Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) 47RH 3-4 shift

[Grinder1]

Has anyone out there figured out how to eliminate the very annoying #@$%!3 gear lock-OD unlock-OD lock shift sequence on a 47RH transmission? I realize that it dampens the load on the OD clutch pack when going from 3rd to 4th gear. I think that I can turn my TCC switch to lock when in 3rd, and it will stay locked going into 4th, but don't want to leave a trail of parts down the pavement. What successes (or failures) have my fellow TDR gearheads had with improving the 47RH?

 

[Joe G.]

I lock mine in 3rd and let it shift that way to OD or out of OD. However, I'm easy on the pedal when it up shifts to reduce the shock. On a down shift I give it a little pedal to increase RPM when it shifts.

 

[Grinder1]

OK Joe, that seems like a good way to do 3-4 and 4-3 shifting. I notice that you have a DTT valve body. How did the new VB effect your shift points and firmness? How does the DTT VB compare to the TransGo #SKTFOD Diesel shift kit?

 

[Joe G.]

I have had this VB almost as long as DTT has been in business so I don't really remember how the stock VB worked. I certainly cannot compare a current version of DTT's VB with a shift kit. However, I had a problem caused by a bad part in a Transgo shift kit before I bought the DTT VB. The shift kit bad part caused me to have to overhaul my transmission. I recently replaced my worn out DTT TC with a new triple disk DTT TC. Very nice gadget.

 

[Grinder1]

Do you remember what part was defective in that TransGo kit? I am VERY interested as I have a new kit sitting on my shop bench waiting to be installed. Did you or a transmission shop do shift kit install?

 

[Joe G.]

There was a little aluminum spacer that goes in the front servo. In mine it was a little bit too thick, but I didn't notice it. That caused a snap ring to not seat like it should. The result was that the front servo failed and dropped the rod into the pan. The front band was then loose and there was a big mess. I'm almost deaf and could not get anyone at Transgo to respond to emails. When my wife called they brushed her off. I got no help from them for the problems caused by that failure. I had to overhaul the transmission. After that I got a DTT VB which is still working fine.

 

[Grinder1]

My TransGo kit does not have the servo spacer, a new spring is used instead. How long ago did that VB/trans failure occur?

 

[Joe G.]

'96 or '97, can't remember for sure.