Abstract: A bushing assembly is configured for a vehicle transmission shift shaft, the shift shaft having a first diameter, a shift lever fixedly mounted to an end thereof, and a step defining a second diameter smaller than the first diameter along a length thereof. The bushing assembly includes a seal, a spacer, such as a spacer sleeve, and a bushing. The seal is positioned on the shaft abutting the shift lever, the spacer is positioned on the shaft abutting the seal, and the bushing is positioned over the spacer. A kit for replacement of an OE bushing and a method to replace a bushing are also disclosed.

Abstract: A drop-in signal accumulator piston assembly replaces an original equipment (OE) signal accumulator piston in a vehicle transmission hydraulic circuit. The OE signal accumulator piston is positioned in a bore in a valve body that has an open end and a fluid port. The drop-in signal accumulator piston assembly includes a cylindrical sleeve having open first and second ends and a piston positioned in the sleeve. A spring is positioned in part in the piston and in part extending beyond and end of the piston. A plug is positioned in the bore adjacent the sleeve. The sleeve is positioned in the valve body bore, with the piston, and the spring, and the plug is positioned in the valve body bore to enclose the sleeve, the piston and the spring in the valve body bore. A method for replacing an original equipment (OE) signal accumulator piston in a transmission hydraulic circuit is disclosed.

Abstract: A kit for modifying a transmission input housing includes an overrun piston sleeve positioned on an outer surface of an input housing inner stepped portion, an overrun piston configured to mate with the overrun piston sleeve, and a replacement forward piston housing. An inner diameter of the overrun piston is larger than an inner diameter of an OE overrun piston. A forward piston sleeve is positioned on the outer surface of the input housing inner stepped conical portion adjacent the overrun sleeve. A forward piston mates with the forward piston sleeve. The forward piston has an inner diameter that is larger than an inner diameter of an OE forward piston. Seals are positioned between the forward piston and the forward piston sleeve and between the overrun piston and the forward piston at an outer diameter of the overrun piston.

Abstract: A kit for modifying an OE vehicle transmission includes a replacement forward piston housing, forward clutch hub and a forward clutch and a replacement direct piston housing, direct clutch hub and a direct clutch. A drum extends between and operably connects the replacement forward piston housing and direct piston housing. The kit includes a replacement sprag shaft. The forward clutch hub and forward clutch and the direct clutch hub and direct clutch are positioned between the forward piston housing and the direct piston housing. At least a portion of the forward clutch and at least a portion of the direct clutch are operably mounted to the drum. The forward piston housing and direct piston housing do not counter rotate relative to one another. A power flow module for an OE vehicle automatic transmission is disclosed.

Abstract: An automatic transmission includes a clutch hub assembly having a clutch hub and a housing assembly having a housing shaft and a piston dam. The clutch hub may define an inner portion between an outer radial wall, an inner radial wall and a forward axial wall, and extend about a central opening. The clutch hub may further include one or more first oil holes extending through the outer radial wall, one or more second oil holes extending through the inner radial wall, and an oil dam projecting radially inward from the inner radial wall. An oil flow path extends from the central opening through the one or more second oil holes, the inner portion, and the one or more first oil holes.

Abstract: A drop-in lube boost valve assembly replaces an OE lube boost valve assembly in a vehicle transmission hydraulic circuit. The OE valve assembly has a valve body with inlet, balancing and outlet ports. The drop-in valve assembly includes a sleeve having inlet and outlet ports, and a bore extending between and fluidically connecting the ports. The drop-in valve ports are spaced from each other. The sleeve includes valve and spring chambers. A valve has a valve face, a sealing portion and a spring stem and is positioned in the sleeve with the sealing portion positioned in the sleeve bore. A spring is positioned on the spring stem. The valve reciprocates in the sleeve between an open state in which the sealing portion does not overlie the sleeve outlet port and a closed state in which the sealing portion overlies and closes off the outlet port.

Abstract: A kit for modifying an OE vehicle transmission includes a replacement forward piston housing, forward clutch hub and a forward clutch and a replacement direct piston housing, direct clutch hub and a direct clutch. A drum extends between and operably connects the replacement forward piston housing and direct piston housing. The kit includes a replacement sprag shaft. The forward clutch hub and forward clutch and the direct clutch hub and direct clutch are positioned between the forward piston housing and the direct piston housing. At least a portion of the forward clutch and at least a portion of the direct clutch are operably mounted to the drum. The forward piston housing and direct piston housing do not counter rotate relative to one another. A power flow module for an OE vehicle automatic transmission is disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses can be used to adjust the torque transfer capacity and improve the overall performance and longevity of a clutch assembly. Through the use of various improved clutch components disclosed herein, it is possible to: (1) increase clutch apply forces through an increase in the fluid pressure apply surface area, or piston reaction area, of a clutch piston, thereby increasing frictional forces generated within a clutch pack for transferring input torque from a drive shaft to a driven shaft; (2) improve clutch plate contact conditions through a more rigid clutch pressure plate configuration, thereby reducing clutch pack/plate distortion and supporting structure deformation and/or wear that can otherwise lead to excessive heat generation and overall clutch performance degradation and/or failure; and/or (3) improve the clutch assembly's ability to dissipate and/or tolerate heat generated through clutch plate friction by means of an improved clutch pack configuration.

Abstract: Methods of repairing a torque converter that enable the continued use of a torque converter and result in a repaired torque converter with a higher-strength and more durable construction. In some examples, a backing ring can be replaced with a replacement backing ring that includes a spline ring for replacing the function of a cover spline ring. In some examples, a method of repairing a torque converter can be improved by providing a replacement backing ring with a radial protrusion for locating the backing ring on the cover, and a method of determining an axial location of the radial protrusion.

