TRANNY REBUILD
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 718
Likes: 2
From: Chattanooga, TN
TRANNY REBUILD
Hey guys,
For those of you that have had your tranny rebuilt, were you able to feel a big difference in the shifting as compared to the OEM unit? What about you guys that got the BTS tranny? Does those BTS trannies have a more solid shift pattern?
I had a triple clutch (machined billet housing) with the Transgo Shift kit, the pump drilled out, etc. and the Shaeffers' all syn. fluid in a rebuilt tranny by my local shop.
I had 376K on the OEM unit and did not want to push the possibility of it going out while away from home while traveling.
Driving it home today did not impress me - it pretty much went through the gears without any strong 'jerks'. I was expecting a more positive feel as it went through the gears.
Maybe my expectations were too high.
By the way, I did get a 'life time' warranty with the way it was rebuilt.
Thanks
For those of you that have had your tranny rebuilt, were you able to feel a big difference in the shifting as compared to the OEM unit? What about you guys that got the BTS tranny? Does those BTS trannies have a more solid shift pattern?
I had a triple clutch (machined billet housing) with the Transgo Shift kit, the pump drilled out, etc. and the Shaeffers' all syn. fluid in a rebuilt tranny by my local shop.
I had 376K on the OEM unit and did not want to push the possibility of it going out while away from home while traveling.
Driving it home today did not impress me - it pretty much went through the gears without any strong 'jerks'. I was expecting a more positive feel as it went through the gears.
Maybe my expectations were too high.
By the way, I did get a 'life time' warranty with the way it was rebuilt.
Thanks
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,708
Likes: 5
From: Kiowa CO
When I had my tranny replaced with a BTS unit, the original was just fine. No issues whatsoever. BUT, after driving my truck with the BTS tranny, it was as if it was a different vehicle. And I didn't have my DP yet but it shifted so much better. It's hard to describe but even my wife commented on it the first time she drove it.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,104
Likes: 5
From: West Tx
From what I understand the torque converter is a big change as it feels much less sloppy and 'loose' than the factory converter. The number of internal modifications that John Wood and BTS make far outnumber a large majority of "rebuilders" out there. The shifts feel more positive, much of the shift feel can be changed using alterations to the valve body. I always felt the factory torque converter stalled too high and never transfered power efficiently until it was locked. I don't think highly of 'lifetime' replacements... but since you already have a new unit, least I would do is add the valve body from JW or BTS as it will give more positive shifts BUT remember it ain't no BTS or John Woods.
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 6,096
Likes: 26
From: Mesa AZ
Yep. I had my trans rebuilt about 120k miles ago. Went with a better TC and the Tugger Kit. The shifts are quite a bit firmer and the truck pulls way better. The upgraded transmission is the best money spent on my truck to date.
My wife's truck has a rebuilt OEM unit (standard, not the HD) and it shifts like a car. Night and Day difference comparison IMO.
My wife's truck has a rebuilt OEM unit (standard, not the HD) and it shifts like a car. Night and Day difference comparison IMO.
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 718
Likes: 2
From: Chattanooga, TN
Thanks guys.
I don't think they used the latest 'reprogrammable Kit' by TransGo, but did use the 'Shift Kit'. Even with just the shift kit, I would expect a firmer shift. I still have the slight hesitation when going into reverse and the forward gears sort of 'slide' into the next gear.
I plan to go by the shop next week and discuss this with them. They are a honest and reputable shop, so I hope to come to a reasonable solution.
With the upgrades, if all was working correctly, there was a difference of about $1000 if you allow for the fuel over/back and one nights lodging, compared to the BTS tranny.
Bottom line - BTS is truly a 'professional' when it comes to trannies for our trucks.
This may be a hard lesson learned. I did not think I was 'skimping' as I do not cut corners, but there are some things like these trannies, that unless you know exactly what Brian does from one end to the other, you may not get the same results.
Thanks again,
I don't think they used the latest 'reprogrammable Kit' by TransGo, but did use the 'Shift Kit'. Even with just the shift kit, I would expect a firmer shift. I still have the slight hesitation when going into reverse and the forward gears sort of 'slide' into the next gear.
I plan to go by the shop next week and discuss this with them. They are a honest and reputable shop, so I hope to come to a reasonable solution.
With the upgrades, if all was working correctly, there was a difference of about $1000 if you allow for the fuel over/back and one nights lodging, compared to the BTS tranny.
Bottom line - BTS is truly a 'professional' when it comes to trannies for our trucks.
This may be a hard lesson learned. I did not think I was 'skimping' as I do not cut corners, but there are some things like these trannies, that unless you know exactly what Brian does from one end to the other, you may not get the same results.
Thanks again,
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,298
Likes: 25
From: Damon (South East Texas)
My trans shifts are quick and precise. They are firm, but not too aggressive at part throttle, but "snap" when the skinny pedal feels the pressure. The shift characteristics change due to the tuning. To me, I have the best of both worlds. My live tuning made a world of difference. We actually had lower pressures at certain shift points to make it more driver friendly. Thanks, Jody!
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 718
Likes: 2
From: Chattanooga, TN
Hey guys, the latest.
I called my local trans shop and asked 'with that type of rebuild, should I expect a crisp shift'? He said when he took it for a test drive, he did think it was 'soft' that the mechanic had installed their standard TransGo kit and had set it up to shift more like a car.
I asked about the TransGo 'Reprogramming Kit' (new Tugger) and he said he would order it today and when I could to drop the truck off and he would add that kit.
All this at no additional charge to me. He said "I just want you to be happy with the rebuild". I have to respect that.
Thanks again guys,
I called my local trans shop and asked 'with that type of rebuild, should I expect a crisp shift'? He said when he took it for a test drive, he did think it was 'soft' that the mechanic had installed their standard TransGo kit and had set it up to shift more like a car.
I asked about the TransGo 'Reprogramming Kit' (new Tugger) and he said he would order it today and when I could to drop the truck off and he would add that kit.
All this at no additional charge to me. He said "I just want you to be happy with the rebuild". I have to respect that.
Thanks again guys,
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
