiple sets sold all over the U.S. without any complaints from anyone regarding installation issues. Certainly not trying to downplay the concerns you may have, but merely trying to put your mind at ease that everything is O.K. with the unit. If you still want to chat with me at the office, I'll be there all day and can help you anytime to answer your questions.
Best Regards,
Phil- DTE
The upper strut rods will slightly touch the crossover tube at the top of the tunnel due to the small amount of clearance in that area from the larger physical size of the A4 transmission. However, if you inspect it VERY closely again, you will soon notice that the crossover tube is very flexable and has ample room above it to allow for the slight movement of it to fit comfortably with our product's use. The crossover tube sheath in earlier cars is manufactured of rubber and the later versions of a steel flex (convoluted) type tube. NO fuel passes through the tubes themselves, they just act as sheaths for the other plastic lines within it that fit very loosely and comfortably.
We've fully tested these products 6 months ago for proper fit/finish and if it were a concern, hazard or "problem" in any fashion, you can certainly bet that it would NOT be on the market and we would NOT have released it in the first place.
We've been installing these on our own customers cars for the last month and a half without any negative issue to date and there have been multiple sets sold all over the U.S. without any complaints from anyone regarding installation issues. Certainly not trying to downplay the concerns you may have, but merely trying to put your mind at ease that everything is O.K. with the unit. If you still want to chat with me at the office, I'll be there all day and can help you anytime to answer your questions.
Best Regards,
Phil- DTE
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Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,899
Likes: 6
From: Fort Wayne Indiana
Tom,
We viewed the photos you sent and that is the same we're seeing here, which is fine. It's close, but it will not cause any issues later.
If it will make you feel more comfortable, we'll make a slight adjustment to the upper bracket to address your concerns of its close fitment and send you a revised bracket to suit your specific needs.
Best Regards,
Phil- DTE
We viewed the photos you sent and that is the same we're seeing here, which is fine. It's close, but it will not cause any issues later.
If it will make you feel more comfortable, we'll make a slight adjustment to the upper bracket to address your concerns of its close fitment and send you a revised bracket to suit your specific needs.
Best Regards,
Phil- DTE