My 4r100 seems to be slipping a bit, especially when pulling. It takes a long time to shift into the top gear, sometimes have to double pump the pedal to get it to kick down into the next gear. I am running my Hypertech on stage one.

The only one I know of by name is the Banks Trans Command. Is this the best value for the dollar and reliability? Is this an item that is really a good idea to have on the truck?

Thanks

 

In a word, "no". In two words, "HELL, no!"

What you need is an increase in line pressure to control the shift clutches and get them to clamp down sooner and quicker, shortening the shift time and giving firmer, quicker shifts. This will reduce wear and reduce heat generated by slipping clutches.

Okay, the Banks trans command does the job. It WILL increase line pressure and accomplish the goal.

BUT - it does it by playing games with the pump output. That is NOT the best way to do it. Apparently, pump failures within a year down the line from installing a Trans command are fairly common. In all fairness, I haven't seen anyone prove that the Trans Command caused it. However, I don't read about the same problems from people using alternative methods for improving shifting on the 4R100.

Alternatives:

CHEAP and better for the trans than the Banks, would be a Sonnax valve and spring kit. $50 or so, plus the cost of the fluid, a torque wrench that reads inch-pounds (if you don't already have one).

Better - Factory Tech valve body. Even easier than the Sonnax, costs more, over $200, and works better. Still need the fluid and a proper torque wrench.

BEST - BTS valve body. Brian at BTS will tune your valve body FOR YOUR TRUCK. Cost over $200. Fluid and torque wrench still needed.

I believe the Trans Command costs more than the BTS valve body. In its defense, it is easier and less messy to install - but I wouldn't do it.

I'd do it right and order a BTS valve body.

 

do you have contact info for Brian at BTS?

I just bought the trans command and now I am all kinds of worried.

 

Don't be too worried - but see if you can return it, unused.

Their website is brianstruckshop.com. Contact him. He'll help, or try to, anyway.

Tried to post his email, but forgot that you can't.

 

Where would I find instructions on installing the Sonnax springs? Anyone have pics, that would be a big help.
Damon

 

I used the transcommand in my '95 460 gasser. Thumbs down, way down. I always was afraid of breaking something it shifted so hard when I was pulling a load.

 

I didn't use the Sonnax kit. I have a Factory Tech valve body, so I would not be the best person to answer specific installation questions. But quite a few people on this forum use the Sonnax kit. I'm sure plenty of instructions are available.

Someone who has done it want to step in here? Anyone?

 

Here's a link to the sonnax valve and tri-spring install...

http://www.dieselinnovations.com/techfiles/sonnax.pdf#search='sonnax%20valve'

 

Arninetyes, I have a transgo valve kit in my truck, can I put in a BTS valve body with it? Or is that too much?

 

Bird dog, what transgo kit do you have? if it is a tugger kit, then yes you can put the BTS valve body in, but probably not going to gain much. Do you have a spacer in between the VB and gasket? That is how the calibration is done. I have the transgo Repro kit, prior to that the Sonnax. The transgo is great, I didn't like the shifts from it, nice under 1/2 -full throttle but normal driving it kinda bucked. So I put the Sonnax springs back in.

 

The box says, "SK E40D Boost Valve & Snap Rings" It does not say tugger kit.

There is no spacer.

The problem I think I am having is when it shifts to 2nd & 3rd the rpm's drop way down. It kinda sounds wierd. My buddies 03 with the same kit shifts real nice and has no drop in rpm. What do ya think?

 

Bird Dog, I have no experience with or information about the kit you are asking about. However, I do know something about the "big rpm drop" when shifting.

The 4R100 has a locking torque converter (TC). Before the TC locks, it slips quite a bit. If you want an example just how much it slips, put your truck in 2nd gear from a stop, then let go of the brake and press hard on the accelerator. The RPMs rise you see (on mine, over 2000rpms from a stop) is COMPLETELY TC slip.

Stock, mine had slushy shifting and would kind of 'slide' from one gear to another, particularly when under load.

But shift pattern was weird, too - although I've come to find out that it is normal for these trannies. Here is what mine did stock - It would shift from 1st to 2nd, and drop a few hundred rpms. It would shift 2nd to 3rd, and drop a few hundred rpms. THEN it would shift from 3rd to 4th AND lock the TC at the same time. This resulted in an average drop of 1200 rpms. Terrible. But THAT is the reason for the big rpm drop - TC lock and gear shift occurring at the same time.

Now, with the Factory Tech valve body, <i>it still did the same thing,</i> but shifted cleaner and quicker - no more slipping and sliding.

It wasn't until I got a DP Tuner 6-position chip with trans shift timing changes that this was finally fixed. Now my trans locks the TC at 35 to 38mph, THEN shifts to 4th at about 45 or so. With the TC lockup now separated from gearshifts, it feels as though it has a 5-speed.

 

I ran the Banks Trans Command in my '92 F250 7.3. Installed their turbo kit and the Trans Command. Yes, it shifted way hard, but never had a problem with it. I ran it for 80,000 miles and sold truck last summer with it on and it's still going with the new owner. Truck had 140,000 on it when I sold it. Loved it.

 

It's nice to hear a positive impression about the Trans Command. I still have a problem though - you say it shifted 'way hard'. You may never have had a problem, but:

Hard shifting and bang shifting can be very hard on driveline components including U-joints and the oh-so-expensive rear end. The Factory Tech valve body manages to be quick and clean without beating on the driveline. I've been told that the BTS valve body is the same way - only better.

My vote would still be against the Trans Command. That is the way I voted with my wallet over a year ago, and I still have seen nothing to recommend the Trans Command over a good valve body.

 

So if i got the DP Tuner would I need to get a BTS Valve Body or a TC Lock-Up kit? Or would the tuner do it all? My tranny was just rebuilt 500 miles ago. I need it run strong for a long time. Thanks for all the help thus far!!