Shift Kit
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Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 93
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From: South Jersey
Shift Kit
My transmission just kind of slides into its gears. I saw a transmission shift kit (B&M) in parts catalog for $80.00 which can be installed without removing the xmission. Anyone done it, and if so were you satisfied with the performance afterwards?
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 130
Likes: 2
From: Ida Michigan
I had a TransGo kit put in my Avalanche because of a code showing up. I went with a total rebuild with clutch packs, servos etc... It depends on the mileage on your trans and the abuse it may have had. If your trans does not have an issues such as worn clutch packs or a valve body issue, a quick shift kit may help. You will "IMHO" need to consult a trans specialist.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,118
Likes: 117
From: San Antonio Texas
A shift kit won't restore a worn down transmission needing fresh clutches and bands, but on a transmission that is still in good shape, they are wonderful! I've put in about three in some of my 60's & 70's Ford transmissions and they all worked great. The shifts were firm and quick without that sliding from one gear to the next feel. I used a B&M in one and a Trans-Go in another and they were both very similar. The instructions were very thorough and detailed and easy to follow. Some old ladies like those 'slushy never feel it' shifts and think that's the way an automatic should be.
Not me! A clutch & band that slips is one that will wear out faster. On the ones I had, they gave me a choice of shift firmness to choose from. It is a choice you have to make when you do the valve body modifications and live with, or pull it out and redo if it turns out to be too harsh or too soft. I really liked all of mine and they never caused any damage or problems. I got quick firm shifts and they were never offensive slams.
Not me! A clutch & band that slips is one that will wear out faster. On the ones I had, they gave me a choice of shift firmness to choose from. It is a choice you have to make when you do the valve body modifications and live with, or pull it out and redo if it turns out to be too harsh or too soft. I really liked all of mine and they never caused any damage or problems. I got quick firm shifts and they were never offensive slams.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 93
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From: South Jersey
Thanks, but it sounds like both of you had your transmissions removed and worked on out of the car. I am specifically interested it the kits that are installed while it is still in the car. Anyone tried one of them?
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 130
Likes: 2
From: Ida Michigan
Yes you are correct, my transmission needed more than just the shift kit. We were both getting to the point that you need to have your tranny evaluated if in good condition, then you should see improvement in the firmness of the shifts with a shift kit. There may be other things that can be done to "firm up" the shifts but it has to be found "fit" for duty before you start your work... IMO!
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
From: South Jersey
Yes you are correct, my transmission needed more than just the shift kit. We were both getting to the point that you need to have your tranny evaluated if in good condition, then you should see improvement in the firmness of the shifts with a shift kit. There may be other things that can be done to "firm up" the shifts but it has to be found "fit" for duty before you start your work... IMO!
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,118
Likes: 117
From: San Antonio Texas
The B&M shift kits can be put in without removing the whole transmission. You just take off the pan and remove the valve body. It's about the size of a High School Yearbook. The valve body has a bunch of passages that look like a maze and a plate that goes over it with holes and slots drilled in different places. The instructions walk you through putting little ball bearings and springs in different passages and maybe drilling a larger or different hole in the plate to change oil flow pressure or direction. It looks complicated when you first see all that stuff opened up, but If you carefully follow the directions step by step it isn't really hard at all, and the results are rewarding when you can say "I did it myself."
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
From: South Jersey
The B&M shift kits can be put in without removing the whole transmission. You just take off the pan and remove the valve body. It's about the size of a High School Yearbook. The valve body has a bunch of passages that look like a maze and a plate that goes over it with holes and slots drilled in different places. The instructions walk you through putting little ball bearings and springs in different passages and maybe drilling a larger or different hole in the plate to change oil flow pressure or direction. It looks complicated when you first see all that stuff opened up, but If you carefully follow the directions step by step it isn't really hard at all, and the results are rewarding when you can say "I did it myself."
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