I am looking at purchasing a used 02 F150 with 80k. One big thing I am concerned with is that it has a shift kit installed (professionally). I am concerned with the reliability of the kit. Are they in general easier or harder on transmissions? By getting this truck with the shift kit (few months old) am I setting myself up for more problems down the road? Thanks in advance!!

 

Shift kits in general are meant to improve the shift quality and also to make the transmission last longer. The quicker shifts are easier on the transmission as long as they aren't overly firm. So, assuming its a quality shift kit installed properly it should help your transmission, not hurt it.

- Erik

 

sounds like someone cared about the life of the tranny

 

It would be a good idea to find out what shift kit was installed.

 

My shift kit installed by me eight years ago on tow, not street/strip, with a superchip worked fine! Had a snap ring break on overdrive fell into valvebody, no overdrive! Had to get trans overhauled at 140,000 miles!
I would buy truck!

 

I had the same snap ring issue and solved it by replacing the valve body. It runs great once again.