I have over 200k on my 98.5 and I have a diesel specific trans kit for it that I have never put it. I know it will increase the line pressure and I can make the truck shift sooner (which I like) but could I damage anything by installing this on such a high mileage tranny?

 

i think youve answered your own question

 

So, a shift kit can effect the overall life of a trans? Are there decreased temps with at shift kit?

 

A shift kit can and in most cases will increse the life of a transmission that is in good condition. BUT and I stress BUT if it is improperly installed it can and will damage the transmission. I was in the tranmission busness for 35 years and I have my opinions on what brands to stay from. diesels are VERY sensitive to incresses in hole sizes and converter stall speeds for shift feel. as for oil temp it should NOT have any effect on lowering temp unless you lower line pressure NOT GOOD but as you incress line pressure that WILL drive up temp's so a higher line a is a compromise along with other thinks that can be done to incress torque holding capacity.


bill

 

I did?


I still dont know the answer

 

Well, a good shift kit will stay within the limits of a sound tranny. Some shift kits will reduce temps by increasing cooler flow. They will help by adding some holding power to the clutches.
But if you have a weak seal that just gets by with the pressure you have now and you add the kit it will blow out. Call it a game of chances.
If you do a shift kit and a TC at this age of the tranny your chances are getting worse. (IMHO)
A good route for you IMO would be to pull the tranny and rebuild it with a small update kit (improved seals, apply lever, increased number of clutches etc) and install either the shift kit or a performance VB that is tailored to the performance TC of your choice or the sock TC if you decide to keep it (not a good idea IMHO)
The worst thing to do IMHO is to install a shift kit on an old tranny and then to hook up the trailer and go for vacations on a tight budget. Then you are royally screwed if something lets go and that's the reason it will definitely happen (Murphy's law)

HTH

AlpineRAM