Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) shift kit? 47RH

[SPatyna]

Just a Quick ?:-- Is it advisable to install a shift kit in my stock 47rh to crispen up the shifts, such as transgo? I've been adivsed by a reputable trans repair facility that putting in a BD pressure lock, or shift kit wiill eventually break the bands in the 47 rh as the trans is not that tough. I pull a 10,000lb. arctic fox a few times a year during holidays, through , hiilly mountanious terrain. My truck is 94ctd/ auto/ 4:10 rear 2wd/ fuel plate230/605 #6/ 4" turbo back exhaust/ free flow air intake/ stock injectors/ turbo---30# boost max/ Autometer gauges/ amsoil throughout/ . Trans only runs at 125deg. F max most of the time, with RV , and usually has a hard time hitting 100deg. in cooler weather with no RV. I am original owner since 94, 73,000, mi , 16mpg towing, and have gotten 30+mpg unloaded, hard to believe but true. Sometimes i wonder if my trans temp gauge is even working it runs so cool, all wires are connected correct. Highest temp i have seen is 185 deg. on a very steep long pull. ---Thanks for any info. --S. Patyna

 

[Joe G.]

I don't think the bands are a problem. Has anyone heard of a band breaking in a non-competition truck?

 

[Breed]

I did a shift kit in my 98 12 valve, works good, no problems, over 20 k on the clock of the new transmission.

 

[WilsonF]

Are you saying that you put the shift kit on a new trans?

 

[Breed]

When I had my 98 CTD 12 Valve transmission rebuilt, I put a better torque converter and Kevlar bands with a shift kit, and it works great for towing.

 

[SPatyna]

Reg: 47RH shift kit.

Thanks, to all for replying first of all. And to Mr. Wilson, I have not installed a shift kit yet, I,m just looking for anyone's experience who has already done this to a stock 47RH, and if there were any consequences, considering my power level is higher than stock. To put it simply, how much power increase can the stock 47rh take , as i am around the 230hp/ 605 torq. level right now with plate#6, and the vendor's say the stock trans wouldn;t handle the higher rated fuel plate/ 650 torq. / 250hp , i could be wrong . ---S. Patyna

 

[WilsonF]

Are you saying that you put the shift kit on a new trans?

I was asking Breed if he put the shift kit on his old transmission, and if it helped or was it no his new one?

 

[BHuebner]

I was told when i had my transmission built that the shift kit for the 518 wasnt worth it. he said better flow and a billet converter were the best options. (known the owners for many years)the reason i had mine rebuilt after 120k is because i use to leave it in 2nd gear while winding through mountain roads. burned up the 2nd gear bands.

 

[JoeBioDiesel]

I've tried a couple of them. I've been happiest with the Superior kits. It took me a little fooling around to get the pressure right, but I'm happy with it now. I recommend that you don't put the 3-4 accumulator spring in it. It makes it harsher than necessary, unless you're drag racing. For normal use and towing, it's overkill.

If you're doing it yourself, set the pressure on the high side, and drop it until you don't get a 2-3 and 3-2 clunk. Unfortunately you have to drop the pan every time you want to adjust it.

Joe