Super Duty trans shift points
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Super Duty trans shift points
Has there been a general consensus among you guys whether there is a best alternative to improving the shift patterns on a 2004 250 SD 4x4 5.4 engined truck.
I seem to run with OD turned off too much otherwise it constantly shifts down to OD and lugs my already hard working little V8 too much. And it seems to shift fine if I want to accelerate fast but otherwise it just does not seem to be in the right gear when it is supposed to. I read some posts where it is a common complaint with Ford transmissions but can't get a handle on what is the best (and least costly) way of changing it.
I seem to run with OD turned off too much otherwise it constantly shifts down to OD and lugs my already hard working little V8 too much. And it seems to shift fine if I want to accelerate fast but otherwise it just does not seem to be in the right gear when it is supposed to. I read some posts where it is a common complaint with Ford transmissions but can't get a handle on what is the best (and least costly) way of changing it.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,844
Likes: 6
From: Albuquerque
First...are you running stock OEM sized tires? If not, then a gear change is in order.
IMHO...if you are all OEM stock, here is what you need:
Factory Tech Accumulator Valve Body - by Gregg Evans
• Better performance
• Improved quick firm shifts
• Transmission runs cooler
• Extends the longevity of your transmission
• Increased fluid pressure
• Less clutch slippage
• Less clutch wear
• Prevents common transmission failures
Follow this link for more info. http://www.factorytechtransmissions.com/index.asp
Good luck...
biz
IMHO...if you are all OEM stock, here is what you need:
Factory Tech Accumulator Valve Body - by Gregg Evans
• Better performance
• Improved quick firm shifts
• Transmission runs cooler
• Extends the longevity of your transmission
• Increased fluid pressure
• Less clutch slippage
• Less clutch wear
• Prevents common transmission failures
Follow this link for more info. http://www.factorytechtransmissions.com/index.asp
Good luck...
biz
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,268
Likes: 8
From: central Louisiana
i'v heard good things about the FTVB, but i see there alittle on the pricey side. check into a TransGo shift kit. not the "improver kit", the HD kit. i helped put one in a 99, x-cab, 4x4, 7.3L, running 44's! it was literaly an eye opening change.
if i get a free moment this weekend i'll get around to MY kit hahaha!
if i get a free moment this weekend i'll get around to MY kit hahaha!
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,007
Likes: 4
From: Central Florida
The factory tech is so much more than a shift kit. I sell transgos at work and had my heart set on one until I researched it a little.
Shift kits give you springs, washers, seals and a drill bit to open up the accumulator for more volume. The valve body has the same done, plus it has a new "power valve" similar to what bully dog sells and there was something else as well. Not to mention, it's a 30 minute job with the only non-basic hand tool you need is torque wrench.
Shift kits give you springs, washers, seals and a drill bit to open up the accumulator for more volume. The valve body has the same done, plus it has a new "power valve" similar to what bully dog sells and there was something else as well. Not to mention, it's a 30 minute job with the only non-basic hand tool you need is torque wrench.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 144
Likes: 1
If you are looking to firm up the shifts...all the above is true and will do the job.
If you are looking to change the shift patterns, i.e. the logic. Get an aftermarket programmer. The re-calibrated valve bodies referenced above will change the quickness & firmness of the up shifts & downshifts, but wont impact the shift points enough to achieve what I think you are looking for.
Trying to firm up an electronically controlled transmission with logic alone usually spells trouble. Changing the logic, well thats definatley done in programming.
The Ford logic looks at wheel speed, % of throttle, load, and time duration to complete the last shift.
Now take your pick on the programmer.
Superchips Flashpaq (Non Adjutable at this time, take their logic as it is)
Diablosport Predator Fully Adjustable
Hypertech, not sure
Edge, not sure
Some homework will be needed.
If you are looking to change the shift patterns, i.e. the logic. Get an aftermarket programmer. The re-calibrated valve bodies referenced above will change the quickness & firmness of the up shifts & downshifts, but wont impact the shift points enough to achieve what I think you are looking for.
Trying to firm up an electronically controlled transmission with logic alone usually spells trouble. Changing the logic, well thats definatley done in programming.
The Ford logic looks at wheel speed, % of throttle, load, and time duration to complete the last shift.
Now take your pick on the programmer.
Superchips Flashpaq (Non Adjutable at this time, take their logic as it is)
Diablosport Predator Fully Adjustable
Hypertech, not sure
Edge, not sure
Some homework will be needed.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
ReAx could a guy with very basic knowledge do this kit or should I have it done. How could a dropping the pan and changing that valve body and springs etc be a half hour job! Maybe if you do these things a lot but I never have.
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,007
Likes: 4
From: Central Florida
I took an hour, but I had to trim my new filter to fit my b&m pan. It broke down as follows:
Drain trans
Twist your arm off removing all of the pan bolts
pull filter.
Remove about a dozen bolts that hold the accumulator on, they are all the same.
Remove the two nuts that are left on the studs.
Factory accumulator will fall off at this point if your not holding on to it.
set it aside, and put new accumulator up and secure it with nuts.
put all of the bolts in. Torque the nuts bolts from the center out to thier specs, I think 80-100 inch pounds.
put the filter on.
bolt the pan up and refill.
Drain trans
Twist your arm off removing all of the pan bolts
pull filter.
Remove about a dozen bolts that hold the accumulator on, they are all the same.
Remove the two nuts that are left on the studs.
Factory accumulator will fall off at this point if your not holding on to it.
set it aside, and put new accumulator up and secure it with nuts.
put all of the bolts in. Torque the nuts bolts from the center out to thier specs, I think 80-100 inch pounds.
put the filter on.
bolt the pan up and refill.
