vavle body VS. shift kit

oomilkman · #1 04-09-2003, 11:16 AM

i have been reading many of the posts here and alot of people are buying shift kits/ vavle body (which is better?). I would like to have firmer shifts and in my case i have a reg cab flare side f150 4.6 4r70w but i don't know which one would be better to go with? The main thing i am looking for is better shifts and better times if that comes with better shifts. Thanks

-MilkMaN

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max mitchell · #2 04-09-2003, 12:02 PM

With the complete valve body, you exchange your factory valve body with a modified one. The shift kit option contains the parts that you would need to modify and reprogram your original valve body. With both, you remove the valve body. With the shift kit, the difference is that after removal, you further disassemble it and install the required parts (drill a few holes, install valves and springs, etc.). Between the two options, here are some differences to consider. When installing a shift kit, you are re-using the valve body that came with your transmission, not exchanging for another. With the shift kit, you generally choose from several shift firmness levels. If you exchange complete valve bodies, you get what the modifier has chosen for your shifts, or you have to communicate your desires to him in advance. Lastly, if you don't feel comfortable disassembling a valve body, then the complete valve body exchange takes care of that stage for you.

oomilkman · #3 04-09-2003, 11:07 PM

Ok thanks man! So all in all both products give basically the same results?(as in firmer shifts) and if i were to go with the shift kit i could achieve similar, if not the same, results as a valve body swap?

-MilkMaN

max mitchell · #4 04-10-2003, 11:47 AM

You're Welcome ! Yes, same results for both. There are slight variations company by company, but basically both result in a modified valve body. Look at the other thread that is currently being discussed labeled "4R70W Factory Tech Valve Body Installed". Picture 1 is a removed\modified valve body. Note that the lower aluminum casing has rows of buldging bores that exit around the perimeter. In these bores are valves and springs that are modified with a shift kit. Picture 2 is showing the parts that were used to modify the valve body (example-springs). These are the parts that you would normally get with a shift kit.

Harley#356 · #5 04-26-2003, 06:19 PM

I'd say go with a Factory Tech valve body. Greg knows his stuff, and i've never seen a company with better customer service EVER!
i'd rather just swap out valve bodies, than go drilling my own and all that stuff, and risk messing something up. And with the FTVB, it comes with different sets of springs and stuff, so you can set it up how you like it. for instance one set of springs is for street performance, the other for competition drag racing.

Y2kXLTSport · #6 04-27-2003, 12:25 AM

I can second Gregg and his customer service. I bought one of his early model 4R70W units and eventually had to have it professionally installed.

It shifts way cleaner than my TransGo unit did. Firm when I want it and smooth when my wife is in the truck. I've chirped 1-2 and 2-3 with my 4.6L motor.

Again a second on great product and great customer service.

oomilkman · #7 04-27-2003, 12:32 AM

Thanks both Harley#356 and Y2kXLTSport for your input. You have both mentioned a guy by the name of Gregg. Where would i be able to reach him at and i'm guessing he will be able to answer any other questions that i may have. thanks again

-MilkMaN

Harley#356 · #8 04-27-2003, 07:49 PM

Greg goes by the name of FactoryTech here at the forums. Look up his screen name and i'm sure you'll find alot about his great service really quick

oomilkman · #9 04-28-2003, 05:41 PM

Alrighty then, thanks for the help guys!!
Better shifts here i come

-MilkMaN

davet · #10 05-04-2003, 01:45 PM

I installed a Banks Trans-Command on my 97 Expedition with the E40-D/4R-100 transmission. I am extremely pleased with it. I have a transmission temperature gauge and noticed the temp to run around 15-20 degrees cooler since the Banks Trans- Command. I live in MN and the temperature outside can get as low as -40F and into the high 90's. I've never had a problem with the shifting in extreme temps. I also pull a 5,600 lb trailer with a Jeep on it in the summer and usually have 400-500 lbs of tools and spare parts in the Expedition. I also use Amsoil Universal ATF. I don't know anything about the different kits out there but the Banks increases line pressure proportionate to throttle position and the speed of the vehicle. It essentially senses the load on the transmission and increases the line pressure accordingly. It uses the stock solenoids to do this. Whether thats good or not I don't know enough to say. I just haven't had any problems. If you are empty and give her WOT from a light she will shift nice and firmly. If you are empty and just want to drive normally you might not notice the shift being any firmer. If you have a load on and just take off easy from a light your shifts will be firmer because it senses that you are giving it more throttle just to get going. According to Banks the pressure is never increased more than 33%. I chose the Banks because I'm not stuck with a firm shift all the time.