Shift kit/valve body?

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Oct 2, 2015 | 07:09 AM

hav24wheel

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From: North Dakota

Shift kit/valve body?

I want to make the trans last a lot longer, it's got less than 10,000 miles on it right now, and I want it to last a lot longer. I'd like a firmer/quicker shift, along with a quicker converter lockup. Any of you guys run a shift kit these days, or just buy valve bodys? I've put this kit in a E4OD before behind a 302, and had good results, I'm just wondering what's the preferred method with these 7.3s.

Oct 2, 2015 | 08:17 AM

mueckster

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From: Damon (South East Texas)

Installing a modded Accumulator Valve Body, or modding it yourself, is popular amongst the 7.3 crowd, also. What kit did you use? There are some variances between the different types of E4OD and 4R100 Main Valve & Lower Valve bodies, but are still basically the same in function. The Accumulator VB's are the same. A lot of members opt for the Accumulator VB swap and do not delve into the Main VB & Pump mods. The pump mods are the ones that will help with TC lock up. Tuning can also be a big help in this area, also. Most kits include these mods, as well as upgrades to snap rings that have been known to be problem areas. I have done the DIY approach and do all the mods, plus a few more, when I do a rebuild.

Oct 2, 2015 | 09:33 AM

hav24wheel

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From: North Dakota

Well the kit i used in the E4OD was the Transgo kit. Only I didn't do the pump mods as I didn't feel like pulling the trans. It wasn't hard by any means. I've done kits in C6, AOD, and E4OD so far. For this trans, I was looking int the "tugger" kit from Transgo. And figure give time to pull the trans to make the most of it.

Oct 9, 2015 | 11:19 AM

hotrodfeguy

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From: Green Bay Wi

I just picked up the tugger kit as well. It shows some drilling in the plate in the kit I was wondering what size folks have went with.

Oct 9, 2015 | 08:59 PM

hav24wheel

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From: North Dakota

I can't say for sure on the 7.3, but on my old 302/E4OD, I drilled it to the max size it showed. Worked good.

Oct 9, 2015 | 09:19 PM

F350-6

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From: Texas

I've done several of the Transgo tugger kits and have been pleased with the results. On my son in laws excursion, we did the Sonnax tricumulator kit because it was much cheaper and the history of him taking care of things is another story.

I will say I was surprised with the Sonnax kit. Seat of the Pants meter felt the same as installing the tugger kit with a whole lot less work and cost. Been a couple of years and the Sonnax and Tugger kits are all holding up fine.

4R100 Sonnax Valve Tricumulator Kit

Oct 9, 2015 | 09:24 PM

mueckster

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From: Damon (South East Texas)

I would start with the sizes recommended for "diesels" in the instruction sheets. I actually started a little smaller since I had rebuilt my trans (increased clutch counts/tighter tolerances) and used a "tighter" torque converter. When tuning, Jody dialed back the shift pressures to near stock and let me make my own adjustments in the Accumulator VB.