I just received the transgo SK TFOD-DIESEL shift kit, now its time to decide what options to pick and how big to make the holes. I've done some searching and haven't found much for what others are doing or how they like it. I have read a few posts where they went too big on the holes and the shifts where too rough, I've also read about harsher shifts with a tighter converter, not that I need to worry too much about that right now.


Unless I missed something then there isn't much of a review on these shift kits, it would be nice if those who have the transgo shift kit could give a quick report on what they did for the install options, what they do with the truck now and how its working for them.

Also I see there is a modification specifically for snowplows, does anyone know what this does? the directions give options like this but don't say what is going to happen when you do it. This is one area that I don't want to do any trial and error just to see what each option does.

So if anyone wants to share what they did and how its working that would be great. or if there are any warnings of what not to install or enlarge then that would be good to know as well

Thanks

 

I put one in, unfortunately I do not remember how I set it up and didn't take notes ... I DO remember this, on the hole you drill for the 2-3 shift I would advise not going to the max size the instructions call for. I went full size and the 2-3 can be pretty sharp/hard at part throttle/around town type driving,but if I`m into the skinny pedal hard the 2-3 is perfect though. I guess it depends on what you want out of it. I do recall setting everything up as aggressive as the instructions lay out.

 

Thanks, I will keep that in mind.


On page 2 of the instructions step two says
" for NORMAL USE skip this step. If later throttle on up-shifts are desired, install new green TV spring. No need to grind TV valve."

Any ideas on what this is doing and what normal use is, I don't know if i'm normal so maybe I need this? right now my TV adjustment is out as far as it can go without holding back the throttle linkage and the shifts are still very early. I may have some issues with TV linkage that cause it to hold back the throttle cable but I have still read about many people also having issues with early shifts and using zipties and what not. Suppose this spring will help that early shift or should I just do the internal TV adjustment from the sticky procedure to delay the shift instead?

 

Your best bet is to call TransGo and speak with one of their techs. They will be happy to advise you as to what parts to use, and what mods to perform, based on what you plan on doing with your truck.
I don't know that you're gonna get any better advice as that from the kit maker.

 

Where did you guys get these shift kits?interested

 

I got mine at Oregon performance transmission, they have free shipping and it made it all the way across the county to me in less than a week from when I placed the order.

I guess I probably should talk to transgo for the technical questions but thought it would be a good chance for some discussion on the shift kit and how everyone likes them. there is soo much information on everything else on our trucks but very little anything about a shift kit and there are so many different ones to choose from. A search on the topic doesn't bring up much for guidance.


I'll talk to transgo see what they say. should be fun, there is a lot of stuff in that kit.

 

i have a revmax valve body that will be going in soon, its basically a transgo shift kit but the valve body was designed to prevent such hard shifts

 

I just wanted to update that my install is on pause while I determine what to do with trucks and my busted axle. I will bring this back up when I get it installed in one of the trucks, not completely sure which one will get it now.

I did talk to someone at transgo, he was ready to help and answer any questions. It looks like there will be lots of left over parts in that kit that are intended to go into the lockup trans.

As for the green TV spring and normal use, I'm not sure why they don't explain it better but it just delays the shift point if it shifts too early, I see that some kits include several springs for this that can raise or lower the shift point by a few hundred rpms on each spring. I plan to use this new spring if it goes in my d350 as it shifts incredibly early. I'm not certain but I think this may help some of you that are running zip ties to raise the shift rpm. There is a chart somewhere that lists the rpm change for what spring is used, I should have saved that link. Anyways I dont know why this is never talked about but it might be worth a call to transgo to find out what spring would fit your needs and drive ratio.

On the snow plow option, that is used to apply the bands faster for when changing gears, that way its not slowly engaging and half applied as your cranking it back and forth, not sure how hard it engages but it makes a lot of sense as its very easy to change gears and go without actually making a complete stop.

There seems to be a lot of small details that will help the trans out even if you don't buy the entire kit and the guys at transgo have been helpful to determine what is needed. I've never read about that snow plow option before but I'm sure there are guys running an old yard truck just for plowing or the likes and it seems that a few simple steps and springs from these kits could really help them out.

 

I'm pretty sure that's the kit Kole Johnson put in my transmission. (judging from name dropping) First time around 2-3 shift was way early, like right after 1-2 at full throttle. Took it back, and 3 week delay, much BS, and supposedly special ordered spring later it shifts awsome.

Go with the gentler shifts at first. You can always drill it out later at the cost of a pan gasket and a little time. As long as it shifts briskly, it'll last a long time. Harsh shifting is hard on things, including U joint and rear gears.

My experience with Transgo customer support has been wonderful.