Hi Bakerlite,
Nice thread. I don't have much to contribute in the way of experience considering I am in the process of my first transmission build, see the thread for photos and commentary (
http://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/showthread.php?t=245164). So it goes with out saying that I have limited knowledge on the subject.
You may ask yourself what can he contribute... and I offer the following.
In preparing for my build I spent an awful lot of time researching the different levels of overhaul kits and why one may choose one kit over another. I also looked into popular modifications, things like apply lever ratios, spring weight (both clutch pack and servo) friction material for bands and plates, overrun bearing and billet parts (and more). I also opted to include a transgo TF2 kit into the mix.
My personal reason for adding the shift kit during the build was laziness. I wanted to build the main (read:drive line) section the best that I could and install the shift kit to improve the stock setup and immediately reap any benefits the shift kit has to offer with regards to longevity.
For those who didn't read the thread I posted ^^^up there^^ these are the highlights of my build:
Parts:
· Transtar super deluxe Kit for TF8 (62-up) Gasket Kit, Sealing Ring Kit, Pump Seal, Extension Housing Seal, High/Reverse Friction, Smooth/Foward Friction, Front/Rear Steel, Large Dacron Filter, Front Flex Band, Washer Kit, Front Babbitt Bushing, Front Drum Bushing, Annulus Gear Bushing, Extension Housing Bushing, Reaction Bushing
· Billet Rear servo piston
· 3.8 Ratio kick down lever (using a flex band)
· Front Clutch springs
· Accumulator blocker rod (using 2800 stall converter)
· Bolt-in overrunning assembly (sprag)
· Bushing Kit (unused goes into inventory)
· Washer and shim Kit (unused goes into inventory)
· Transgo-tf2 shift kit
· Magnetic drain plug kit
· Neutral safety switch
· Line fittings
Spec’s:
My trans is set to the following :
1. Rear clutch pack clearance is .040
2. Front clutch clearance is .045
3. Planetary play is .025
4. Total end play clearance is .024
5. Front clutch pack increased from the 6 springs to 12
6. Front (KD) servo using both spring 45# inner/45#outer ( I have a 20# inner in inventory that can be switched in later)
7. L/R servo has the Transgo Spring and bush
8. Transgo restriction cup installed
9. Rear band adjusted to 3/8" of travel
10. Front band adjusted to 72in# backed out 2.5 turns
With the main section done I'm moving on to the valve body. For the valve body I intend to follow the Transgo instructions exactly (excluding the L/R piston grind, and optional shift command feature) because that is how the kit was designed.
Once I've completed the the valve body this unit will become my baseline moving forward (assuming It works and doesn't blow up ;P). I think that before one begins to tweak or tune the system, they need to establish a Norm that can be used as a basis for comparison. If I need to make changes in the future I will not need to drop the trans (unless something goes horribly wrong) to tune it which includes the cup.
If I need to I can remove the cup and tap the 2-3 port to accept different jets to moderate the rate by which the clutch is applied (read:timing) to control stiffness and flare.
I'll give you a read out after I get it back into the car and take it for a ride.
Take care