Do the JW or BTS Valve Bodies make a huge difference in the shifting on the 4R100?

I tow a 10,000 lb 5ver, and it seems that when towing in the 60 tow mode on the DP, There is a lot of "searching" in the 40 to 45 MPH range even with the OD off.

Just wondering if the VB upgrade would be worth it

All feedback as usual, is appreciated, and will surely lead to more questions

 

Yes sir Duane they do make a difference. It really firms up the shifts. I have a John Wood and I love it. It is definitely worth the money.

 

I say mod your own and save some jack. The TransGo kit is $70-$100 depending on which one (I say get the Tugger since you tow). You'll need to get your tunes updated to match the new VB though. Theoretically, the JW VB needs no tuning updates, HOWEVER, since you're dealing with a searching problem, I don't think the VB mods will fix that. I still suggest it, but not to fix your problem. That should be fixable in tuning only. My $0.02......

 

Good point Joe, I forgot about the TransGo kits. I went with a John Wood because I wasn't comfortable modding my own VB. I think it's safe to say you are accomplishing the same thing either way.

 

Just to be clear, I'm suggesting you get the VB mods whichever you feel comfortable with, then get your tunes updated to match. Make special mention of the searching problem so Jody can do something about that in your tow tune(s).

 

I have a FT valve body and am happy with its performance. I don't know how much it would help with your 'searching' issue though. For me, it shortened the shift duration to the point that I can scratch 2nd if I get on it too hard.

 

Would you be a bit more specific in defining "searching"?

Do you mean frequent upshifting/downshifting/upshifting or

Do you mean that the shift points aren't dependable, given the same conditions each time.

Pop

 

I think it's the TC locking & unlocking. Again, can be fixed in tuning. My tow tune keeps the TC locked down to like 30 mph with OD off.

 

What I'm trying to say with the searching is I'll be rolling along on a slight uphill grade on a 40 MPH speed limit road.I try to keep my speed in the 43-45 MPH range.one second ,the tranny downshifts followed by an upshift. A couple of seconds later ,another downshift,and upshift even though I did not change throttle position. I usually have the OD off until I get over 55 MPH.

Also, when slowing down for a sharp turn , it seems to hold the higher gear when I try to accelerate out of the turn, It almost feels to me like a gas powered engine doing what we called "dieseling" if that makes sense.