Anbody using a shift kit in the AODE trans?

[Poboys 99]

Im not liking the mushy shifts and thinking some sort of shift improver kit would help, it's a 98 AWD Explorer 5.0. Are they worth it or maybe just hold out for PCM programmer and do it that way?

 

[Cobraguy]

PCM programmer cannot do what a shift kit can...and vice versa. And some shift kits are junk. But I installed a Transgo kit in my 4R70W I just rebuilt and I have to tell you...this thing is absolutely PERFECT in the way it shifts. I have used Transgo kits on all brands of transmissions over the years. I am sold on their engineering. They address a couple of problems with this kit that others don't. You don't want any high performance kit for street use. Get their kit that runs about $50 or so. That's the one you want. They also do a mod that allows the vehicle to start out in 2nd gear for about half a turn of the wheels, then goes to 1st as normal. Ford actually does this in certain situations on the Lincoln Ls too. It's to keep from shocking the trans hard. But I didn't want that feature, so there is a step you eliminate to prevent that. The Transgo guys were very helpful with the information I needed to understand what they were doing and why. Good folks...give them a try.

 

[Poboys 99]

Great, thanks for the info. Im hoping I wont over stress the trans or anything, I believe it's the original but not sure.

 

[storlied]

Whats the difference in performance between starting in 2nd or not??????????

 

[35Remmy]

Hmm..our '99 5.0 AWD doesn't shift mushy at ALL. In fact, I've always LOVED the way it shifts, which is actually pretty tight and firm.

 

[Cobraguy]

Whats the difference in performance between starting in 2nd or not??????????

I'm not sure what you're asking there. The Transgo kit...if installed as recommended...makes a modification that has the car start in 2nd gear for about a half a turn of the rear wheels...then goes back to 1st and runs out normally. Transgo says it's to prevent shocking the internals and case so hard. It makes perfect sense. But I don't plan on abusing mine at all, so I left that out. So if you're asking if you can discern a difference between the two methods, I can't answer that as I never tried the 2nd gear start method. But it must not be much or they wouldn't get away with it, eh?

 

[storlied]

It seems to me like starting out in 2nd, even for a moment would hurt acceleration, 0-60..ect.. ???

Is starting out in 2nd even a good idea for WOT? Also, what do people mean they can now hold any gear?

 

[Cobraguy]

The 2nd gear start at WOT would be easier on the trans than the 1st gear start. That's why they did it. Remember, it's so short a time frame you probably would never notice it. I would be willing to bet there is no difference in the 0-60 times. Ford has been known to employ this technology from the factory.

 

[storlied]

Oh weird, but thanks.. just the answer I was looking for.

Edit: But wait, what do people mean by they can now [after shift kit] hold any gear?

Also, how much do you think a shop will charge to install? [and possibly put in amsoil fluid]