Can I Install a DTT VB Myself

[bdaniel]

I can not afford the whole treatment, but I want to install a DTT VB to get firmer shifts.



My question is can an average person install the VB himself. I change my transmission fluid regularly, change the filter, adjust the bands, etc. I grew up around heavy equipment and I'm not afraid to jump into a VB job. How hard is it? What is required beyond an average good set of tools? I don't have any pressure guages.



Does anyone have instructions online?



With my new 5th wheel I'm pulling at my max GCVW of 16,000. On acceleration, the shifts are very soft and I know that is doing no good for the transmission.



Thanks,

Bobby

 

[JConley]

You can do it with one person, but a second set of hands will come in very handy to help hold the VB in place while you attach the linkage, and start to bolt it in. Trust me... a valve body is hard to hold on to when it ( and you) are covered with transmission fluid.

 

[TKilgore]

Yes you can

I have always serviced mine as you have but still had concerns. I just received my VB yesterday and started reading the instructions included. I was very impressed with the detail. It should not be a problem. Go for It.



Tom



P. S. there are some Very good tips and instructions from those that have gone before us on this site. Search, Read, Re-read, Plan, Attack

 

[Joe G.]

Bobby,



It's not too bad a job. The only thing to make you cuss is the aggravating park rod. Put the trans shifter in 1 before you remove the shift linkage. Remove the electrical connectors and external shift linkage. Remove the switch (1" socket) used to prevent starts except in N or P. There is an E clip that holds the park rod in the VB shift arm. Remove it with a small screwdriver and use a pencil magnet to catch it. Push the park rod up until it comes out of the shifter. The manual says to remove the VB with the park rod attached. DON'T TRY THAT! It's almost impossible to put it back attached to the VB. Leave the park rod in the trans. The torque for the VB attachment screws is 105 inch lbs. DON'T over tighten! Putting the park rod back in the shift lever is where the cussing starts. Before installing the VB put a piece of wire around the park rod so you can pull down on it. Use a screw driver to get the end of the rod started into the hole in the linkage. It's a little bit of a struggle to get it to start but it should pull down ok once it's straight. The DTT VB comes with a tool to start the e-clip back in place. Seat it with a small screwdriver. Pull the wire out. Oh yeah, the accumulator spring and piston falls out and scares you when you remove the VB. I think the DTT VB comes with a tool to hold the piston and spring in place when you install the VB. Don't forget to remove the tool before tightening the VB bolts. You need a big drip pan because there is a LOT of ATF that pours out when the VB is loosened.



If I left anything out or got something wrong I hope someone chimes in.



I hope this helps.

 

[Joe G.]

Bobby,



In order to get the shifts the way they should be you have to go into the transmission, but that's not a simple task. The stock lip seal in the front drum doesn't hold the increased pressure as well as it should. Maybe DC used the later version in your truck but I doubt it. Even with the old style lip seal the DTT VB makes a BIG difference! The shifts are nice and firm without banging like some aftermarket VBs and shift kits.

 

[fortunate1]

You should be able to change out vb's pretty easily, I think. Joe is right. Lots of drainage. I bought a 10 gal. "Rubbermaid" storage bin with a lid for about $8. It is sized to fit under the transmission pan, and is large enough to extend beyond the edges of the vb so all the ATF is collected. I can cover the bin and set it aside if I don't want to deal with the recycling center right then. One other tip: use this opportunity to install a Mag Hy-tec pan (double deep, if you can swing it) so that you don't have to deal with dropping the pan everytime you want to change the ATF. You will still want to drop the pan every 2-3 ATF changes to change the filter and perform the "messy" band adjustment.



Phil