[wittmeba]

A local tranny mech suggested adding a Sonnex kit to my truck (2001 F250 66,000 miles).

It sounds like a couple valves - small package of 3-4. Im just curious how important this can be. He indicates the stock are teflon and flake which may cause them to jam in the cylinder where they slide - resulting in losing gears.

I read member kainers comment that the Sonnex Tri Spring Set (maybe this is the same - maybe not) didnt make much difference but the VB does. Would a Tricumulator be included? If not should it be done too?

VB is out of the question at this time << $$$.

My thought/reason is for transmission reliability - not so much performance. If performance comes with it, fine.

I read where the Sonnex Kit will speed shifts - is this just from a few simple valves or is there more to it.

I like Richter69's thorough comments. Also raises a question. How important is size? (now, keep it clean, guys). Is the .427 dia a good place to start or is that too much without other mods?

Perhaps a summary question will sum it all up - What kind of mods do most for reliability?

I have so much to learn /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif , but I know there is a wealth of information right here on this forum.

 

[Richter69]

the sonnax spring kit and .427 line mod is a good set up, it will not combat the problem of the control valves sticking and burning up the clutch packs. Sonnax does offer a set of control valves to address this. The only problem with the do it yourselfer trying to swap these is the bores need to be resized that they ride in. Sonnax offers a tool for this but by now you are at the cost of a complete modded vb. The .427 is the best size valve.

 

[wittmeba]

If I can pretty much quote what I heard, it was "If the valve sticks it will take out 2nd gear".

Im confident with what he is telling me, but with all the posts about VB, Shift Kits spring kits, etc...Im just wondering if I proceed/while he is in there is there any reliability gains I can add? Im not really clear on all the differences.

I dont have any problems with the tranny, but do tow and plan on keeping the truck.

If I can reduce/prevent problems Im all for it within reasonable costs. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

 

[Richter69]

the 1-2 sticks more due to the return spring for the valve is softer than the others. This is just a good all around mod for the tranny, it will make it live longer. It does not have to be set up for neck snapping shifts either.

 

[Tough_Guy]

I could not be happier with the Sonnax/Spring Kit I installed in my transmission....The shifts are quicker and firmer and has made daily driving more enjoyable. Best $50 I have spent for a while.

Chris

 

[NCHornet]

Why not just spend another $150 and get the entire new valvebody??? I have the FTVB and I love it. My truck finally shifts like it should!!!
When I first installed the FTVB it was a little firm in the 1st-2nd shift, it would have been perfect if I towed more often. One call to Greg Evans and he tuned a VB just for my needs and had it in the mail the same day, now that is customer service!!!
So if you are not happy with the Sonnax install who are you going to call, and are they going to fix it at N/C?
Sometimes spending the extra $$$ hurts (trust me I know!!!) but it is worth it in the long run.

 

[Roadfrog]

[ QUOTE ]
comment that the Sonnex Tri Spring Set (maybe this is the same - maybe not) didnt make much difference but the VB does.

[/ QUOTE ]

Sorry, but that's absolute crap. If a person who installs a Sonnex/tricum kit doesn't notice the difference - they're dead. Obviously an FTVB will also be noticeable because they replace the valves and springs as well. I've just never been satisfied that they did anything ELSE to the FTVB. What else is there to do to it? When I had mt VB out, I wondered about that. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[gregrob]

[ QUOTE ]
What else is there to do to it? When I had mt VB out, I wondered about that. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Some types of VB's (BTS) use a shift plate above the VB and shifts can be further tuned by changing the size of the passageways. When you add a 'Shift Kit' you're increasing pressure in the lower circuit. One of the things a tuned VB should do, is match the increased pressure in the lower circuit, on the high circuit. There are some other differences too, but I'm by no means intimately familiat with the inerds of the beast.

IMHO, the Sonnax is a good mod, a Tuned VB is just better.

.02

 

[Roadfrog]

[ QUOTE ]
There are some other differences too, but I'm by no means intimately familiat with the inerds of the beast.


[/ QUOTE ]

And therein is my still unanswered question. I've received similar answers as yours before when this topic came up, but nobody could unequivically state what the differences were - AND back it up. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif I'm not trying to start an argument, I'm just very curious about this. If what you say is true and I'm convinced by the evidence, I'll be the first to line up for an FTVB! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif Thanks Gregrob.