Joe,
This was written either by a complete idiot or a practical joker. The Torqueflite
has been around for eons and has built a reputation for toughness (Yea Bill I can
hear you cheering now, this coming from Mr. 5 spd.). the very early OD autos had a
problem in the OD unit but that was resolved long ago, I believe it was a snap ring
but don't quote me on it.
Anyhow the way automatics are made to shift smoother is by overlapping the shifts,
for exampe during the 2 -3 shift the 2nd gear band releases gradualy while the 3rd
gear clutches engage gradually. The net result is for a moment both 2 and 3 are
slipping.
A shift improvment kit dereases this "gear" overlap which when you think about it
will cause LESS wear on the tranny.
Hope this helps,
KW
Joe Borg wrote:
> I just visited a web site listed below dedicated to transmission and
> rear performance upgrades. Although the owner rarely responds to such
> general email, I got the following response which I anm forwarding to
> the group for discussion.
>
> I remember someone in the group commenting on installing a shift kit
> with NO improvement in E.T. in the quarter but improved driveability.
>
> The following is my original post and the reply I recieved:
>
> Joe Borg
>
> ______________________________ Forward Header __________________________________
> Subject: Re: 1998 Dakota / 318 / auto / 2wd (posi)
> Author: Ken Bachellerie <celery@thegrid.net> at internet
> Date: 2/17/98 12:27 PM
>
> At 01:34 PM 2/17/98 -0500, you wrote:
> >
> > I just visited your site and found your article on transmission
> > shifting very informative. I have been trying to get an answer on this
> > on the net for quite some time and have finally been pointed in your
> > direction.
> > The vehicle: 1998 Dakota / 318 / 3.55 posi rear / auto transmission /
> > K/N open element air filter / flowmaster 2 chamber muffler w/ 2.5"
> > exhaust.
> >
> > The question: can anything be done on these transmissions to improve
> > shift speed. Currently, floored off the line, the truck will smoke
> > tires into 2nd gear. The problem is the shift feels way to soft and
> > time consuming (1st to 2nd). Mopar Performance & B/M both offer shift
> > improver kits and B/M offers a transpack. The application is street
> > and 1/4 mile strip use.
> >
> > Thanks very much. Joe Borg
> > joe.borg@ccmail.dowjones.com
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
> Your transmission is extremely weak, in design, so a soft shift is very
> desireable to extend transmission life. I would definately not attempt to
> crisp the shifts, as this will just blow the transmission that much more
> quickly.
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Ken Bachellerie
> _________________________________________
>
> "The Drive Train Page"
> http://www.thegrid.net/thedrivetrainpage
> _________________________________________
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