Superior Shift Correction kit - anybody tried one? - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

240Demon · #16 10-24-2008, 12:22 AM

I just installed this kit...and I must say...it rocks!

Everything is much firmer now, and it allowed for significant adjustment with the Bowden cable...

In a nutshell...another satisfied customer (and thankful that I didn't forget any parts when I put the valve body back together)

okcraig · #17 09-12-2009, 10:46 AM

I am in the process of installing the kit on my 87 420SEL. However, when I got to the K2 springs the long pink or short blue springs will not fit in the accumulators. The kit I got states that it is for Early and Late 722.3 & all 722.4 Mercedes transmissions 1980 to 1990 ( gas Models). So it should be the correct one. Any suggestions. TIA

tangofox007 · #18 09-12-2009, 11:07 AM

Could you amplify "will not fit?"

Are you sure you should not be using the red spring, as specified for later models?

npk · #19 10-08-2009, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tenknots

Ok, I installed the shift kit today (at least some of it). The kit has a couple of options - you can choose to firm up the 2-3 and 3-4 shifts medium or even firmer depending upon which spring or set of springs you install. I chose the firmer for both. I didn't use any of the parts made to soften the 1-2 shift, since it was already reasonable and I knew I could soften it with the modulator adjustment if I needed to. Other springs were designed to prevent rapid shifts, but I didn't use those either since I didn't have that problem. I also chose to do the work with the valve body inside the transmission since I didn't need to access the B1 area. I was able to use an offset slotted screwdriver to open the end caps (4 screws each) to remove the old springs (the filter had to be removed to do it, but I was replacing it anyway). To use the firmest settings, you completely discard the three springs and the plastic rod and fit a single spring in its place - it's obviously stronger. It took maybe a half hour longer than just replacing the filter/fluid and the instructions were adequate.

As for performance, I'll explain the "before" symtpoms. The 2-3 shift could never be accomplished without backing down on the pedal - the slipping was horrible. The 3-4 was similar and could not shift without lifting throttle.

The 2-3 shift is now exaactly as firm as the 1-2 shift and the 3-4 shift is almost as good! At any throttle setting, the 2-3 shift is crisp. The 3-4 is a bit mushy, but that may be because of internal wear. At full throttle (right at 75 mph!), the 3-4 shift barely slips. At very slow speeds, it can't be felt. At medium throttle application, it just feels a little mushy - a vast improvement over no shift at all!

I spend an hour or so getting the fluid level right and adjusting the modulator to give firmer shifts since even the 1-2 was a little too smooth (for an MB) and because it helped the 3-4 .

I can't help thinking that MB sells a K2 kit like the K1 (the Superior installation instructions call the 3-4 shift springs the K2). If anyone has a parts catalog that can look that up, I might try ordering one to install in Strider.

For $50, I'm happy as a clam (the filters and gaskets were very cheap from them too).

May I know if the kit comes with instruction and diagram to show the location of the springs to be replaced?

Thanks.

NPK
MALAYSIA

Gheuett · #20 11-15-2009, 09:41 PM

Exactly my question also - are there instructions included for the install? I have a newly purchased 1983 300 Dt. I'm experiencing some slippage on 2-3 and 3-4. It is not as severe as described in Tenknots' post but it sounds like I would need to make similar spring changes.

I was going to do a fluid/filter replacement anyway and in reading up on the K-1 spring replacements, I found this thread helpful.

I am an MB newbie having wanted an old diesel for years and just purchased "Frau Blucher" in the last month. I appreciate all the good info that is out there on the W123.

Thanks for any info!
Gib Heuett

snookwhaler · #21 11-16-2009, 08:42 AM

Yes there are instructions. There is also a lot more information in the "Resources" section at the top of the page.

The K1 kit is really easy and adds about 5 minutes to a fluid/filter change.

Gheuett · #22 11-16-2009, 09:20 AM

Excellent! I saw the K1 DIY and that was well done. Will proceed as soon as I can get the kit.

Many thanks!
Gib

nomorehurry · #23 01-09-2010, 01:31 PM

I just installed both the K1 and K2 springs in my junkyard refugee. They made a significant difference but I still have an occasional flare on both the 2-3 and 3-4 shift. At hard acceleration it isn't noticable.

My question is that the Superior Kit has lots of springs and directions that make sense for a transmission mechanic (which I am not). Included was a separate plastic envelope withe two small springs marked "Diesel Model". The springs are supposed to be installed inside the larger springs that replace the inside assembly. But, they are different sizes and the instructions do not say which goes with the K1 or K2. When I installed the kit, I installed just the large colored springs in place of the plastic and spring assembly (both seemed to be in fairly good shape). I did not pull the valve body or replace anything else. I did change the filter and used full synthetic ATF.

Should I have installed the two small springs also as indicated on the instruction pages(s)? If so, which goes into the K1 and which goes into the K2. From the drawing with the springs, it looks like the short spring goes inside of the purple K1 and the longer of the two small springs goes into the pink K2. I am talking about the accumulator, not the control valves.

Pardon my rambling but advice is requested. The refugee is an 82 300D-turbo with almost 200K miles.

howards@howards · #24 02-05-2010, 10:46 PM

My kit came with no instructions just one fuzzy picture and a bag of springs. Can someone post the detailed instructions? I am going to check resourses now. Thanks in advance

rkpatt · #25 02-06-2010, 07:16 AM

If no one here can help , call them up -

http://www.macraesbluebook.com/search/company.cfm?company=498455

nomorehurry · #26 02-06-2010, 06:48 PM

I don't remember the thread, but a search for superior shift will eventually turn up the instructions. They have been posted, and there is also a DIY with excellent pictures and descriptions that guide you through the installation. The K2 is directly opposite the K1 on the valve body, and installation is exactly the same. FWIW, I was able to do it in a couple of hours, and my mechanical skills are tested by putting air in a tire.

howards@howards · #27 02-06-2010, 07:17 PM

Thanks I am going to try it tnight. Channing

tangofox007 · #28 02-06-2010, 07:27 PM

You can find the instructions here, but they are hardly legible.

My Superior Shift Kit thread (W124 300DT)

I had them in PDF, but that was before my last hard drive failure.