Hey everyone,

Last year I discovered some horrendous 2-3/3-4 shift flares on my 300SD (154k), so I purchased a shift kit for it back in November. I parked it since then and am just now getting around to putting the kit in..

I opened the kit and am not sure which springs to put where and which spring to select. The instructions arent very detailed in that aspect. I understand they have varying stiffness springs in here...I've read some people just put the hardest ones in and soften via modulator...

I put a K1 kit in 5-6 years ago and a B2 piston 2-3 years ago..

Also what are the changes of these "command valves or plungers being broken?

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82 300SD 145k
89 420SEL 210k
89 560SEL 118k
90 300SE 262k RIP 5/25/2010
90 560SEL 154k
91 300D 2.5 Turbo. 241k
93 190E 3.0 235k
93 300E 195k

There can be a lot of trial and error involved before you get it right. I would recommend starting with the accumulator springs only, since those can be replaced without removing the valve body. For major flaring, use the large (long) springs first.

I would recommend that you focus on the parts of the kit that address your particular problems. For example, if you don't have stacked shifts, installing those springs is going to cause new problems.

Sure you have the complete set of instructions?

Zero.

Thats what you need to do.

Install the "stacked shift" and "extra firm" 2-3 and 3-4 springs (steps 1, 4, 5, 9 and 10 and "Stacked 2-3 shift"). Also use the disc and guide to adjust your vacuum valve and linkage correctly.
Don't bother with the "soft 1-2 kit", that will make it feel very mushy.

Here is what I did with mine: 722 transmission shift kit

Every transmission is unique. I had a hard 1-2 shift initially. The 1-2 spring in the kit worked great for me.

Again, don't try to fix problems that you don't have.

Sorry, no.

As said by the instructions: "Total installation of this kit is essential for stabilization of shifts and flexibility of adjustment by the vacuum regulator, TV cable or modulator."

I followed those instructions. They didn't work for me. And it is not at all logical they they would. I installed the entire kit, then removed most of it, piece by piece, to get the results that I needed. In retrospect, it would have been far better to address only the problems that I was actually experiencing.

In any case, your advice is contradictory. One one hand, you recommend installing the entire kit, but you had already recommend against installing the entire kit.

If you had actually read the instructions, you would have seen the 1-2 softener is primarily for the 722.4, the 722.3 doesn't have the 1-2 issue.

That is factually incorrect.

My kit included B-1 accumulator control valve spring versions for both the .3 and .4 transmissions.


That's another great example of a blanket statement that fails to account for individual differences in transmission behavior. My 722.3 had a 1-2 shift issue and the spring in the kit (for the 722.3) solved the problem.

My 722.120 is all stock and it shifts quite firm. No complaints there. The only complaint I have is the double-downshift it does under 55 mph....other than that, it has been perfect.

I nee to find a slectro shaft seal for it without buying a complete gasket kit....Robert

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Did you just pass my 740 at 200 kmh in a 300SD?????

1978 300SD 'Phil' - 1,315,853 Miles And Counting - 1, 317,885 as of 12/27/2012 - 1,333,000 as of 05/10/2013, 1,337,850 as of July 15, 2013, 1,339,000 as of August 13, 2013



100,000 miles since June 2005 Overhaul - Sold January 25th, 2014 After 1,344,246 Miles & 20 Years of Ownership

Yes, you are quite often as a matter of fact.

Please learn to read.
Got it? Good. Now read...
The 722.3 does not have a soft 1-2 problem without B1 failure or wear as a cause. The .3 spring is a band-aid for a cracked piston by bumping up pressure to compensate for fluid loss.
The 722.4 is soft by Mercedes design because the .4 was made for comfort and economy.

You are confused. The B-1 accumulator control valve spring in the kit is not intended to correct a soft shift. It corrects a hard shift, which is the problem that I experienced. That's why the instructions read "For a softer 1-2 shift..."

Please learn how transmissions work.

I have always wanted to know more about the Ravigneaux planetary gearset. Perhaps you could explain the advantages and disadvantages of that design feature.

__________________
Did you just pass my 740 at 200 kmh in a 300SD?????

1978 300SD 'Phil' - 1,315,853 Miles And Counting - 1, 317,885 as of 12/27/2012 - 1,333,000 as of 05/10/2013, 1,337,850 as of July 15, 2013, 1,339,000 as of August 13, 2013



100,000 miles since June 2005 Overhaul - Sold January 25th, 2014 After 1,344,246 Miles & 20 Years of Ownership

Congratulations on your google search.