blamtro Posted October 4, 2007 Share Posted October 4, 2007 (edited) As I bothered you all with many questions about my 2WD -> 4WD conversion project, I am getting close to seeing the fruits of my labor. I have the trans completely rebuilt, I am just waiting on one small seal from Trans Go that was damaged in shipping just to put it back together. Unfortunately, the seal goes on the direct 3rd clutch piston which is in the middle of the trans. I will admit, in the beginning, I was intimidated by the myserious interworkings of the autobox as I have never opened one up besides a simple pan drop and filter change. However, in the end, I was amazed at how simple they really are. I hope this helps someone some day. As we all know, this transmission has a problem with cooling. About 6 months ago, I installed my superbadass cooling/filter system. When the ATF flows out of the system, it runs though a full size, full flow filter. Then through the first cooler: 15,000 BTU rating, 5 3/4 x 11 x 1 1/2 thick. Then it flows to the Perma Cool remote thermostat that opens around 185*F to flow through the second: 20,500 BTU rating, 8 x 11 x 1 1/2 thick. And then back to the trans. The remote thermostat normally flows 90% only through the first, smaller cooler and 10% flows through the 2nd cooler. Once the temp hits 185-190*F, it will flow almost 100% though both coolers. The 10% flow through the second cooler when below 185*F prevents cold shock when the thermostat opens. Also notice I installed the coolers with the fittings up as to prevent air pockets from forming. I used all 1/2" pipe fittings and lube hose. The system has worked great. I had guage temporarily hooked up with the thermocouple installed in the filter body and temps stayed in check! http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b358/bla...ransCoolers.jpg http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b358/bla...TransFilter.jpg Back to the Trans First I started by disassembling the autobox, I took pictures along the way so I could reference them during reassembly. http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b358/bla...er/Trans-01.jpg Everything came apart pretty smoothly. There was no major damage to any parts of the trans. Some of the bushings were worn and some of the clutch plates were just below the wear limit. There are 5 clutch packs in this trans. I reused all of the clutch steel plates as they were good as new. I installed a Trans Go shift kit in it as I do tow a 5000# boat. I did tons of research on which kit to go with. There are basically 4 kits available for the trans: Trans Go Shift kit, ~ $50 Trans Go Performance Shift, ~ $219 Trans Go reprogramming kit ~ $220 Superior Shift Correction Kit, ~$45 The Trans Go shift kit and Superior kit, from what I found, accomplished the same thing: firms up shifts, provides more lube to needed areas, and provides higher temp sealing rings. The Performance shift kit is a consumer level kit that comes with a video that is taylored towards those who are adding tons of power to the engine with a turbo or nitrous. It doesn't require removal of the trans from the vehicle, only the valve body. The Reprograming kit is similar to the performance kit, however, it only available to shops or distributors. It is not meant to be available to the public and doesn't come with an instruction video. It will require removal of the transmission. The reason I went with the TransGo shift kit, SK-RE4RO1A, is the performance and reprograming kit dramatically firm up the shifts. When I talked with TransGo tech support, they described it as "too firm" for towing and could damage input/output shafts on the trans, differentials, driveshafts, or axle shafts. I found TransGo's tech support to be much more supportive and helpful. I actually bought both the TransGo shift kit and the Superior kit, checked them out while talking to tech supports and returned the Superior kit at a 15% loss to restocking. Check my photos @ www.photobucket/blamtro because this damn thing wont let me post all my images at once. ...need sleep, will finish laterzzz... Edited November 15, 2007 by blamtro Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blamtro Posted October 4, 2007 Author Share Posted October 4, 2007 reserved Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blamtro Posted October 4, 2007 Author Share Posted October 4, 2007 reserved Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blamtro Posted October 4, 2007 Author Share Posted October 4, 2007 reserved Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hoohaa Posted October 4, 2007 Share Posted October 4, 2007 Did you take more pictures of your progress? I would love to see an in-depth how-to article on this! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
88pathoffroad Posted October 4, 2007 Share Posted October 4, 2007 Me too, considering that's what's been holding me up on getting my Pathy running again. Trans shop wants between $200-300 to install that same kit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alkorahil Posted October 24, 2007 Share Posted October 24, 2007 What size are the transmission cooling lines? 1/2 or 3/8 inch? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blamtro Posted October 26, 2007 Author Share Posted October 26, 2007 The hose I used is 1/2" Sorry for the lack of updates. I dont have much time between this and work. i will try and get this thread all updated this week, What size are the transmission cooling lines? 1/2 or 3/8 inch? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
88pathoffroad Posted October 26, 2007 Share Posted October 26, 2007 Awesome, I'm anxiously awaiting the outcome so I can do mine!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeV Posted October 26, 2007 Share Posted October 26, 2007 Definately look forward to a writeup; my boat is only 3500 lbs but alot of hills. Could definately use a kit soon myself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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