My Superior Shift Kit thread (W124 300DT)

[tangofox007]

Originally Posted by howards@howards

If I want to get rid of the 1-2 slam what do I do next??

There is a spring in the kit for that issue. You will need to remove and split the valve body to install it, however.

[les_garten]

I have a '88 300TE. It starts out in 2nd. Only goes to first if I floor it. Is that normal? What is Late vs Early model? It looks like that is determined by how many springs are in the stock accumulators?

If my starting out in 2nd is not normal, How do I fix it? It seems like it is correct the way it feels.

Because it starts out in 2nd, that made me originally think my problem was a bad Flared 2-3, but it is actually a Flared 3-4. I figured that out by moving it manually into third after the flared shift and it downshifted.

So I don't really have a 1st gear unless it is floored.

[gsxr]

Originally Posted by les_garten

I have a '88 300TE. It starts out in 2nd. Only goes to first if I floor it. Is that normal? What is Late vs Early model? It looks like that is determined by how many springs are in the stock accumulators?

If my starting out in 2nd is not normal, How do I fix it? It seems like it is correct the way it feels.

Because it starts out in 2nd, that made me originally think my problem was a bad Flared 2-3, but it is actually a Flared 3-4. I figured that out by moving it manually into third after the flared shift and it downshifted.

So I don't really have a 1st gear unless it is floored.

Depending on the model year, yes, some cars start in 2nd gear. It sounds like this is normal for your '88 300TE. I believe you can make it start in 1st gear at part throttle by moving the shift lever back to "2" or "L" when at a stop light, waiting a second or two, and moving it back to "D". Then it should start in 1st gear without flooring it, just for that one start. At any rate, if it doesn't bother you, I'd leave it alone...

[les_garten]

Originally Posted by gsxr

Depending on the model year, yes, some cars start in 2nd gear. It sounds like this is normal for your '88 300TE. I believe you can make it start in 1st gear at part throttle by moving the shift lever back to "2" or "L" when at a stop light, waiting a second or two, and moving it back to "D". Then it should start in 1st gear without flooring it, just for that one start. At any rate, if it doesn't bother you, I'd leave it alone...

Thanx! Yeah it really feels like it should be this way.

I put the K1 and K2 accum. springs in. Shfts are greatly improved, but I do have a question about shift quality.

Can you guys run down what you mena by Flare, soft mushy, slow, etc?

Mine on 3-4, would act like a slipping clutch on a manual tranny. The rpm would increase without the car going faster and you would naturally lift and let it shift. I thought that was a flare.

Now it shifts firmer, but I feel a little "snatch" when it shifts and if there is any "flare", it is minimal if at all. But now I'm not sure if I should try the control valve springs?

So that brings me to a descriptions of what the terms mean and what is perfect?

[jt20]

The first problem I am having with this kit is lack of experimental data.


How is a professional (the kit is sold to them) supposed to diagnose the transmission issues if he hasn't spent the time in the vehicle?

I began installing this kit but quickly realized I did not know enough about the behavior of this trans to install it.

It seems rather ridiculous to go replacing springs without any info, right? I only have a few trips over 6 months ago with this vehicle.

Are there any suggestions about worthy replacement items without 'knowing' the issues?

[tangofox007]

Originally Posted by jt20

Are there any suggestions about worthy replacement items without 'knowing' the issues?

You need to know precisely what problem(s) you are attempting to solve before you install any of the kit components. At least that is what my "experimental data" suggests.

Originally Posted by jt20

How is a professional (the kit is sold to them) supposed to diagnose the transmission issues if he hasn't spent the time in the vehicle?

The concept known as a "test drive" comes to mind.

[jt20]

Originally Posted by tangofox007

You need to know precisely what problem(s) you are attempting to solve before you install any of the kit components. At least that is what my "experimental data" suggests.

what is done to a transmission on a bench? Lots of guessing?

...but I agree. just disturbed.

The concept known as a "test drive" comes to mind.

it certainly appears there would be a dearth of "experimental data" after a few test drives.

[les_garten]

Originally Posted by jt20

what is done to a transmission on a bench? Lots of guessing?

...but I agree. just disturbed.






it certainly appears there would be a dearth of "experimental data" after a few test drives.

Well, most Transmission guys don't have advanced degrees from Cambridge.

They drive the car, they hopefully listen to the customer and ask questions. They rebuild and install kits, in a half assed method in respect to MB transmissions in my experience.

[jt20]

if you bring you trans to a shop as a core, there must be some standard for rebuilding it. They aren't going to know @&*^# about it.

And a service manager is going to listen to a customer who doesn't know what the heII he is talking about, and make some guesses?

weak.

[les_garten]

Originally Posted by jt20

if you bring you trans to a shop as a core, there must be some standard for rebuilding it. They aren't going to know @&*^# about it.

And a service manager is going to listen to a customer who doesn't know what the heII he is talking about, and make some guesses?

weak.

They do listen and ask questions, ie

It doesn't go into reverse

It shifts slowly

It is missing 4th gear

it slips during shifts

A good diagnostician should know how to ask the right questions to get answers.

The moral to the story is, if the shop is not known for doing MB trannys, you are wasting time and money. And you'll be doing it again in the near future.

[jt20]

I am just going to put the trans back in and drive it.

I'll write back once I have my "experimental data".

[les_garten]

Originally Posted by jt20

I am just going to put the trans back in and drive it.

I'll write back once I have my "experimental data".

I went back to your OP and re-read. You must have some problems you are trying to fix, ehhh? Why did you buy the spring kit?

Those spring kits are purchased to fix a finite number of problems. If you don't have those problems, you don't need the spring kit. If you don't have those problems, you don't purchase the kit.

Your approach here is a bit of a mystery. Perhaps you could tell the "Story", that is, if you are looking for help...

[jt20]

Tango had another post here I did not respond to... it was cutting, as usual.

But you are both right.

I am not prepared for this job just yet... I did not know enough about the kit.

I drove the car a handful of times before the tear-down. It is still foreign to me, shifted OK warm... but reverse would buck real bad.

The engine was in bad shape too.. .too many variables here to use this kit effectively.

back to square one.

[babymog]

A good transmission shop will tear down the transmission, measure/check each part, replace/re-shim/re-manufacture to spec. Then the transmission is put on a transmission dyno, ... don't have your trans re-built by a shop without one, tested and adjusted as necessary.

[gsxr]

Originally Posted by jt20

I drove the car a handful of times before the tear-down. It is still foreign to me, shifted OK warm... but reverse would buck real bad. back to square one.

What year/model? When was the last tranny fluid/filter change? How many miles? I've never heard of "bucking" in reverse, not sure what that means. So far it doesn't sound like anything the spring kit would fix.