Are shift kits a complicated install?
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Joined: Aug 2003
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Are shift kits a complicated install?
I have a "79 C-6 AT. Is a shift kit a reasonable task for a do it your selfer that can read manuals and turn wrenches? How complicated is it and do I need any special tools?
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Joined: Mar 2003
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I just installed an SK-6 Transgo shift improvement kit - cost was $17 at bulkparts.com.
It's a good valvebody reprogramming kit and very straightforward to install with good directions. I already had the tranny out of the truck for new seals and gaskets so it was nice to rotate it upside down on an engine stand, but you can still unbolt the valve body even with the tranny installed.
One note - have a nice clean open area to work in and note that there are 3 checkballs inside the valve body as you take it apart. The kit shows you where they go, but be careful they don't fall out as you open the valve body and disappear forever in the black hole under the workbench
No special tools needed, but I'd recommend an in/lb torque wrench for re-tightening the valve body bolts.
Along with the kit, you will also need to get a pan gasket, valve body gasket, and I would also suggest getting a new screen and screen gasket - all of this was not expensive at all.
I think that there is also a more expensive version of the SK-6 kit available that may have more stuff - separator plates, etc, but I've had good luck with this particular kit. It provides nice firm smooth shifting at a very reasonable cost.
Be careful when you bolt the valve body back into the tranny - it has to mesh properly with the shift and park arms. Not difficult, just have to remember. Look at how it's set up before removal and you'll see what I mean.
It's a good valvebody reprogramming kit and very straightforward to install with good directions. I already had the tranny out of the truck for new seals and gaskets so it was nice to rotate it upside down on an engine stand, but you can still unbolt the valve body even with the tranny installed.
One note - have a nice clean open area to work in and note that there are 3 checkballs inside the valve body as you take it apart. The kit shows you where they go, but be careful they don't fall out as you open the valve body and disappear forever in the black hole under the workbench
No special tools needed, but I'd recommend an in/lb torque wrench for re-tightening the valve body bolts.
Along with the kit, you will also need to get a pan gasket, valve body gasket, and I would also suggest getting a new screen and screen gasket - all of this was not expensive at all.
I think that there is also a more expensive version of the SK-6 kit available that may have more stuff - separator plates, etc, but I've had good luck with this particular kit. It provides nice firm smooth shifting at a very reasonable cost.
Be careful when you bolt the valve body back into the tranny - it has to mesh properly with the shift and park arms. Not difficult, just have to remember. Look at how it's set up before removal and you'll see what I mean.
