i agree sir. Even though some tag the shiftkit as a "band-aid" solution, you yourself can personally attest that going 15,000 miles without any issues hardly qualifies as a mere band-aid solution. Its more like a permanent fix
I was hesitant to only replace just one 2-3 spring when i havent opened the accumulator yet, but after seeing the 2 top springs, it was very evident that the 1-2 was more "soft" and thinner than the stock 2-3 spring on the 2-3 chamber. So i went ahead and replaced the 1-2 spring, thus making both top springs on the 1-2 and stock 2-3 identical in firmness and thickness. So for anyone who wants to replace the top springs, just one new 2-3 ac delco spring is enough.
The transgo bottom springs were also very easy to install since the transgo shift kit cam with a very clear visual diagram on the installation of the 2 long shims and 1 short shim (for the 2-3 chamber's top spring). All the springs from transgo are color-coded, making it virtually error free in following the instructions. It also came with other parts for the valve body, which i did not use anymore since i was not opening the valve body anyway.
Putting back the aluminum tubes into the accumulator and servo was also easy. You just need to ensure that its all the way in.
I used Dexton VI, about 8 bottles.
It took us about 2 hours....not rushing the process. We went to a gas station and rented their hydraulic lifter and just gave the gas station the equivalent of USD12.00 in our local currency in the Philippines for the use of the lifter. It was worth the cost since we didnt have to liedown under the van while working. We were also not showered with fluid. haha.
I have not quite decided on the coolers though. I have to think it over because the line from the tranny in a chevy venture is a bit long. The aluminum part that rests under the radiator lining stretches about 36 inches from the point where it is connected to a rubber hose. So i still do not know where i should i cut the line.....is it at the hose connector part, or CUT the aluminum part just under the radiator base? Your thoughts on this sir?
Again, thank you for your post. It was very helpful. I firmly believe that we wont be experiencing the hardshift anymore, and i will be at ease, knowing that the clutch wont get burnt because of high pressure.
By the way, I also asked the gas station to blow compressed air into the condenser and radiator for 20 minutes to remove dust and debris.....then ran high-pressure water for 15 minutes....i must say, it was VERY VERY helpful because my operating temp for the chevy venture is good now. not more problems. we found that it was clogged, especially the space between the radiator and condensor....