Abstract: An automatic transmission includes a clutch hub assembly having a clutch hub and a housing assembly having a housing shaft and a piston dam. The clutch hub may define an inner portion between an outer radial wall, an inner radial wall and a forward axial wall, and extend about a central opening. The clutch hub may further include one or more first oil holes extending through the outer radial wall, one or more second oil holes extending through the inner radial wall, and an oil dam projecting radially inward from the inner radial wall. An oil flow path extends from the central opening through the one or more second oil holes, the inner portion, and the one or more first oil holes.

Abstract: Methods of repairing a torque converter that enable the continued use of a torque converter and result in a repaired torque converter with a higher-strength and more durable construction. In some examples, a backing ring can be replaced with a replacement backing ring that includes a spline ring for replacing the function of a cover spline ring. In some examples, a method of repairing a torque converter can be improved by providing a replacement backing ring with a radial protrusion for locating the backing ring on the cover, and a method of determining an axial location of the radial protrusion.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses can be used to adjust the torque transfer capacity and improve the overall performance and longevity of a clutch assembly. Through the use of various improved clutch components disclosed herein, it is possible to: (1) increase clutch apply forces through an increase in the fluid pressure apply surface area, or piston reaction area, of a clutch piston, thereby increasing frictional forces generated within a clutch pack for transferring input torque from a drive shaft to a driven shaft; (2) improve clutch plate contact conditions through a more rigid clutch pressure plate configuration, thereby reducing clutch pack/plate distortion and supporting structure deformation and/or wear that can otherwise lead to excessive heat generation and overall clutch performance degradation and/or failure; and/or (3) improve the clutch assembly's ability to dissipate and/or tolerate heat generated through clutch plate friction by means of an improved clutch pack configuration.

Abstract: Methods of modifying a OE prior art transmission, including Ford's AOD, AODE and 4R70W transmissions, to strengthen the transmission by replacing components known to fail. In one example, the intermediate shaft and direct clutch cylinder of an OE transmission are replaced to eliminate the splined connection joining the two components, to simultaneously eliminate the weak splined connection while also making space within the transmission available for an increased diameter shaft. Aspects of the present disclosure also include kits for increasing the strength of a transmission and methods of assembling a transmission.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses can be used to adjust the torque transfer capacity and improve the overall performance and longevity of a clutch assembly. Through the use of various improved clutch components disclosed herein, it is possible to: (1) increase clutch apply forces through an increase in the fluid pressure apply surface area, or piston reaction area, of a clutch piston, thereby increasing frictional forces generated within a clutch pack for transferring input torque from a drive shaft to a driven shaft; (2) improve clutch plate contact conditions through a more rigid clutch pressure plate configuration, thereby reducing clutch pack/plate distortion and supporting structure deformation and/or wear that can otherwise lead to excessive heat generation and overall clutch performance degradation and/or failure; and/or (3) improve the clutch assembly's ability to dissipate and/or tolerate heat generated through clutch plate friction by means of an improved clutch pack configuration.

Abstract: Methods of repairing a torque converter that enable the continued use of a torque converter and result in a repaired torque converter with a higher-strength and more durable construction. In some examples, a backing ring can be replaced with a replacement backing ring that includes a spline ring for replacing the function of a cover spline ring. In some examples, a method of repairing a torque converter can be improved by providing a replacement backing ring with a radial protrusion for locating the backing ring on the cover, and a method of determining an axial location of the radial protrusion.

Abstract: Methods of modifying a GM Powerglide low range servo assembly for high line pressure applications as well as replacement components for Powerglide low range servo assemblies and replacement low range servo assemblies.

Abstract: A piston apply ring for providing a more uniform load distribution from an apply piston to clutch plates in a clutch apply piston assembly, effectively increasing the lifetime of various components of the clutch apply piston assembly, is disclosed. An L-shaped cross-sectional shape of the piston apply ring helps locate the apply ring on the clutch apply piston and prevents torsional movement between the apply ring and the apply piston. Various alternative embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for modifying certain prior art automatic transmissions to strengthen the transmission and eliminate a tendency of the transmissions to fail as well as components for doing the same. Some aspects also include kits for modifying a transmission to increase the strength of the transmission. In some examples, the hydraulic system of a General Motor's model number 4L80E transmission is modified so that an overrun clutch is engaged in more modes of operation than the original equipment prior art 4L80E transmission in order to minimize a tendency for an overdrive roller clutch to fail.

Abstract: In an automotive automatic transmission, a force applying piston mounted on a servo pin is supported at both sides of the piston. A first end of the servo pin is conventionally supported in a servo pin bore. A second, extended end is supported in a specially configured support bore formed in the assembly cover. Excentric loading and excessive wear of the servo pin and servo pin bore, which can result in damage to the piston, is reduced or eliminated thereby.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include methods of modifying a transmission valve body to increase a line pressure response in certain hydraulic shift control system configurations. In one example, a Daimler Chrysler 46RE or 47RE transmission valve body may be modified to have a higher and more rapid line pressure increase when the transmission is in fourth gear and when the torque converter clutch (TCC) is engaged. Aspects of the present disclosure also include methods of modifying a transmission valve body to allow TCC engagement in any gear. Aspects of the present disclosure also include replacement valve bodies, as well as kits for modifying a 46RE or 47RE valve body to perform like a 48RE valve body.