Transmission Help for newbie
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New User
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Michigan
Transmission Help for newbie
Hi all. Glad to be here. Need some opinions. I just bought a 2006 F150 FX4 Supercrew 4X4 5.4L with 500 miles and I am used to driving GM products. I know. I notice the transmission does not shift into 2nd as fast and hard as the GM. It slowly goes into 2nd instead of snapping into second. Is this normal. I read about the lag and the PCM software update for the later models. Is there a chance I need one on a 2006? Thanks in advance.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 113
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From: Seattle, Wa
From what I know, this is normal. My 05 S.Crew is the same way. People are changing this behavior by using a tuner to modify the shift firmness electronically. Or, installing a modified valve body. Or, installing an in-line valve on one of the transmission lines to increase line pressure. It's been a while since I wrenched on a vehicle but these are the things I have read about on this forum to get around Ford's soft shifting. I want to increase the RPM setting in my truck to delay the time when the over drive kicks in. I believe this can be done easily with a programmer (Edge or Preditor).
Shawn
Shawn
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,055
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From: Magnolia, TX
Agreed. This is normal but not necessairly the best *performing* way for the tranny to shift.
Ford does this so that the general populace (which knows less than nothing about automobiles) does not feel the tranny shift. If they do, most think there is a problem, which there isn't.
A firmer/faster shifting teanny will produce LESS clutch pack friction AND have less of a power lag when going from one gear to another.
As Shawn stated, you can get a Programmer that will help the tranny shift a LITTLE faster and at a higher RPM. Both are helpful however keep in mind that there are mechanical restrictions in the tranny (valving) that will only allow it to shift so fast even with a Programmer. WHEN it shifts can be easily changed with the Programmer. I decided to have a Shift Kit installed in my tranny so that the mechanical restriction was eliminated. My tranny shifts faster and firmer now and should I ever get a Programmer I will be able to take FULL advantage of adjusting both the shift rate AND shift points.
FYI.
CMOS
Ford does this so that the general populace (which knows less than nothing about automobiles) does not feel the tranny shift. If they do, most think there is a problem, which there isn't.
A firmer/faster shifting teanny will produce LESS clutch pack friction AND have less of a power lag when going from one gear to another.
As Shawn stated, you can get a Programmer that will help the tranny shift a LITTLE faster and at a higher RPM. Both are helpful however keep in mind that there are mechanical restrictions in the tranny (valving) that will only allow it to shift so fast even with a Programmer. WHEN it shifts can be easily changed with the Programmer. I decided to have a Shift Kit installed in my tranny so that the mechanical restriction was eliminated. My tranny shifts faster and firmer now and should I ever get a Programmer I will be able to take FULL advantage of adjusting both the shift rate AND shift points.
FYI.
CMOS
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Seattle, Wa
Great point CMOS. My plan is to install the Factory Tech valve body, then get a programmer to inhance my engine performance. I don't believe changing the transmission pump & and or line pressure electronically is the best way to go over the long haul. Larry from discountpowerparts.com confirmed that a person can install a modified valve body and still use an Edge programmer to take advantage of the canned tunes that you get with the Edge unit. Here is the thread I posted the question in --> https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...03#post3435603
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