700R4 rough shift

[mduenas]

I had a 700R4 put into my truck, bolting up to a 302, made possible by bowtie overdrive. It is a fully rebuilt transmission with 0 miles on it. I went to the shop and test drove my truck and it shifts rough. If I am at full acceleration it is a very rough shift, at normal acceleration it is less clunky, but can still feel a harsh shift. Is this normal? Or should it be a smooth shift and feel almost nothing?
I have the FiTech system installed, on 33’s and stock gearing.


Also side note, since it is an automatic now I had an Idit tilt steering column put in with the gear selector viewer at the top. Is there a way to have the gear selector light up? As at night I would have 0 idea of what gear I have selected since I can’t see a thing.

 

[spap]

It sounds like, that whoever rebuilt the trans put and aggressive shift kit in. That’s why you are getting the fast hard shift. But I have never worked with a 700r but you that didn’t come that way from the factory. I Might be able to take the shift kit out and return it to the stock valve body which should make it smother. I’m sure the idiot column has a light for the gear selector. Either not hooked up or the bulb is bad.

 

[Yeller]

The units from Bowtie are performance units, firm crisp shifts are part of that, it's not unusual for them to even scratch the tires on the 1-2 shift at full throttle. Remember this a modernesk transmission it has nice gearing and is dependable but it is not electronically controlled, it relies on old fashioned mechanical/hydraulic controls to function. Those controls are not as smooth as a fully electronic modern unit, that's part of the reason the OEM's went to electronic controls, folks didn't want to feel the shifts. Personally I hate how modern transmissions shift that have not been programmed.

 

[toddz69]

Call Bowtie in the morning and I'm sure they can help. It sounds like a shop installed it for you? Perhaps they can call and help diagnose the issue.

I've had a Level 2 Bowtie transmission in my truck for 10 years now and it shifts 'nice'. By nice, it's firm but not harsh.

I'm guessing there's something off with the pressures in the trans which can probably be traced back to something with the throttle valve assembly. Bowtie usually won't initiate the warranty on the trans until the installer calls and gives them pressures at various points so it would be good to find out if the installer did that.

Todd Z.

 

[mduenas]

Call Bowtie in the morning and I'm sure they can help. It sounds like a shop installed it for you? Perhaps they can call and help diagnose the issue.

I've had a Level 2 Bowtie transmission in my truck for 10 years now and it shifts 'nice'. By nice, it's firm but not harsh.

I'm guessing there's something off with the pressures in the trans which can probably be traced back to something with the throttle valve assembly. Bowtie usually won't initiate the warranty on the trans until the installer calls and gives them pressures at various points so it would be good to find out if the installer did that.

Todd Z.

I definitely planned on calling them tomorrow, I do know that bow tie has all the pressure readings, as the shop trailered my truck to bowtie for another issue they had. So bowtie did look it over, just not sure if they drove or tested it.

Under full acceleration it feels almost as if I dropped the clutch and let it slam into gear.

 

[bronconut73]

To each their own...

Some gear heads love that hard shift.

But if that ain't what you want then get it smoothed out. Don't just live with it.

 

[Bhull]

Check TV cable adjustment

The 700R4 uses a TV (Throttle Valve) to control line pressure. It should be hooked up to your Fitech throttle with a cable. It is adjustable, and loosening the tension, should lower the TV pressure, and should allow for earlier/softer shifts. If you loosen it too much, or start the engine with it disconnected, it will result in really high line pressure and late/hard shifts. It could also be a "shift kit" in the transmission, those cause firm shifts too. It is actually better on the transmission to shift firm, as firm=less internall slippage when engaging the clutches.
Since it is a brand new rebuild, I would still let the builder/installer adjust it, as if it is not adjusted properly, can damage the transmission.

 

[ntsqd]

It is possible to have a decisive shift w/o it being harsh. Harsh is what drag racers want. This is more of a "towing/RV" application in Bowtie's eyes and they should be able to make it right.