I have an auto that works just fine, empty, with a mild load, or a big load on the flatlands. Get a hard pull with a big load and it gets a case of stupid. It shifts really hard up shifting at about, 45 in tow or 50 out of tow. I am not real sure what gear its going into or if its lockup, and its allways when I'm into the gas real hard nearing the top of the hill. Trans temp in the pan is 190 at the time and usually runs a bit lower than that towing. Clear the hill, and it cools down a bit and then everything is fine except my nerves. I am pulling a bit more than I should be 23k with 3.73s (gross combined). Fluid level is ok, I have adjusted the bands, only 23k on the package, mostly stock.

I have read a ton of posts about trans upgrades, and I hear lots of words like firm, positive even aggressive shifting, but what I'm looking for is smooth.

So,.... question is;.....For those of you who have upgraded transmissions TC valve bodies, switches, or complete transmission replacements, that do pull some big loads, how would you describe your shift quality?

Thanks in advance
TimK

 

My Goerend VB shifts firm but smooth. I've heard that some of the other VB have a very firm shift that might not be disirable while towing. I don't tow real heavy, about 9000lbs, but I like the way mine shifts.

 

Sounds like the t/c is going into lockup. Mine does the same if I'm into it at that speed, usually around 50mph. If your accelerating normal the lockup is a lot smoother. I think it may be fairly normal.

 

Most of the major trans builders can build a valvebody to shift how you want it. Just let them know what you do with it, how much power you want to make and how you want it to shift. You might try Dusty @ HTS. www.htstransmissions.com.

Randy

 

It might be the TC, the speed is about right. But I cant believe its normal. (well it might be) It seems to slip or let go for about a half a second then it hits REAL hard. The best way I could describe it is with a manual in third at full power about 45, hit the clutch for a millisecond and then drop the clutch.

 

Mine does the exact same thing - drives me nuts!

 

you could get a co pilot to control when your tq converter locks up, but with a stock auto ive heard it kills em?

 

I have been running the Goerends Brothers VB & TC since april of this year.I have put around 12,000 miles on so far,no complaints yet.Great folks to do business with also. coobie

 

Now that you put it that way, what you are probably feeling is the 3/4 shift. Due to the large surface area the tranny must grab to engage 4th gear, they have designed it to do it in two stages. In the valve body, there is a divided oriface with a spring. As the tranny wants to shift into 4th, it begins to let fluid through one half of the oriface. At a certain point, it then moves a spring and a little cylinder valve and opens the other side to give full pressure to finish the shift. If it happened all at once, it would be too much stress with the large 4th gear surface and would tear things up. This action can be felt in all the 48res if you are at the right rpm and throttle input. Up hill with a load the feeling is much harsher. IF - and I can't tell without driving your truck - this is what you are feeling, you have no worries. My Goerend VB still allows this to happen. Dave said he could change it, but did not recommend it. You just have to get use to it - IF that's what you're feeling.

 

My truck was I say was doing this when towing. I had a high pressure VB and triple disk converter. I still have those parts but the input shaft is shattered. Dave Goerend mentions not running line pressure over 150 to keep from breaking parts when towing heavy loads. I think he has something in the works to soften this shift. I'm not sure if the TC unlocks then locks on the 3-4 shift and this is not adding to the problem.

 

Hmmm, my 2/3 shift is like that if the TC is locked and/or if it shifts before the stall speed. My 3/4 shift at WOT towing over 33k locked is smooth as butter and I have a triple-lok. If you are towing that heavy you need a Towing valve body that flows more fluid (mine is sledpulling), a TC that is for towing heavy loads, a double deep pan to spread the heat over more fluid and have more surface area to dissipate heat. I have over 90psi of line pressure at idle so mine shifts very firmly empty but it shines when towing. A co-pilot or other transmission controller that controls lock up is good but if you are only hitting 190 in the pan you are doing pretty good already....anything else will be an improvement. ks