I TESTIFY--Shift Kit--ZZP to TEP

**REDCRAPGP** · 12-10-2012

Most will reuse the stock gasket if it's still in good condition.

**Burbman** · 12-10-2012

Mr D, what fluid did you use? Dexron 6 or 3?

**Mr D** · 12-10-2012

I didn't take pics--not doing 'how-to' b/c so many people know so much more than me.

Can't recommend any fluids, don't have enough experience w/ the different types. I threw away bottles so can't so exact type of trans fluid I used. I did read around about it, & from what I understand, most trans fluid brands are ok as long as they match your owner's manual, so I use autozone brand, black jug that I think says Dex/Merc, works for GM & Ford. I'm pretty suspect of additives, but have read lots of good reviews about Lucas. So I went w/ cheap trans fluid with good additive. Like I said, the Lucas product was thick, about the viscosity of honey, or thicker.

Its great that the forum has responded to thread, so I just snapped a few 'after' pics that might help clarify. I ordered the TEP combo kit, $89 plus shipping.

This is the Lucas product I chose. Lucas makes several.

http://i1172.photobucket.com/albums/...e/IMAG0567.jpg

In this pic, I laid out the pieces so that the OE parts that I removed and replaced w/ new from kit are in the left column--2 springs, 1 spacer plate and 3 o-rings--there is 1 small o-ring on the white paper in bottom left that goes in servo (the one I removed looked identical and in perfect condition). The kit also comes with a new filter, but no pan gasket.

On top of the box are the plastic ZZP shims that I previously installed and a scrub pad that came w/ TEP kit. Below the box are the 2 parts I could not install; the filter seal & the servo o-ring.

In the right column is the instruction sheet w/ the parts that can only be installed if you do more than just remove pan. Instructions for those parts are on the back of the sheet.

http://i1172.photobucket.com/albums/...e/IMAG0568.jpg

The last pic is a closer view of instruction sheet. Its really just a pictorial, no real instructions come with it. Just take it apart, and compare whats there w/ whats in the instructions. The springs are color coded w/ a strip of paint, its pretty straight forward--replace o-rings w/ new, replace 2 of the springs w/ new, add 3 new springs & 3 new METAL shims.

http://i1172.photobucket.com/albums/...e/IMAG0569.jpg

Hey, for me, just dropping the trans pan was scary the 1st time, but do it. The $150 I spent on kit & fluids beats anything a tranny shop would tell me. I won't be brash & say its like a brand new trans, but its truly night & day difference.

Good luck! Enjoy your ride!

**Sudden** · 12-10-2012

^ That's like a repair kit?

**HVACgtp** · 12-10-2012

i cant wait to get a kit, thanks for the thread man!

**Trannyman95** · 12-11-2012

Somewhere in the tech section I have a writeup of how to install the Transgo lower accumulator body parts with detailed pics. If I recall the last time I looked at it there was a problem with the pics but would be nice to have that usable and even stickied in this section since it is a popular upgrade.

**BillBoost37** · 12-11-2012

Dave, I likely have the pics some...er where.

Guys, the filter seal and pan gasket are expected to be reused as long as: The filter fits snugly in the seal. If not, swap it out. It's not a pain the way I suggested. And the gasket gets reused as long as it's the metal inlaid factory gasket and it's not ripped/torn/abused in any way. Typically there isn't any issue with them and you cruise right along.

**Burbman** · 12-11-2012

I couldn't find it in the tech section....a lot of the links there are broken.

**DirtDog** · 12-11-2012

If u need a link to a good write up I can post the one I used in a couple minutes

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**Burbman** · 12-11-2012

That would be awesome, thank you! Waiting for the kit to ship from TEP, planning the job for Saturday.

**matt5112** · 12-11-2012

its on ls1tech in the ls4 section IIRC.

**DirtDog** · 12-11-2012

Shift kit install, very detailed (56K go watch a movie) - LS1TECH
heres the link to the page that i used

**Burbman** · 12-11-2012

Ok thanks!

**DirtDog** · 12-11-2012

if you follow that link step by step for taking that accumulator out and back in and the instructions that come with the trans go shift kit than you will have no problem installing it.

**BillBoost37** · 12-12-2012

If you can look at a picture and do what it shows you... you'll have no problem.

**Burbman** · 12-16-2012

I am here to TESTIFY with brother D...can I get an AMEN?

Installed the TransGo kit yesterday along with a bottle of Lucas and a new filter. What a difference! Shifts are quick and firm. I can run it at WOT from a standing start and it hits every gear right when it's supposed to, no slipping. Drops nicely into 4th at about 85mph.

The TransGo kit itself is easy enough to install, but it's clearly marketed to professional trans techs, not the DIY guy. For example, the kit includes the scotch brite pad, but nowhere in the instructions does it say to scuff the accumulator bores. The kit includes new seals for the accumulator pistons but doesn't tell you that's what they are for. The kit also includes a few additional parts and seals to address known wear points on the 4T65E but I think the trans has to come out or at least more apart than just the pan to get to them. Fortunately there are a couple of good write ups on the web, even though they were for different brand shift kits.

The basics of the process are removing the accumulator assembly form the bottom of the trans, then taking the cover off it on the bench and opening up the piston/bore assembly. With the TransGo kit, you basically replace the factory springs inside the accumulator with color coded ones that come with the kit, and add a couple spacers that slide on the actuator rods. Put it back together and re-install, if you can turn a wrench this is an easy job.

One problem that I do have is a shudder at 75 mph...only happens after you've been on the highway for a few minutes, and only when you are accelerating. Back off the throttle and she is smooth as glass. If I manually shift down into 3 the symptoms are identical so I don't think it's trans related, maybe an axle? Any tips on what else I can do to narrow it down?

**DirtDog** · 12-16-2012

Check ur cv half shafts and make sure the boots aren't broken or busted. Also u could check the hubs as they are known to wear out. To check hub jack the car up and put on stands. Then grab the tire at the 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock and see if there is any play in the hub

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