Abstract: A drop-in signal accumulator piston assembly to replace an original equipment (OE) signal accumulator piston in a vehicle transmission hydraulic circuit, the OE signal accumulator piston positioned in a bore in a valve body having a fluid port. A cylindrical sleeve has open first and second ends with an internal diameter that reduces at a transition therebetween. A piston is positioned in the sleeve and has open and closed ends. The cylindrical sleeve is configured such that the transition in the internal diameter limits movement of the piston within the cylindrical sleeve. A spring is positioned in part in the open end of the piston and in part extending beyond an end of the piston. The sleeve is positioned in the valve body bore, with the piston and the spring positioned in the sleeve. The sleeve, the piston, and the spring are enclosed within the valve body bore.

Abstract: A spring retainer configured to secure a solenoid in a transmission fluid valve body having bores. The solenoid is positioned in the valve body with a neck located at a slot. The spring retainer includes a body having an inverted U-shape with corresponding front and rear walls, the front and rear walls having a top and legs, the legs defining free ends opposite the top, the front and rear walls joined to one another at their respective free ends, at a bend, to space the front and rear walls from one another, the rear wall having a return bend at the top, the return bend extending downward to prevent collapse of the spring retainer when the spring retainer is installed to secure the solenoid in the transmission fluid valve body.

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: A method of preventing damage to a clutch housing includes removing material such that the castellations that are adjacent to each other are separated by second distances that are greater than first distances therebetween before removing the material, where the first distances are sufficient for positioning splines of a clutch plate therein. The method further includes positioning wear inserts where the material was removed from the castellations. The wear inserts positioned with castellations that are adjacent to each other are separated by third distances that are less than the second distances between the castellations that are adjacent to each other. The third widths are sufficient for positioning the splines of the clutch plate therein. The wear inserts prevent the splines of the clutch plate from damaging the clutch housing in use.

Abstract: A spring retainer and a stabilizer for securing a solenoid in a transmission fluid valve body, the valve body having a pair of bores therein collinear with one another and collinear with a movable valve stem, and a slot in the valve body between the bores. The retainer has an inverted U-shaped body having front and rear walls each having a top and a pair of depending legs defining free ends. The front and rear walls are connected at their free ends at a bend. The stabilizer has an inverted U-shaped body corresponding to the spring retainer body and is positioned in the spring retainer between the front and rear walls. A method for stabilizing a solenoid in a valve body is also disclosed.

Abstract: A power flow module for a vehicle automatic transmission. The power flow module includes a direct piston housing, a direct clutch hub, and a direct clutch. A sprag shaft is splined to the direct clutch hub. A bushing support is positioned between the direct piston housing and the sprag shaft to provide at least one of alignment, rigidity, and support thereto.

Abstract: A drop-in valve assembly for a lube flow control valve for an OE valve body. The OE valve body has a bore that communicates with a solenoid inlet port, first and second cooler inlet ports, and a first sump port. A sleeve is configured to be positioned in the bore. The sleeve has openings configured for fluidly communicating with the solenoid inlet port, the first and second cooler inlet ports, and the first sump port therethrough. A valve member is configured to be positioned in the sleeve in the bore and to axially move therein between first and second positions. Moving the valve member from the first position to the second position at least partially reduces fluid communication from the first cooler inlet port to the first sump port and at least partially increases fluid communication from between the first cooler inlet port and the second cooler inlet port.

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, one of the first and second ends defining a reduced diameter region, 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. The sleeve is positioned in the valve body bore, with the piston, and the spring. A method for replacing an original equipment (OE) signal accumulator piston in a transmission hydraulic circuit is also disclosed.

Abstract: A clutch D hub for a transmission having first and second clutch packs and a shaft. A drum has a bottom wall and a sidewall extending therefrom. The bottom wall has an opening and the sidewall has splines formed in an inner surface that extend from an upper edge toward the bottom wall. The splines are engageable with the first clutch pack during operation. A spline hub formed separately from the drum has a top wall and a skirt extending therefrom. The top wall of the spline hub is coupled to the bottom wall of the drum to be non-rotatable relative thereto, so an opening in the top wall coaxially aligns with the opening in the bottom wall of the drum so the shaft is receivable therethrough. The spline hub has axially oriented splines formed in an outer surface, which are engageable with the second clutch pack during operation.

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: A switch valve for a torque converter clutch switch valve body having a bore with line-in and apply ports. The switch valve has a plunger with a bore defined therein. The plunger is configured for moving in the switch valve body bore between first and second positions, whereby fluid communication with the line-in port is prevented and permitted in the first and second positions, respectively. A first spring biases the plunger towards the first position. A limit valve is positioned in the bore of the plunger and has a piston configured for moving in the plunger bore between first and second positions, whereby fluid communication with the apply port is prevented and permitted in the first and second positions, respectively. A second spring biases the limit valve towards the second position. Overpressure from the line-in port moves the piston towards the first position to prevent overpressure to the apply port.

Abstract: A method for assembling a vehicle transmission shift shaft assembly with a 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 method includes positioning a seal on the shift shaft to abut the shift lever, and positioning a spacer on the shift shaft to abut the seal. The method further includes positioning a bushing over the spacer, and positioning a retainer clip on the shift shaft adjacent to the step so as to retain the bushing over the spacer.

Abstract: A drop-in signal accumulator piston assembly to replace an original equipment (OE) signal accumulator piston in a vehicle transmission hydraulic circuit, the OE signal accumulator piston being positioned in a bore in a valve body having an open end and a fluid port. The drop-in signal accumulator piston assembly includes a sleeve having open first and second ends. The sleeve is configured to be positioned within the bore of the valve body with the first end closer than the second end to the fluid port. A piston is positioned in the sleeve and a spring biases the piston towards the fluid port. A plug is positioned in the bore closer to the second end of the sleeve than to the first end of the sleeve to thereby removably retain the sleeve, the piston, and the spring within the bore.

Abstract: A modified hydraulic circuit for an OEM vehicle transmission, which transmission has a forward clutch, a forward clutch hub and a forward sprag having an inner sprag race and an outer sprag race, an overrun clutch and an overrun clutch hub, the forward clutch and the forward sprag providing a link to a planetary gear train to propel the vehicle forward, the forward clutch hub defining the outer sprag race, the overrun clutch hub defining the inner sprag race, a hydraulic valve body having a plurality of passages and a separator plate, and a 1-2 shift valve, a 2-3 shift valve, a 3-4 shift valve and a 3-4 relay valve, and a gear shift valve, includes a blockage in the passage fluidically connecting the 2-3 shift valve to the overrun clutch, a blockage in the passage fluidically connecting the gear shift valve to the 2-3 shift valve, removal of a movable element from the first check valve body and a passage from the gear shift valve to the overrun clutch via the first check valve body, wherein when operating in

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.