I posted this in the Transmission topic portion of FTE some time ago and got no responses. Maybe this section will get me more feedback?... anyone got experience with these?


For AutoMatic Trans in my truck (described below), has anyone installed a "shift kit" such as TransGo or B&M. I'm not talking about B&M's electric shift kits, but the types that you drop the pan, put different springs and other parts in (changes to the valve body?).
TransGo claims that you can hold first gear to any RPM and downshift any time as well? Even with the "firmer shift" setting programmed in my Hypertech chip setting, I can only get 4,400 RPM max at WOT before it shifts to 2nd. I suspect the redline on my 5.8L is closed to 5,500 RPM.

What I'm looking for is feedback from anyone who has installed one of these kits, which one, and how they like it. Is it possible to over-rev the engine with a shift kit like this installed? Is all the control over shift points just like stock... in that you let up a little on the throttle to have it shift into second from first for example? I assume downshifts must be done with the column lever? Is this something that's bad for the tranny life span, or maybe even better for it?

Just how "hard" are the shifts? What I am looking for is "firmer" shifts like I'm getting from my Hypertech setting (which I can turn off if I install a shift kit), but also be able to get first and maybe second gear past 4,400 RPMS. I don't want the truck to shift brutally hard during normal driving, either.

Any help on this would be appreciated. Thanks.


1996 Ford Bronco, 5.8L:
-Done:Hypertech III,Powerstat, K&N FIPK,cooler TBody bypass,Mac equal length headers, Gibson cat-back, Urethane bushings, BF Goodrich TA's, Roadmaster active suspension, Nozzle lights, Euro taillights,MSD Blaster Coil, MSD Cap & Rotor, Taylor spiral pro wires, ASP undredrive pullys
-ToDo: Edelbrock performer intake manifold & 56 Tbody, Granetelli MAF, maybe Kenne Ball supercharger instead!

 

I put a B&M stage 2 shift kit in my C4 302 ranger swap. I Love it. IT really slams into the next gear at WOT, but shifts pretty firm at part throttle. Real easy to install with detailed instruction on how to go from stage 1 to 2 to 3. And I can hold any gear out till the motor blew if I wanted. Combined with a B&M starshifter it is a riot to drive. I also put a Banks Transcommand (no internal tranny mods) on my F250 with E40D, I really like what that did too. If I ever rebuild my E40D I will prolly do the same as I did to my C4. Go For IT!

 

Thx for reply & good info. I checked out some websites on Banks Transcommand. It doesn't sound like it will increase the shift point RPM which is something I think I'm looking to do.

With the B&M stage 2, when driving normally or easy cruising, does it still shift hard?... can you drive it smoothly if you want to? I want the shift point control but still have comfortable shifting when driving slowly/normally.

Does anyone know what the redline (max safe RPM) is for my 1996 5.8L, (see truck info below)? With my Hypertech III on "firm shift setting" it gets to 4300-4400 RPM's in first to second shift, which is a little higher than stock performance.

Given torque and HP curve, is it worth a shift kit install like B&M or Transgo? My seat of the pants thought is YES (it's better with the Hypertech increased RPM shift point, so even higher seems like a good idea), but how much RPM is too much for this engine, tranny, & bolt-ons combination I have.




1996 Ford Bronco, 5.8L, E4OD:
-Done:Hypertech III,Powerstat, K&N FIPK,cooler TBody bypass,Mac equal length headers, Gibson cat-back, Urethane bushings, BF Goodrich TA's, Roadmaster active suspension, Nozzle lights, Euro taillights,MSD Blaster Coil, MSD Cap & Rotor, Taylor spiral pro wires, ASP undredrive pullys
-ToDo: Edelbrock performer intake manifold & 56 Tbody, Granetelli MAF, maybe Kenne Ball supercharger instead!