Slow Shifts? or just normal?

[RedHotMark96]

I'm frustrated with the laggy shifting on my transmission. It seems like it takes its time shifting into gear. Im not sure specifically how long between shifts, but I think in most cases it takes more than 1 second, and it sometimes takes like 2 seconds to shift into reverse. At WOT this gets on my nerves, the 1-2, 2-1, and 3-1 shifts. Ive read its bad to shift out of overdrive at WOT, so I generally turn OD off to force downshift to 3rd, then hit the throttle to shift it to 2nd, in both cases seems slow.

Now it never slips out of gear, the revs never shoot high mid-shift, and it always completes the desired shift. But is this simply the normal 'comfy-shift' nature that my upcoming j-mod (and accumulater spring upgrade) will cure, or is there something wrong with the transmission?

I think my trans fluid was changed about 10k ago, Im not sure whats in it now, but it was done by a respectable goodyear shop whom I trust. But I know they simply go buy what their computer tells them. Since there was a TSB calling for Mercon V, does this mean most reputable shops are aware of this?

 

[crownvicjim]

i think its just the way these trannys are.mine is the same way and it is dissapointing. you would think that with how advanced these cars were for there time there would have been firmer shifts at least under WOT. but thats what j-mods are for.

 

[brentalan]

You can install a shift improver kit to firm/quicken up the shifts. I am very happy with one from Bauman Engineering that I have in my car:

http://www.becontrols.com/products/products.htm

 

[kustomizingkid]

these cars were Lincolns, they were meant to give you the nicest possible ride, not harsh shifts.

A jmod will take care of all the problems you describe.

 

[unity]

ditto on the JMod. Shift kits can destroy an already weak transmission design. JMod is meant to give it more life while also GREATLY improving shifts and was designed by one of the engineer at Ford that worked on this trans.

Plus its virtually free to do. Best to have new drill bits and a fresh case of Mercon V fluid. Or I think there are still people selling the already drilled version of the separator plate.

For more info, search: JMod

 

[mmtphoto]

I did a Transgo in my Mark at 117,000 miles along with the 1-2 and 2-3 accumulator, drained the TC and trans, new Mercon 5 and filter-Love it, fun and fast, not difficult to do, didn't cost an arm and leg. Check it out.

 

[crownvicjim]

these cars were Lincolns, they were meant to give you the nicest possible ride, not harsh shifts.

A jmod will take care of all the problems you describe.

NO,NO,NO. they were a lincoln yes, but not your grampas lincoln. this car was never targeted to someone that didnt want it to be somewhat sporty in the first place. for example: lsc trim. lsc shoulda had a firmer shift. 32v 4.6 cobra engine: not a slouch. they just missed on the tranny in my opinion.

 

[kustomizingkid]

It was a Lincoln no matter what way you look at it, and it was marketed to a person who would buy a Lincoln, not someone who would buy a mustang.

I have a Crown Vic Police Interceptor, a vehicle built to see the abuse of police service. The shifts in that car were weak at best and they were never marketed to anyone but the police.

On another note I would not recomend transgo in the 4r70w, it just isn't good for the tranny. The jmod is next to free, and was thought up by one of the engineers that built the tranny. There is nothing that will protect your tranny better than the jmod.

 

[mmtphoto]

I did almost 70,000 on my 93 with a transgo before it got totaled by another driver turning if front of me at an intersection-now have about 12,000 on my 96, same modification. Never any trans problems since doing it, shifts hard, barks second and chirps third at will-if your trans is already trashed, it will not cure it, but if it is in decent shape, a transgo will not destroy it, it will improve it and you will, I guarantee, smile.
I thought my 96 was going to need a rebuild especially because it took so long going from one gear to another-that creates a lot of wear and heat, two things that destroy a trans. Simply installing the shift kit with the other necessary fixes on these trans (Mercon 5 throughout, 1-2, 2-3 accumulator) and I am certain this trans will last as long as the engine-that is a long time, the engine's on these cars are really overbuilt.
Like I said earlier, at least look into it, lots of satisfied customers. If you drove my Mark, you'd understand why I think this is what you need. I did the Jmod on my 93, and it was better, but the shift kit brought it to another level.
It will transform a slushbox into a trans that will snap your head back, provided it's not too far gone. Do the Jmod first, if you are happy, quit there.
I have a 70 GTO with a built 400 trans and have a Transgo in it, and that's why I did this to my 93 and now my 96-so much fun, it should be illegal.

 

[RedHotMark96]

thanks for the responces.
So do i have to drain the trans fluid when I install a cooler or not? Is this something I should do at the same time as the jmod?

 

[unity]

Yup, all at once. Prepare for a fluid bath!

Get a cooler to install - thats pretty easy to do. There is a factory cooler but it goes into the radiator, its a heat exchange. But the lines are already there then. Make sure to slide the hose over the lines a good amount and double worm clamp.

The JMod is easier than it looks. Here is something that will help a little:
http://www.tccoa.com/articles/tranny/transmission/shiftybusiness.shtml

Make sure you drain the Torque Convertor, there is a drain plug on it but you will have to rotate it to find it.