Yea/nay: shift kit in high mileage transmission?

[JC]

So my '92 Chevy truck has 211k on the 700R4 trans. It has been maintained well by the original owner, power flushes every 30k since new. It works OK, just has the typical mushy shifts. I'm thinking of putting a shift kit in it to firm up the shifts, but I don't know if it's wise given the mileage on the unit. On the one hand, the decrease in slippage during shifting might be a good thing. OTOH, the quicker shifts (and possibly the higher-friction Type F trans fluid) might be detrimental to the high-mileage clutches. Any thoughts from the car guys?



JC

 

[OS]

my understanding is that faster/firmer shifts are actually better for clutchpack longevity because shorter shifts means less time that the clutch packs are actually wearing.

 

[Lithium381]

Originally posted by: OS
my understanding is that faster/firmer shifts are actually better for clutchpack longevity because shorter shifts means less time that the clutch packs are actually wearing.

that sounds logical, i'd figure the same thing, it doesn't feel as smooth, but it actually is, funny how that works

 

[thedarkwolf]

Whats the worse that could happen 😉? If it blows you can always pull it apart and put new clutches in it.

 

[JC]

Just pull it apart?!? lol! I'd rather not. I'm hoping maybe the shift kit will firm up the shifts and extend the trans' life so I don't have to pull it out 😛

 

[Viperoni]

My 700R4 was really mushy after similar mileage as well... I'd probably recommend rebuilding with a trans kit as opposed to a transkit alone, because I don't that the quicker shifts would really end up being that much "harder" since the clutch's and stuff are pretty worn out.

 

[iamwiz82]

i'd wait til it died, rebuild it and put in a shift kit