TC lockout switch

[BSoldie]

I just ordered my TST Power Kit and boost gauge. Looks like the bug is starting to get me! Anyway, if I install the TC lockout switch as described in the TST catalog, will driveability be changed when the switch is off? Also, how if at all, is this detrimental to the transmission? My truck is a 97 auto.

 

[JConley]

The TC lockout switch will ruin your transmission over time. The parts to install the switch only cost a few bucks, The transmission repair will be in the thousands. Do a search on this subject, and you will get a lot of information. After that search, search for DTT or Bill Kondolay. More reading than you can imagine.

 

[Joe G.]

I disagree that the switch will ruin your transmission over time. I do agree that DTT Smart Controller is better.



You can destroy your torque convertor clutch if the lock up switch is misused! If you do not do that then it works very well. The thing to avoid is putting too much power thru a locked TCC. In other words no hard excelleration and no hard pulling. No lugging. Don't let it shift when it's locked and don't kill the engine by stopping with it locked. With all that said, I would not be without mine. My exhaust brake would be worthless without some way to force lock the TCC. I've rigged a push button on the floor near where an old style dimmer switch would be. That button is wired in series with the switch and the ground. By stepping on the button I can immediately and easily unlock the TCC. There are two basic ways to wire the switch. One way is to just put a ground on the TCC lockup solenoid wire by using a single throw single pole switch. There is a problem with this method. You cannot force an UNLOCK. I used a double throw single pole switch with center off. With this method the lockup solenoid wire is cut. The transmission end is attached to the center pole on the switch, the computer end of the wire to one of the outer poles, and the ground to the other. If the switch is in the center the TCC cannot lock even by computer control. Connected to one pole the lockup behavior is stock computer controlled. To the other pole the lockup solenoid is grounded so it will lock and stay locked.

 

[JConley]

Joe.

I see by your signature that you already have a DTT TC and valve body in place? Are you using a lockout switch with a DTT TC and VB?

 

[Joe G.]

Yep.

 

[BSoldie]

Thanks for putting things in perspective, guys. It was nice to get two different opinions on the TC switch. I will do a search for additional info as suggested, but my initial feeling is that without an exhaust brake ( as my truck is not equipped), and not being able to feed in full power with the TC locked then it probably isn't really what I'm looking for. I would basically like to improve my transmission performance ( firmer shifting), but I am not able to invest huge dollars in it right now so I will have to wait a little bit until I can. Thanks again for the replies!

 

[JConley]

If you are looking for the added performance, I would install the valve body. This will give you the firmer shifts, and you can install the VB yourself.

 

[Joe G.]

The valve body will give you better shifts and more pressure so everything works better. However, the big problem is that the stock TC is the power killer. An aftermarket TC is NOT cheap!! If you can't install it yourself there is a pretty good bill for labor because the trans has to come out.

 

[ZEEEW]

Will a transmission kit, say a stage 2, and a DTT do ok for a little more power, say 600 torque, or is a "new" v/b needed?



Eric

 

[JConley]

If you are going to add any more power, you have to up your line pressure by replacing the VB. A friend of mine added a mild fuel plate and nothing else. His transmission shudders (i. e TC slipping and crying) every time it shifted in to OD. I am running over 600 Ft/lbs, and I would have already destroyed the transmission if I didnt have the VB installed.

 

[Joe G.]

Eric,



You can get away with a shift kit, but a DTT VB is really superior. Price is pretty good too. Beware of the quality of shift kits. I had a bad part in one and it ended up thrashing my trans before I figured out what was wrong. You have to have the extra pressure of a shift kit or VB for power upgrades. A DTT VB is the best and you can get it taylored to your needs. After you get that far you are still not getting your power to the ground like you should be because of the sloppy stock TC. Just heating up ATF. The difference in performance with a DTT TC is phenomenal. It drives like a different truck.