Transmission Shift Point Altration

[Bigmellon]

Does anyone know if there is a device made to alter the tranny shift points on a 4.0L Explorer? I have heard of something in the past that you plug in as an intermediate between the EEC and transmission...

I do not want a "chip" for my truck, but would like to get the darn thing to shift descently. I am not an old man, and I am not happy with excessive slippage. I would ideally like her to hit a little when it shifts. Maybe then, i could merge on the highway more effectively!!

Thanks,
-Kyle

 

[kps36]

Before you do that, not that I have ever heard of anything short of a chip, well 'real' that is.
A little more info on the truck would help like miles, 4wd, axle ratio ...
I assume from your tone it is the auto, the year would indicate what type. That aside, a full drain (do a search for it here) of the ATF, and replace with synthetic (AMSoil or Redline) will do wonders for the tranny. The process for the 4x4 is rather time consuming, and can be expensive, 8-9 quarts at @$8 per, but it is definitely worth it.If it is slipping that bad, my guess is that you are low on ATF anyway.
Beware of those 'shift improvers', snake oil at best.

 

[leebo]

Both the Hypertech and the Superchip will alter the auto's shift points. In your case though a shift kit may be in the order. There are sever ways that these work from altering the fluids path to a computer controlled shift points. Check out the link for a few products for the ford.

http://www.truckperformance.com/shift.improvement.kits/?cartID=2001010404532663.20.39.93&make=FORD

I'm not sure if the trany you have is listed, but I do know they make them for the explorers

I'd also like to welcome you to the site. You'll find anything and everything all right here.

 

[Bill Kemp]

B & M Electronic Shift Plus kit will firm up your shifts. It has three settings and it does work. The shift points remain the same though.

 

[Bigmellon]

Originally posted by kps36
Before you do that, not that I have ever heard of anything short of a chip, well 'real' that is.
A little more info on the truck would help like miles, 4wd, axle ratio ...

My vehicle is a 2001 Explorer Sport Trac, 9000 miles, 4x4, 4.10 gears, auto tranny, 4.0L, and stock tires and rims (soon to become 285/75/16's!)

It isn't that it is worn out, but rather that Ford did too much NVH (Noise Vibration and Harshness) on the vehicle. Basiaclly, you can't feel it shift. The only real way to know it has shifted is by watching the tach... To do this, they "slip" the tranny. Unfortunately, the more you slip it to get this semi-desireable characterisric, the shorter the life span of the tranny becomes. Besides, I just like a firm shift!

I would love to firm up the shift. I guess that is a more acurate description of what i am looking for. It would be nice to alter the shift points as well. I will check into the parts you guys have listed here. I really appreciate all of the info.

-Kyle

 

[Bigmellon]

Originally posted by leebo
In your case though a shift kit may be in the order. There are sever ways that these work from altering the fluids path to a computer controlled shift points.

I'd also like to welcome you to the site. You'll find anything and everything all right here.

I checked out the weblink and I was impressed. there are a LOT of products that are exactly what I am looking for. These are really neat. They plug in between the controller and tranny and give a stiffer shift so the clutches don't slip as much!! Thank you so much!

Thanks for the warm welcome as well...

Another question: Do you have any idea what model of transmission is in the newer explorers or where I may find that information out?? Is it the E4OD??? It sounds familiar for some reason...

 

[yob_yeknom]

Don't quote me on this but I think the 2001 Explorers with the 4.0's have a 5 speed auto transmission. I'm not sure though so don't hold me to it.
I'm trying to build your vehicle on the Ford website to see what transmission it would have. I can't seem to get connected to their site right now though...

 

[Robert]

Your Sport Trac has the 5R55E 5-speed automatic transmission. If you don't mind paying for premium gas and getting increased power and better shift strategy as a side benefit a SuperChip will do what you are wanting. I have one on my '97 SOHC V6 with 5R55E transmission. Under normal driving conditions, the transmission make a quick "snap" as it shifts. Before the SuperChip, I couldn't feel the shifts either. Full throttle shift points have been increased about 500 RPM. Finally, the shift strategy was greatly improved on my '97. If I was cruising along at 50MPH and floored it, my transmission would first downshift into 4th, then 3rd, and then finally into 2nd. It resulted in a 1-2 second delay before getting into the right gear for passing. Now under the same circumstances, it shifts straight from 5th to 2nd for instantaneous acceleration. Some people have seen an increase in gas mileage to offset the added cost of premium, but I haven't seen it. The added power is worth the extra cost to me though.

 

[Robert Gardner]

firmer shifts and better torque

I second that vote for a Superchip. They are the real deal, and 50 % of the satisfaction is feeling the difference in ****ing. I know the before and after in my 4.0L 5-speed auto
(probaly the same drive train as you have) and it was worth the money.
Robert

 

[jimbo74]

i changed the tranny fluid in my truck and replaced it with b&m trickshift. it says its safe to use in almost any type of car and is very close to type f. it has made my tranny a lot firmer and it accelerates better and holds out shifting to 4800 rpm @ WOT it is blue

 

[Bigmellon]

B&M Electronic Shift Plus kit will firm up your shifts. It has three settings and it does work. The shift points remain the same though.

I have checked into this and have found that this only costs $39.00!!! Can you guys give me some more info on this?? Maybe some more real experience on the benefits of this device??/ Problems/benefits kind of thing...

I am iffy about getting a chip for my vehicle. I don't think I want to be running premium fuel, and the cost of the is a big deal to me. I can't justify $300 for that right now. All I am really looking for is a firm shift for now, and I am eyeing up that $39!!!

 

[jimbo74]

i wouldnt do the 39 dollar thing because i have seen it. it is a small air filter and valve that "t" into the vacumn modulator line and thus will allow air into your vacumn controlled shifting mechanism. it is supposed to make it shift firmer causing undo wear on the tranny when doing the "garage shift" and it really will not alter the shift points but rather will make the tranny shift harder and harsher

 

[Bigmellon]

Originally posted by jimabena74
i wouldnt do the 39 dollar thing because i have seen it. it is a small air filter and valve that "t" into the vacumn modulator line.

I was under the impression it was an electronics module... Something that plugged into the wiring harness. ??// Now I am REALLY confused...

Thanks,
-Kyle

 

[Alec]

The B&M modules are different from different years. From what I can tell, the 94- version does the vacuum leak valve thingy, and the 95+ is totally electronic. I'm really thinking about the electronic one for my Explorer....

 

[jimbo74]

yup alec's right 91-94 is the vacumn leak thing for the A$LD tranny and the electronic one is for later models sorry about the confusion

 

[jimbo74]

oops it a 4 not a $ I was holdin down the shift key it should say A4LD

 

[CHH777]

Believe me, the $ instead of 4 is quite appropriate...

 

[jimbo74]

your funny

 

[Alec]

Hmm, so should I get the electronic one for my 96? I'm worried about the lifespan of the tranny with the new supercharger. The shifts are really smooth now, almost too smooth. The ride is very good due to this smoothness, but I'm worried about too much slippage.

 

[Bigmellon]

The dvice is electronic and I am checking availablity!!!

I have been talking to a guy at Thunder performance. From what he knows, they have electronic transmision shift kits for all models up to '99. He is checking on my '01...

All you need to know is your transmission model# (on the sticker inside the door) and they can get you a stiffer shifting transmission! If you would like to call the place I am dealing with the # is: (770) 529-8415. It is a small shop, but friendly service. (Atlanta, GA)

If they have one for my truck, I will get it and let you all know if I like it. Good/Bad, whatever... I almost don't think I could go wrong. This is exactly what i have been looking for, and the price is right!!!

-Kyle