My 47RE has ~85K on it and still seems to be holding up OK ( even thought I've given it some h*** after getting an EZ a year ago ).

However...It seems that up/down shifting when running around town at ~30 to 50 mph is not as stable as it could be...

I've repeatedly tried the APPS reset and this has helped some....

I'm wondering if an aftermarket VALVE BODY would significantly improve this problem.

Anybody just have a VALVE BODY replacement and it helped alot ?

 

I did just a valve body shift kit on my fathers 96 CTD, it made a HUGE difference. Took me about 3 hours and cost about $110

 

Yep, a valvebody can help a lot- but the O/D and the TC-lockup are controlled by the PCM. If you experience problems there like erratic TC lockup clutch operation or the like a VB won't cure it. You do say that your tranny seems to hold up quite well..... I'd say that if you consider going wilder with your mods just plan for a new aftermarket tranny.
I think that you could either buy a shiftkit and install it in your VB or get a complete VB from one of the aftermarket suppliers- and return your old one for a core charge.

AlpineRAM

 

Alpine,

This shifting stability I'm speaking of is PRE-Torque Converter Lockup.

Of course...sometimes my TC Locks up before I want it to....but that's another train of thought

 

Well I bit the mini-bullet and will be getting a Valve Body Installed at Suncoast on Friday.

 

Good Luck! Please report on the results. When you are at suncoast they'll look at your tranny and will be able to tell you a lot.
Don't let them make you try a truck with a bombed tranny! You'd start hating your stocker

AlpineRAM

 

Alpine,

Will do...

 

TurboPirate24v
If you are going to Suncoast ask Joe (the boss man) to take you for a ride in the Silver Dodge (he might ask you if you want a test ride). I have their tranny and love it. Take a look at their torque converters you will want that next. They have a stock one and one of theirs cut open so you can see what the difference is.
They treated me right, I think you will like dealing with them.
Just my $0.02 worth.

 

billg,

I appreciate your thoughts...

And I will be treating my truck with care, until I can afford to get the Converter as well ( hopefully before the end of the year ).

TP

 

AlpineRam,

As promised I would given an update.

With the new Suncoast VB...

Shifting is harder and firmer....no more slushing about

Also...much better acceleration and it holds into gear rather than shifting too often...

Finally...on WOT TC lockup happens about 10mph later than it used to....

I know I need a TC soon....but, for all those out their pondering a VB only upgrade....Do it...it's relatively cheap improvement to drivability...

 

Turbo Pirate,

How much did they charge you??

 

Mcmopar,

The VB part was $395.00

Labor was $144.00

They installed the VB and Spent about an hour and half to 2 hours Tuning it and Driving it and Tuning it some more.

Transmission Fluid was ~$30.00

+ Tax

Total Cost : ~$600.00