which 4r70w shift kit

[matp232]

Hello all, I'm searching through shift kits right now but having trouble deciding on which one. I've done plenty of shift kits in GM's but never a ford 4r70w. Trans only has 20k on it so I'd like to take advantage and crack it open early. Trans shifts like it's full of mashed potatoes. Something I would expect from a Cadillac not a truck. already have a trans cooler that I'll be upgrading but I'm just looking for a good shift kit that would provide good quick shifts but not U-joint snapping, Just something firm. I need the truck for towing pretty much so I'm trying to build it to last. There seems to be a few from transgo and I'd like to stay away from b&m because they're hard on internals. Anybody have experience with a transgo kit? If so which one?

 

[sicaz66]

Don't buy a shift kit.do the j mod with the upgraded Pistons. Just did mine.works awesome!

 

[Josh P]

I used the recalibration kit from baumann engineering when I swapped a 4R70W into my 68 cougar.

 

[matp232]

I read up about that jmod. I get mixed reviews. Some guys had great success and some I really screwed that trans up and Josh i never heard of that kit, is it more or less a shift kit or something else?

 

[sicaz66]

It is the upgrade to trans from the ford engineer that designed it.

 

[transman304]

I use this Sonnax line boost valve Part 4R70W-LB
Best bet would be to get the software retuned. This valve is an easy DIY deal. Have tried turning the screw on EPC 1/8-1/4 with mixed success. Then started using this part and have not had any complaints. There are other wear issues that really cant be addressed with a shift kit. I looked but did not see what year you have. I would go ahead and replace the check balls with Ford E0AZ-7E195B. You will need 7 as they tend to disintegrate and will get pushed through the plate. Also use the Superior separator plate K092. Good luck, let us know how it works out.

 

[Centaurus5.0]

https://www.bcawebstore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=3

I put this in the Centaurus and couldn't be happier.

Crisp shifts and no more lazy 3-4.

If it's a 96' transmission and not a rebuild, you will want to change out to updated accumulators.

You won't need the HD separator plate if it is a 96', that is for 00' and up.

 

[matp232]

It is a 96. Only 20k on build. That's what I'm looking for. I hate the stock mushy crap. Too much slip for my liking. 96 came with HD plate?

https://www.bcawebstore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=3

I put this in the Centaurus and couldn't be happier.

Crisp shifts and no more lazy 3-4.

If it's a 96' transmission and not a rebuild, you will want to change out to updated accumulators.

You won't need the HD separator plate if it is a 96', that is for 00' and up.

 

[transman304]

The 96-00 had a stiffener plate that Ford eliminated in 01 that tends to cause cracks in the separator plate.

 

[Josh P]

I read up about that jmod. I get mixed reviews. Some guys had great success and some I really screwed that trans up and Josh i never heard of that kit, is it more or less a shift kit or something else?

Kit came with springs, drill bits, detailed instructions and probably a few parts I'm forgetting since it's been a few years. I'm impressed with how quick and firm the shifts are.

 

[matp232]

Kit came with springs, drill bits, detailed instructions and probably a few parts I'm forgetting since it's been a few years. I'm impressed with how quick and firm the shifts are.

Not neck snapping?

 

[Josh P]

Not neck snapping?

5 levels of shift firmness, 1 and 2 are almost stock. I set mine at 3 which is just under neck snapping, more like tire chirping with each shift. 4 or 5 would be neck snapping.

 

[kdspapa]

I use this Sonnax line boost valve Part 4R70W-LB
Best bet would be to get the software retuned. This valve is an easy DIY deal. Have tried turning the screw on EPC 1/8-1/4 with mixed success. Then started using this part and have not had any complaints. There are other wear issues that really cant be addressed with a shift kit. I looked but did not see what year you have. I would go ahead and replace the check balls with Ford E0AZ-7E195B. You will need 7 as they tend to disintegrate and will get pushed through the plate. Also use the Superior separator plate K092. Good luck, let us know how it works out.

Does the Sonnax line boost valve Part 4R70W-LB kit require me to drop my trans to install?

 

[CDW6212R]

Does the Sonnax line boost valve Part 4R70W-LB kit require me to drop my trans to install?

No, just the valve body. The 4R70W needs more than one part to improve it overall, or for firmer shifting. The VB is usually the weakest link in any automatic, almost any VB parts available are helpful.

Sonnax is the best right now at producing upgrade components for Ford automatics. I suggest all of their 4R70W VB parts, which all but one can be had in one kit. That ***- LB kit from Sonnax was the last which they created, and they haven't included it in their large upgrade kit. That one item is at least $75 last I looked, and I think it's very helpful for any AODE/4R70W trans.

There are other items that can use upgrades, simply replacing the accumulators and solenoids is a big help, all of which can be done with the pan off. The Jerry's Mod is a very good upgrade, those are the latest revisions which did come in 2003 and 2004 4R70W's(03/04 Mustang V6's). It's easy to to perform those simple hole modifications. The accumulator springs are also potential weak links, replace if you can find the right replacement parts.

 

[kdspapa]

No, just the valve body. The 4R70W needs more than one part to improve it overall, or for firmer shifting. The VB is usually the weakest link in any automatic, almost any VB parts available are helpful.

Sonnax is the best right now at producing upgrade components for Ford automatics. I suggest all of their 4R70W VB parts, which all but one can be had in one kit. That ***- LB kit from Sonnax was the last which they created, and they haven't included it in their large upgrade kit. That one item is at least $75 last I looked, and I think it's very helpful for any AODE/4R70W trans.

There are other items that can use upgrades, simply replacing the accumulators and solenoids is a big help, all of which can be done with the pan off. The Jerry's Mod is a very good upgrade, those are the latest revisions which did come in 2003 and 2004 4R70W's(03/04 Mustang V6's). It's easy to to perform those simple hole modifications. The accumulator springs are also potential weak links, replace if you can find the right replacement parts.

It sounds like it's just what I need. Does it come with instructions?

 

[CDW6212R]

I'm not sure if Sonnax has any detailed instructions for their VB items, that LB-1 kit had something in the small box. It's been ages since I bought any of those kits, the Zip Kit is the one I think has everything available in it except for that ### LB-1 item.

Look on their website, it's generally very clear in each description page. I think the big Zip Kit had good instructions. I have always bought the ATSG manuals for each automatic I have worked on. Those are relatively thin and concise, plus they used to be inexpensive($15ish new long ago). Those have pictures that are detailed and may be the same as in full sized Ford manuals.

Try this for the LB-1 kit; 4r70w-lb1 Sonnax Line Pressure Booster Kit 4r75w AODE for sale online | eBay

Update, the Zip Kit is at Jeg's for $120, those have gone way up lately.