Hi all. New to the forums. I have a 93 Ford F250 that I have fixed up to be almost a decent truck. Thanks to the excellent search function and members who have created photo filled threads I have been able to accomplish all repairs without a need to post, including fixing an E4OD no 2-3 upshift condition with a valve body/separator plate removal, cleaning, and replacement.

Unfortunately my 628 code has not gone away and I have diagnosed that I need a new torque converter. Also replacing the pump with a rebuilt 95-97 unit.

Since the tranny has to come out, I contemplated installing a transgo e4od-hd2 (no tugger) shift kit, however, after looking into it, realize its probably a half a day job minimum to install everything, plus the chance of screwing something up. I have already taken apart the valve bodies and separator plate and it is not a walk in the park trying to keep everything in its place.

This truck has 180k miles, will only be driven 2000 miles or less a year, won't tow that often and will mainly just be used for firewood/home improvement runs every once in a while.

I am leaning towards not installing the kit, especially since I won't be driving the truck that often and I'm not sure its worth the effort or risk of tearing apart the valve bodies, pump, and removing the separator plate again.

Looking to see how many agree with this route? Is the kit a necessity or just a nice upgrade, since both the pump and torque converter will be new?

 

My '88 F350 with a C6 has a Transgo shift kit in it. It was installed by the previous owner. He always uses Transgo's because he has had great luck with them and he helped Transgo develop a few kits using his vehicles as test beds.

I really like the slightly firm shift that this C6 has… not harsh but positive. This truck was used to haul a two horse trailer and was never rebuilt AFAIK.

Good luck...

 

Only you can decide if it's worth your time and effort. Me personally, if I had to pull the trans for a converter change then I'd have that shift kit on order already. But I love a good firm gear change and hate stock E4OD shifts.

As for screwing something up, I quit worrying about that. The way I see it now, if something goes wrong after working on something then it just means I get to tear it apart and learn what happened, why, and how to prevent it from happening again next time. I certainly try to prevent screwing up in the first place though.

 

Thanks for the responses. I went ahead and ordered the shift kit. I came from the perspective of having the transmission in the vehicle. After reading the manual again, I realized that once the transmission is upside down it will be a lot easier.

 

That was my first thought as I read your original post that you will have tranny out and can flip it over and it will seem like a walk in the park this time.


I'm with Krooser, I like a firm shift. Not a slam that makes the dash bounce but a firm shift. I hate an automatic that almost seems like it goes into neutral before hitting the next gear. I always use B&M's RV shift kits and have had good luck with them.

 

I have a B&M kit in my '95 F150's E4OD. Gave the truck firm shifts, not harsh at all

 

Absolutely do the shift kit while you have it down and apart. Don't even question it.

If you don't want firm shifts, just drill the holes on the smaller side.

 

I guess while we are on that subject. Any suggestions on drill sizes for a bone stock 460? I was planning on just using the Transgo calibration plate recommendations of 2nd [.094], 3rd [.073-.082], 4th [.094].

 

Bit .094 =3/32 bit .073 = #49 bit .082 = #45 I googled the decimal to bit size

 

take it easy on the 1-2 shift hole, keep it on the smaller size of the spectrum, you're going to feel that one the most. on the 2-3 and the 3-4 you can go more into the middle of the range, the effects will be much less noticeable.

you can always go back in and open the 1-2 up a little if it's too soft, but closing it back up takes more effort for sure, lol..

fwiw, my 1-2 is a little hard for my liking. i'll see if I can dig up what size bit i used..

 

A "Punisher" Valvebody FTW.......

Good reading here: Punisher Valve Body Install - FSB Forums

It may be worth an email to see if Paul is still making custom Valvebodies.