Shift Kits

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Years ago, I am giving up my age, transmission shift kits were popular. However I seldom hear about them today and have never read anything on this forum about them.
Has anyone ever put one in a third generation (1998) and if so what was the cost and how did you like it? Pros and cons.
 
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The B&M shift kits are popular in Domestic vehicles but there really isnt one that I have found for our trucks. What is available is a valve body rebuild from IPT(Import Performance Transmissions) and I think the other company is Redline. Basically what they do is clean your valve body, rework some of the passages, change spring rates on some of he valves. This will give firmer shifts and can change shift points just like a shift kit would.

Toyota A340 Series Modified Valve Body

There are some people that have done this themselves by adding a shim/washer to some of the springs to stiffen them.
 
i like transgo shift kits and red eagle clutch packs , i've had good experience with redline valve bodies as well but didn't know they made one for us...not that i've ever really looked into it.

TransGo | A340
 
I have an IPT Valveboddy, plus I shimmed the accumulator springs.

If I am not careful the tires will light up on a down shift on dry pavement.

Its a ton of fun in the gravel though.

It shifts pretty firm, not race car firm, but it's close.

Honestly you can just shim the accumulator shims for 5 bucks, you can make it as firm or smooth as you want. No sense in spending 600 for the IPT stuff IMHO, great company though.
 
Its our collective pleasure.

Why are you interested in running a shift kit, if you dont mind me asking?
 
My shop just overhauled a 340 in a 2000 4runner. We put the Transgo kit in it which is what we normally use. Made me think about putting one in mine lol
 
Dous said:
Its our collective pleasure.

Why are you interested in running a shift kit, if you dont mind me asking?
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I used them years ago in my cars and they gave a much more positive shift as well as saved the clutches. They don't have to be radical to achieve this, just more then what OEM offers.
 
Saved said:
I used them years ago in my cars and they gave a much more positive shift as well as saved the clutches. They don't have to be radical to achieve this, just more then what OEM offers.
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I hear you brother. Well try shimming the accumulator springs, it's really simple, just make sure you shim the right ones. I did it in an afternoon
 
Is there any other vehicles that share the same transmission that may have swappable parts? Like say the Supra? It's common on GM vehicles equipped with 4L60e to swap in Corvette servos for a cheap shift kit.
 
I thought this was a 4runner forum not a street rod forum.:lol: Shift kits were only good for the 1st-2nd shift for the most part. The supercharger on the 4runners is one thing ,but a shift kit? I am just happy to have 4wd and no pink milkshake. I would rather spend shift kit money on a transmission cooler. If you go with the shift kit, let us know what your 1/4 mile times are.:lookout:
 
I dunno I guess on a normal engine the shift kit could make the trans last forever

With a supercharged and fuel mods IMHO it is mandatory. After 3-4 hard pulls my transmission was slipping from 1st to 2nd at WOT. I promptly did the VB upgrade and shimming, still running fine
 
Dous,

You got a writeup for when you did your valvebody? Still havent done mine and have had the blower for almost four years lol.
 
chimpy said:
Sure. Now when and where should we have the "4runners at the track day"?:trophy:
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Actually it is beneficial for more than just 1/4 times. IF it helps clamping pressure and reduce HEAT build up from slipping then it will make our transmission last a lot longer. The main benefit I see is is on the trail when going slow, not at WOT on the street since I don't ever do those types of launches. Might even see a slight increase in mileage since the slippage will be reduced and torque converter lock-up stronger.

On the trail you might encounter an obstacle and need to apply gradually more throttle. I know there have been several I have encountered where it was like a step and giving gentle throttle you could here the motor straining and the transmission clearly not building enough pressure and slipping. Then having to give it more gas than you want it will pop up and now you have to quickly let off or get moving to fast for conditions. This type of scenario will cause excessive HEAT and HEAT is what kills automatic transmissions. Gradually slipping more and more decreasing our already poor fuel mileage.

Just trying to point out a couple different areas that we can benefit from a shift kit most of us would see rather than the 1/4 times.
 
chris360hawks said:
Dous,

You got a writeup for when you did your valvebody? Still havent done mine and have had the blower for almost four years lol.
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I didn't do a writeup. Its quite simple though.

There was a writeup I used on a Supra forum or something though, I will see if I can find it
 
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