Suggested:
Drain and replace transmission fluid and change transmission filter during installation.

Removal: Drain fluid from transmission pan using drain plug if equipped.  If not, consider installing or purchasing a transmission pan that has a drain plug for future maintenance.  Once the transmission has been drained, remove the transmission pan from the transmission. Gently pull filter from the sump end and rotate filter slowly to help in removal.  Be aware that the O-ring seal has been known to stick in the transmission recess that the filter tube fits into.  If the seal does not come out with the transmission filter, you will need to remove the O-ring manually (common event).

Located at the front of the transmission and running the width of the transmission is the accumulator valve body held in place by two nuts (10 mm) and eleven bolts (8 mm).  Remove only the two nuts and bolts that hold the accumulator valve body in place.  Carefully lower the accumulator valve body.  Pay attention to the small filter installed to the left side above the accumulator valve body inserted up into the transmission.  Rotate slightly and gently remove, laying it aside to be installed later during reassembly.  Although you don't need to remove it, you do not want it falling out and you may want to inspect and clean it while you are working in the area.

Accumulator Valve Replacement: Place the accumulator valve body on a clean protected surface with the mating surface up.  There is oil held in the accumulator valve body and when you remove some parts there is a good chance that it may drain out.  I suggest using a large drain pan to lay the valve body in to prevent the oil drainage from damaging anything.  Locate the accumulator valve as indicated by the illustration.  remove the security clip.  If you don't have thin needle nose pliers, you can use a paper clip to remove the security clip.  The accumulator valve is a close tolerance item and may appear stuck in the bore.  There is a shoulder in the valve body that can get "caught" if it isn't lined up just right.  If the accumulator valve does not pop out, try pushing in and releasing quickly to let the inner spring push it out a little.  You can try to manipulate the accumulator valve with pliers if you must, but be careful to not damage the aluminum bore.  As you remove or install parts, they should move freely.  There is no part of the installation that requires excessive force.  Replace the accumulator valve with the Sonnax or Diablo valve using the original inner spring.  If using the Sonnax valve, you will need to install the O-ring before inserting into the accumulator valve body.  Place into bore and install the original security clip to hold it in place.

Tricumulator Spring Replacement Inserting the shift springs is very similar.  Most E4OD's have two springs per bore but some 1997 model years only have one spring per bore.  When inserting the Tricumulator springs, you will want to end up with two springs per bore: one inner spring and one out spring.  If your bores have two springs, you will replace the original inner spring with the Tricumulator spring.  If you only have one spring in the bore, you will want to add the Tricumulator spring to the original outer spring.

The end of the bore has a cap that is drilled and tapped.  One of the bolts that held the accumulator valve body to the transmission will thread into the end of the cap, giving you a "handle" to manipulate it.  Thread a bolt into a cap, push in slightly, and remove the spring clip.  Then, remove the cap and replace or add the Tricumulator spring.  Work your way around the valve body inserting the springs until all of them are installed.

Assembly:
Install the small inner transmission filter and twist slightly to retain it.  Install the accumulator valve body holding it by the two nuts.  Then, tighten the bolts using a uniform sequence starting from the middle and working out.  Tighten the accumulator bolts to 80 in-lb to 100 in-lb of torque.  Note: these are inch-pound specs.  Replace the transmission filter.  Replace the transmission pan and torque the bolts 10 ft-lb to 12 ft-lb.

To refill your transmission pan, assume around 8 to 9 quarts.  If you drain the torque converter, you may take up to 18 quarts.  Fill with about half the amount needed, then add one quart at a time until you reach the full line on the dipstick.  Start the truck and run through the gears with your foot securely on the brake, then re-check the level.