Transmission upgrades
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 656
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From: South of you
Transmission upgrades
I was just kicking around the idea of looking at tranny upgrades. I use the SCMT in the 60 hp mode. I rarely tow over 10,000 pounds and when I do I reset to factory program. My question is this......What is the best mod? I have heard of the tricumulator springs and sonax valve, but have to plead ignorance on this......can somebody explain how they work and the benefits? And can these upgrades be used in conjunction with the SCMT? I know the tuner firms up shifts, but I don't want to mix gas and water and wind up with a mess. I must admit that I am still a little paranoid about the 4R100 and its life span. But if a few simple upgrades will ensure its longevity, I have no problem going ahead and doing them.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 4,788
Likes: 20
From: Mansfield, TX USA
Transmission upgrades
The valve increases line pressure, which firms up the shifts. The springs make the shifts go quicker. Most people report firmer, but not harsh, shifts. The valves and spring will work with the SCMT. The SCMT also increases line pressure to firm up the shifts.
Mark K., the tranny eng'g for Ford, said that Ford intentionally made the 4R100 shift softly because consumer research says that's what people want. Most people think that a firm shifting tranny is broken.
Many people state that a firmer shifting tranny will last longer. I do not know of anyone who has documented this. I think that many people BELIEVE that the tranny will last longer.
Do the valve and springs for shift feel. If you get some longevity out of it, that will just be a bonus.
Banks, Trans-Go and Diablo also make valve/springs. Many people like this too. I think that most will agree that the Sonnax and Tricumulator give the best compromise between firm and harsh shifting.
If you want to increase longevity, buy a good temp gauge and don't let the temp get too far over 200*, never over 220*. Use a synthetic fluid and install a Magnefine in-line filter. Also, change your fluid per manufacturer's specs, even with synthetic.
Mark K., the tranny eng'g for Ford, said that Ford intentionally made the 4R100 shift softly because consumer research says that's what people want. Most people think that a firm shifting tranny is broken.
Many people state that a firmer shifting tranny will last longer. I do not know of anyone who has documented this. I think that many people BELIEVE that the tranny will last longer.
Do the valve and springs for shift feel. If you get some longevity out of it, that will just be a bonus.
Banks, Trans-Go and Diablo also make valve/springs. Many people like this too. I think that most will agree that the Sonnax and Tricumulator give the best compromise between firm and harsh shifting.
If you want to increase longevity, buy a good temp gauge and don't let the temp get too far over 200*, never over 220*. Use a synthetic fluid and install a Magnefine in-line filter. Also, change your fluid per manufacturer's specs, even with synthetic.
Last edited by jschira; May 3, 2003 at 04:57 PM.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,253
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From: Del Rio, Texas USA
Transmission upgrades
guys i know nothing technical of transmissions so my my answers are of opinon... I would Assume that any aftermarket part that makes your transmission shift harder/firmer is not going to Increase transmission life and reduce wear?? i would think it would add more stress to all the components and they would be operating in differnt levels than they were desinged for... So i would not go for increased longevity with these mods... thats my opinion......... now i still want firmer shifts myself and have been looking into these systems, but i am not going to expect a longer transmission life from the mods,........... Guys check out the "Shift improvement vavle" on Steeda.com, go to the truck link and then driveterrain, then the vavle, its listed for only F150's but if you call them they make it for the F250/350 for $99, ive read of two guys on this forum that went with that vavle and had great reviews... So ive been thinking either that or the standard tricumulator springs and sonax valve, im still undecided, but i will go with one or the other one of these days.
Jetjock16
Jetjock16
