Ever since I bought my '01 PSD X new, I couldn't help but think something was wrong with the transmission. Whenever its getting ready to shift into 4th gear or Overdrive, the transmission makes alot of noise and sometimes causes a severe vibration. Even when it does shift into OD, I sometimes find myself having to push the throttle down just to get the X to shift (up to OD) or accelerate. It almost feels as if something is holding or pulling it back. For some reason the problem just comes and goes. This wasn't as noticable when it was new, in fact, I don't think it (the noise and vibration) ever happened. I'm clueless as to what could be causing this because I rarely tow anything. Has this happened to anyone else besides me? and What can I do to remedy this? Because I'm almost sure my dealer will tell me that this is normal.

 

FWIW I keep reading about sideloading in the 4R100 trannies. This is caused by wear and the design in the line pressure valve thingy in the accumulator valve body. Sideloading causes harsh shifts. Sonnax and others sell new valves that fixes that.

 

So something is wrong with my transmission. I don't really know how to work on my transmission. BTW what does FWIW and "sideloading" mean?

 

For what it's worth - probably not much
Sideloading - something to do with a worn valve in your valve body doing not what it is supposed to do.

 

Do you have any links for the tranny kits you speak of? Please e-mail them to me via FTE. Thanks!

 

From what I have found, there are various levels of modifications you can do to your tranny. To start out, the most simple one is to run a chip/programmer. These raise the pressure in the trans via the EPC control. Second you can replace a boost valve in your accumulator body. Here is a link to Diablo.. http://www.motorhaven.com/customer/home.php?cat=41 , one for Sonnax.. do a google search on sonnax valve and you can even see installation pics. Some people argue that you need a steel sleeve and valve over a steel valve and aluminum sleeve because the aluminum sleeve wears too much.

The next step is a shift kit. Now these come in various configurations. Transgo Performance is probably the most well known http://www.transgoperformance.com/fordauto.html , here is a link that you will find good info on this site about transgo kits http://www.txchange.com/main.htm . B&M makes shift kits, Superior is becoming more popular. These shift kits usually deal with putting springs into your valve bodies.

The next level of kit is a reprogramming kit. Transgo is the only one I have seen that gets into this area. They made an older kit that I found for around $75 and the new Tugger kit that I found for around $120-150. The Tugger kit # 4Rr100-HD2 is supposed to be the new bad boy on the block. This is an invasive kit that changes valves, springs, drills holes in the accumulator body and metal backing plate. I just installed this one last night in my rig. I purchased an ATSG manual for the 4r100 for $15 just so I would have detailed instructions on how to tear down and reassemble. The kit is made for professionals and assumes you know what you are doing. If you are mechanically inclined it is no problem. I called their tech line a few times to pick their brain.

The next level is to buy a new valve body and accumulator body from someone that is already modified. Here is a link to a lightning site that I found real helpful. http://www.timskelton.com/lightning/...ranny_mods.htm It mentions a man named Gregg Evans down in the shift kit section. Click on his links and you will learn a lot. I think his kits are around $200 and I don't know whether they include the accumulator body. Despite the costs, these are the easiets of all trans mods to install and know that they are right. Others make these kind of kits also.

I'll admit it is a bit daunting and confusing deciding which way to go and what you want to spend.

Hope this helps.

 

Here is a link to the Superior line of transmisison parts http://www.fairbanksperformance.com/

 

Thanks bigslurrp! I really appreciate your help!

 

Bigslurrp, I checked out those links you gave me. I don't a rough of "firm" shift that jerks the X forward everytime it shifts. It's already doing that as it is. I may do one of those shift kits and then I may not. If I take it to a tranmission shop, how much would I be looking at for repair?

 

Beats me, I'm a CPA. I would take it to a shop that you trust and let them go for a test drive with you and see what they think.

 

I know this is an old thread...but Toreador_Diesel, did you get your vibration problem solved? I am having the same problem with our '03 X. It has the vibration when shifting into overdrive.

 

Yes, it finally failed in February of 2006 and was replaced with a Ford re-man; which is technically an 03 model trans. The SCT tuner I got after the reman really made a difference with the shifting; but the tuner only did so much (software wise). In 2007 I added the sonnax and tricumulator springs and I haven't had the problem since (hardware is always better than software). I later added a V10 trans cooler to keep temps down, if you can get your hands on a 6.0 trans cooler, do it. It's the best and last one you'll ever need. Also, be sure and have your fluid flushed every 30K.

 

Thanks, I'll keep this in mind. It's time for a fluid flush now.