Transmission upgrades
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New User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5
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From: Piscataway
Transmission upgrades
Hello everyone,
I have a 2000 4X4 Excursion V10, 4.30 gears, nearing the end of its Ford warranty, and it's time to start playing with it. Before beginning engine mods, I am looking to upgrade the trans. I have not seen many shift kits for the 4R100, and was wondering if anyone has had good or bad experiences with any already. If anyone has installed a shift kit, what performance level did you choose, and would you recommend more or less aggresive? I would guess from past experience on other vehicles, with the weight of the Ex, the firmest shift without moving the shift points would be acceptable.
I have doubts whether the Banks electronic "Transcommand" can firm up the shifts as much as I'd like, although that would be a much simpler install (with a hefty pricetag). Anyone have an opinion?
Thanks for your suggestions,
Kevin
I have a 2000 4X4 Excursion V10, 4.30 gears, nearing the end of its Ford warranty, and it's time to start playing with it. Before beginning engine mods, I am looking to upgrade the trans. I have not seen many shift kits for the 4R100, and was wondering if anyone has had good or bad experiences with any already. If anyone has installed a shift kit, what performance level did you choose, and would you recommend more or less aggresive? I would guess from past experience on other vehicles, with the weight of the Ex, the firmest shift without moving the shift points would be acceptable.
I have doubts whether the Banks electronic "Transcommand" can firm up the shifts as much as I'd like, although that would be a much simpler install (with a hefty pricetag). Anyone have an opinion?
Thanks for your suggestions,
Kevin
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 120
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Transmission upgrades
I have read that there is a 3 valve V10 coming and a 5R100 trans (5spd.) in the works also. I don't know what the performance numbers are for the 3 valve V10 although it should be better then the 2000 2 valve V10 in my Excursion.
I'm more interested in the new 5-spd trans because the additional gear is supposed to be an extra low 1st or granny gear. If the 5R100 is the same dimensions as the 4R100 then it should just bolt right it with minor changes and a new PCM calibration. Then I could swap out my 4.30 gears for the stock lower ratio and add some larger tires. But, I bet the new 5R100 will not be a direct swap nor will it be affordable purchase from a Ford Dealer.
I'm more interested in the new 5-spd trans because the additional gear is supposed to be an extra low 1st or granny gear. If the 5R100 is the same dimensions as the 4R100 then it should just bolt right it with minor changes and a new PCM calibration. Then I could swap out my 4.30 gears for the stock lower ratio and add some larger tires. But, I bet the new 5R100 will not be a direct swap nor will it be affordable purchase from a Ford Dealer.
Sit. Stay.
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 18,308
Likes: 20
From: Washington State
Transmission upgrades
The online store [link: motorhaven.autoanything.com|here] has a Diablo Sport transmission valve that will firm up shifts by increasing line pressure. It's cheap.
You can also get a chip for the store and have it customized specifically for transmission shift improvement and not have it affect engine performance.
Both are cheap "shift kits".
You can also get a chip for the store and have it customized specifically for transmission shift improvement and not have it affect engine performance.
Both are cheap "shift kits".
New User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 6
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From: Linden USA
Transmission upgrades
Have a trans command on my V10 F350 cc. Tow a 8000 lb. 5er frequently. Big improvement over the stock tranny. Shifts firm up the higher the load or under hevy throttle. Easy install, litle over an hour in the driveway. Headers will be the next mod.
99 F350 V10 CC LB
99 F350 V10 CC LB
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Piscataway
Transmission upgrades
Thanks for the thumbs up about the TransCommand. That's the unit I would have liked trying, but the price was a little too steep. Last weekend I dropped the pan and put in a Transgo Shift Reprogramming kit. Probably not as good as the TransCommand, but a whole lot cheaper, and well worth the improvement. I wanted to do something since it was due for a fluid change. Now it at least has respectable shifts.
Next, on to the engine mods.....
Kevin
Next, on to the engine mods.....
Kevin
