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Transmission Shifting

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Big Exhuast 4" for 1st Gens

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I just installed the DTT converter into my wifes truck. The old converter cracked along the weld on the front hub. I also made some adjustments to the AFC diaphram to try and help the off the line performance problem that the much tighter converter produced. I was trying to bring the fuel on sooner- more smoke and more power, right?

I didn't make any adjustments to the transmission while it was out but I bought the truck used and know that someone has had the transmission out before.

The transmission doesn't want to shift as soon as it did before. It likes to hold the gears much longer, especially OD. Did I knock something out of adjustment on the transmission? Or maybe the TPS when I put it back on? Does the new TC change the pressure settings in the transmission. Or did I damage the transmission when I limped it home after the old TC cracked - It didn't seem to get hot but it did nearly run out of fluid.

This is my fisrt thread, hopefully I've given enough info for some help.
 
I not a trans expert but maybe someone else will jump in know. Sounds like you need to adjust your shift cable or arm. Do you have a shop manual?It describes the adjustment. I'm talking about the cable were throttle linkage is. it has a lock on it you pop up the lock tab with a screwdriver etc and only move it slightly. you may have to experiment with direction. Manual explains which directon holds shift longer or less.
 
SGTLawson,



Could you clarify something a bit please..... you said...

"... . The transmission doesn't want to shift as soon as it did before. It likes to hold the gears much longer, especially OD... . "



What do you mean it likes to "hold" longer especially OD. Does it just refuse to gear up at normal throttle pressures, eg: 1600 RPM or so. (that is usually considered about " mild/med throttle)



First, the TC change should have no effect on the shifting that I'm aware of... now I may be wrong and you should give Bill Kondolay a call since it's his TC. He'll work you to death to find that answer.

Ph# 604-504-4002.



Now, first the TPS. The TPS sends a signal (along with other components) to tell the transmission to go into OD, or drop out of OD.

The TPS is responsible for OD only, that is 3-4, 4-3 shift.

If the OD shift is delaying too long, you might try adjusting the TPS voltage DOWN a bit. I have a text file that I have used/developed for just this purpose if you want it.

Generally though, the TPS voltage taken at the center wire (orange) should read between . 5'ish vdc and 1. 0 vdc.

To do this, hook the "+" probe of the voltmeter to the center connector (orage) and the "-" to the "-" on the battery. Then, turn the key to "on"... do not start truck. Read the voltage and make note of it for future reference.

The lower the setting the sooner the 3-4 shift should happen. The higher the setting the later the 3-4 shift will happen.

Let me know if you want the full "how to " file and I'll email it to you.



As for the other shift problems, keep in mind I'm not a transmission tech, but here goes... . :D



The throttle valve cable will change/adjust the shift points for your 1,2,3 ~ 3,2,1 shifts.



You need to look under the hood, at the throttle valve cable connection, on the throttle cam.

Both the gas peddle (throttle linkage) and the throttle valve cable connect to the 'cam'. The TVC (throttle valve cable) attaches to the 'cam' on the engine side of the cam. It has a long slotted end.

You should see that a majority of the 'slot' is on the front side of the connector post, with a tiny bit of the slot on the rear side of the connector post.

Grasp the front (long end) and pull it forward. Did it move/creep forward more before stopping??? If so, it means that the TVC is not returning fully, properly. You can attach a light "universal throttle spring" to the front end of the slot and the other end at a convenient place/bracket ahead of it. The purpose is to pull the TVC cable full forward when throttle is at idle positon.



Once you confirmed that the cable returns fully forward, or fixed so it does go to the next step.

When you look down from above the TVC connection on the cam post, you'll have a slight gap at the back side, between the slot end and the connector post.

According to the DC manual, that gap should be set at a preliminary gap of . 180" or 1/8".

You can use a broken off 1/8" drill bit shank or anything fairly precise to set this.

Follow the cable back to the mounting bracket (about 6" back).

You will see a little lock-tab... . it is on the very top, facing forward.

Got your drill bit ready?????

Use something to scratch a mark on the slotted end of the TVC just ahead of the connector post. You want to be able to return to the exact spot it was in before you make any changes.

Now, hold the long end of the TVC, use a screwdriver to lift the lock-tab, and allow the slotted TVC end to move until the 1/8" bit end just fits in the slot on the back side.

Once it does, click down the lock-tab.

Test drive with engine/transmission at operating temp.

Did it help or make it worse??? If worse, then redo the adjustment and make the gap a bit smaller/larger, and test drive again.

Care MUST be taken doing this as going too far one way or another can "pooch" a transmission pretty quick if driven maladjusted for any length of time.



Give that a try, as well as calling Bill for some advice. Tell him I suggested you call for help.



Good luck... .



Bob
 
What I ment by holding a gear longer is that when getting on the freeway the engine revs way up- no tach going, by sound- then it shifts into OD. The truck then softly lurches fwd. As for the 2-3 shift when driving around town it will hold 2nd gear unless you fiddle with the accelerator pedal. more gas, less gas.

I think that I've been given plenty of information to take a shot at tweeking the linkage this weekend. Thank you very much for your time. I turn to this forum for every question I have. This was the first time I had to ask directly. I can usually find the answer by searching the past postings. Thanks again, I'll let you know if I get this thing fixed.
 
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