Trending Topics
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,007
Likes: 4
From: Central Florida
I should mention, I had some nice tools that made it quicker. Snap on cordles impacts and Snapon 3/8" drive digital torque wrench relieved about 20 minutes.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,719
Likes: 1
From: PA
Originally Posted by ReAX
I took an hour, but I had to trim my new filter to fit my b&m pan. It broke down as follows:
Drain trans
Twist your arm off removing all of the pan bolts
pull filter.
Remove about a dozen bolts that hold the accumulator on, they are all the same.
Remove the two nuts that are left on the studs.
Factory accumulator will fall off at this point if your not holding on to it.
set it aside, and put new accumulator up and secure it with nuts.
put all of the bolts in. Torque the nuts bolts from the center out to thier specs, I think 80-100 inch pounds.
put the filter on.
bolt the pan up and refill.
Drain trans
Twist your arm off removing all of the pan bolts
pull filter.
Remove about a dozen bolts that hold the accumulator on, they are all the same.
Remove the two nuts that are left on the studs.
Factory accumulator will fall off at this point if your not holding on to it.
set it aside, and put new accumulator up and secure it with nuts.
put all of the bolts in. Torque the nuts bolts from the center out to thier specs, I think 80-100 inch pounds.
put the filter on.
bolt the pan up and refill.
Also, what happens if you just use a programmer?
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Veronesse what do you mean the logic alone usually spells trouble? Would just doing the chip routine alone cause some type of problem? Rather not drop the pan and do anything there while still under warranty, a chip seems like a better route if it works. Anybody using the chips for the trans shift point changes
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,007
Likes: 4
From: Central Florida
I had a mess, I hate ATF, but no springs or *****. There was one little screen, but it wasn't a problem.
A programmer increases line pressure, not fluid volume going to the trans. Factory tech says that it is hard on the pump and may not properly lube the trans. It does work as long you don't turn up the pressure too high. Also when you pressurize a fuild it creates heat, so the added flow and less heat from pressure could possibly lower your trans temp. I would only guess 1/2 a degree.
A programmer increases line pressure, not fluid volume going to the trans. Factory tech says that it is hard on the pump and may not properly lube the trans. It does work as long you don't turn up the pressure too high. Also when you pressurize a fuild it creates heat, so the added flow and less heat from pressure could possibly lower your trans temp. I would only guess 1/2 a degree.
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,007
Likes: 4
From: Central Florida
Originally Posted by lt.*****
Veronesse what do you mean the logic alone usually spells trouble? Would just doing the chip routine alone cause some type of problem? Rather not drop the pan and do anything there while still under warranty, a chip seems like a better route if it works. Anybody using the chips for the trans shift point changes
It's not fun to feather the gas to shift out of first when you floor it.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 144
Likes: 1
As the other members have mentioned, you dont want to try to correct sloppy shifts with a tuner. If you like the way your rig shifts, or maybe firm up the shifts a whisker, but really need to adjust when they happen, then a programmer alone will be fine.
I would start with a programmer. Weather you get a VB or not, the programmer will not go to waste.
IMO, the Diablosport Predator would be the way to go. Diablo had a bad "Rep" a while back amongst the Diesel users, which they fixed. Their Gas products have been right on! I have been using their Gas products dating back to my 1998 Expedition.
I purchased the Superchips Flashpaq for my wife's truck (2006 Harley F150). Diablo hadn't released the Predator for the 06-F150 yet. Dont get me wrong, the Flashpaq is a good unit and I like working with the folks @ Superchips. However, it just doesn't bring all the "User Adjutability" to the table that Diablo does. Superchips is releasing CustomPaq next month which is supposed to allow user settings.
I would start with a programmer. Weather you get a VB or not, the programmer will not go to waste.
IMO, the Diablosport Predator would be the way to go. Diablo had a bad "Rep" a while back amongst the Diesel users, which they fixed. Their Gas products have been right on! I have been using their Gas products dating back to my 1998 Expedition.
I purchased the Superchips Flashpaq for my wife's truck (2006 Harley F150). Diablo hadn't released the Predator for the 06-F150 yet. Dont get me wrong, the Flashpaq is a good unit and I like working with the folks @ Superchips. However, it just doesn't bring all the "User Adjutability" to the table that Diablo does. Superchips is releasing CustomPaq next month which is supposed to allow user settings.
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
On a gas motor the Diablosport is without a doubt the most user adjustable tuner going. In addition to the ability to change the tranny shift points and firmness you also get the side benefit (in most cases) of a little better mileage. Diablospor is actually pushing the fuel mileage gain side of their tuners as hard if not harder than the HP improvement. If you want one let me know. I have them in stock and you WILL NOT find them cheaper anywhere in the country. I'll PM you a price!
Thanks and feel free to call me direct or PM me with any questions!!
Daniel
www.DieselUp.com
877-402-9320
Thanks and feel free to call me direct or PM me with any questions!!
Daniel
www.DieselUp.com
877-402-9320
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,857
Likes: 5
From: Northern CA
I picked up a FTVB for my 03, same truck as yours. The new valve body was a snap to install and the shifts are MUCH crisper. Still at the same points in the rpm range, but, man what a difference in the shift. I can easily get a 2nd gear scratch in my rig, and I normally don't like doing that. It actually makes me take off from a stop more gently than I used to, cuz it slams into second so hard. The wife hates it but I love it.
I'd reccommend that FTVB to anyone that asks.
gw
I'd reccommend that FTVB to anyone that asks.
gw