Why pay $400-$600 dollars for a VB when I can buy a shift kit for $80 and install it myself? What is the difference? I want to put a shift kit in or a VB before I go spending alot of money on a Torque Converter but want to know why I have to spend big money instead of jut a little. Thanks in advance.

 

You honestly don't, a good valve body kit will do the same thing as a "valve body" There are some great kits out there, I prefer the SMR kit. I have installed many of these kits from a few different mfgrs.

Both modify shift points, add more oiling to certain parts of the tranny, address "drain back" increase line pressure and therefore holding/lockup power, etc. etc.

 

I'm real happy with my smr kit.

 

Well, one nice thing about a VB replacement is that they do tend to come already set up and tested. I've had nothing but problems after I had my tranny upgraded by a "nationally recognized diesel guru" who installed a TC & shift kit. The truck would go into limp mode for no reason at all. He played with the truck for a couple of weeks and finally told me that there's nothing more he could do. I wound up adjusting it (while learing at the same time) to get it where it's at - which is pretty good but will still go into limp mode once in a great while. I can tell you with certainty - Transgo tech support is not good on 47RE's unless you're asking them how to just drop the pan...

 

Im plenty happy with my transgo. Got it on ebay(tfod-diesel kit), and it has really helped out a lot. I am getting ready to drop in a Goerend single disc, and if i feel the need, i might upgrade to a built valve body a little later, but for now it is doing fine. Im really glad i put the shift kit in. Definatley worth the $50 i gave for my kit(though they have gone up now). Good luck.

Eric

 

It sounds like your line pressure is to high!! Did you install the resistor?

 

Yeah the pressure was high... I ended up installing a variable resistor along with a few other things. I'm just saying that installing a shift kit is not as simple as changing the oil. A replacement VB comes as a bolt in unit and you usually get good customer service from any of the big guys. Trans-go service was, as I said, not too knowledgeable. Of couse, I paid someone to put the kit in - I could have replaced the VB for less. I wound up being charged more than serval hundred dollars just to have the tranny diagnosed less than 1 week after the TC/shift kit installation to have solenoids & sensors replaced. Those parts weren't the problem. In the end, I was told - "That's the best I can do, sorry. And I don't take personal checks..." - this was from a well known diesel specialist. I'd call one of the tranny companies just to see what they have before I tore into it.

Just my $0.02

 

I ordered a VB from DTT because I know it's going to be setup right the first time and all I have to do is unbolt the old one and bolt in the new one. I don't like the idea of taking my old VB apart and drilling holes and stuff in it. No thanks. Plus I've got a warranty on it, it can be used when I fully built the tranny, and the tech support is second to none.

 

when you order a vb does it come with all of the correct resistors?

 

For the kind of money they get it better!!

 

So is a shift kit or a VB going to help with a tranny that locks up good and doesnt slip but will give problems between 2nd and 3rd. It seems to let go of second and then the RPM's go up and I usually have to let go of the throttle to get it to engage in 3rd. All this started after the fuel pump and injector mods. If I am at higher RPM's 1800+ it shifts great but under light throttle it wants to do what I stated above.

 

It can't hurt, but if you have damage things already it is just a "band aid" it might get you buy for a while. I would adjust your bands.

 

I will do all the PM I can while I am in there and hopefully it will get me back to where I need to be. Thanks for the info.

 

If you get a flair during the 2-3 shift, the front band is too loose or is shot. Check it before you burn it.