Manually downshifting AOD

[okc2KGT]

I searched this topic but couldnt find a direct answer. I have a 2000 GT with an AOD. If i have it in D (electronic overdrive off) and i manually downshift to 2nd at say 45 mph there is a little jerk and hesitation, but if i downshift at 40, its so smooth that it feels like i didnt even downshift. Would it be safe to put it in 2 at 40? I dont do this often, just when i need to, if you know what i mean.

One more question, if i were to get a manual valve body, which one would you recommend and what else do i need to go along with it? Install price estimates would be a plus also.

Thanks

 

[dkshadow]

I do that everytime. I dont think itll cause that much damage. The 4R70W is a pretty stout tranny. I downshift to slow me down quicker and for the hell of it whenever Im on the highway, I downshift it to 2nd from 65mph and floor it. Gives me better reaction than having the tranny downshift by itself

As far as Valve bodies go, I believe theyre around $299. I dont know about the install so I cant say much but it shouldnt be hard to install it yourself.

 

[2002BLGT]

jerking is bad if it doesnt shift smooth then dont do it

 

[chrisbudl1]

A shift kit would probably be a smart idea if you do that alot. I really don't know what tranny came with your stang, but it would be a lot cheaper to get the shift kit, vs. a new tranny. Try searching for something called a jmod for transmissions. I was going to perform one on my t-bird before I traded it on a cobra. the j mod was concieved by one of the engineers who designed transmissions for ford. You can find all kinds of info at www.tccoa.com if you have the same 4r70 as t birds. good luck

 

[dkshadow]

A shift kit would probably be a smart idea if you do that alot. I really don't know what tranny came with your stang, but it would be a lot cheaper to get the shift kit, vs. a new tranny. Try searching for something called a jmod for transmissions. I was going to perform one on my t-bird before I traded it on a cobra. the j mod was concieved by one of the engineers who designed transmissions for ford. You can find all kinds of info at www.tccoa.com if you have the same 4r70 as t birds. good luck

Why would he need to buy a new tranny? All he wants is the Valve body. The Jerry Mod all you do is modify the Valve body. So itll be around the same thing except one is free. Oh and also one having to be up/downshifted everytime

 

[tarch]

If you really want to downshift a lot, get a Tranny Cooler... i would recommend the B&M 24000 GVW cooler... that's what i will be getting in a few weeks/months

 

[chrisbudl1]

Why would he need to buy a new tranny? All he wants is the Valve body. The Jerry Mod all you do is modify the Valve body. So itll be around the same thing except one is free. Oh and also one having to be up/downshifted everytime

I was simply stateing that a shift kit is cheaper than a new transmission in the event that he tore something up manually shifting the stock tranny. He did say If I were to get....... It sounds like he is thinking about getting one, not that he is going to. Sorry if I didn't make sense!

 

[keystonedragger]

bad news for you downshifting fellas

A shift kit would probably be a smart idea if you do that alot. I really don't know what tranny came with your stang, but it would be a lot cheaper to get the shift kit, vs. a new tranny. Try searching for something called a jmod for transmissions. I was going to perform one on my t-bird before I traded it on a cobra. the j mod was concieved by one of the engineers who designed transmissions for ford. You can find all kinds of info at www.tccoa.com if you have the same 4r70 as t birds. good luck

i have a 98 mustang gt with the 4r70w automatic. i installed a b & m shift kit in it last summer, summer of 03. i now need a new one. it slips like crazy and on cold days takes about 20 seconds to go into gear the first time. i believe this is from beating on it AND downshifting, i would downshift it all the time like you guys are saying, even tapping the gas to eleviate the jerk of the shift. so now my tranny is junk and my car only has about 70k miles on it. just something to think about. i'd hate to see you guys in here next year talking about doing a tranny swap like i am. t56 conversion is on it's way. good luck to you guys if you keep doing it. i can't be 100% positive downshifting is what did it but do you REALLY need to do it when theres a chance of ruining your tranny?

 

[dkshadow]

i have a 98 mustang gt with the 4r70w automatic. i installed a b & m shift kit in it last summer, summer of 03. i now need a new one. it slips like crazy and on cold days takes about 20 seconds to go into gear the first time. i believe this is from beating on it AND downshifting, i would downshift it all the time like you guys are saying, even tapping the gas to eleviate the jerk of the shift. so now my tranny is junk and my car only has about 70k miles on it. just something to think about. i'd hate to see you guys in here next year talking about doing a tranny swap like i am. t56 conversion is on it's way. good luck to you guys if you keep doing it. i can't be 100% positive downshifting is what did it but do you REALLY need to do it when theres a chance of ruining your tranny?

It may have been the shift kit.


A manual valve body shouldnt do any harm.