Get the "45RFE-HD2".

The only part you won't be able to install is the big snap ring. That requires tear down of the transmission and is for use during an overhaul.

This kit isn't like old shift kits that give you rock hard slam shifts. That's still largely controlled by the PCM, especially during part throttle as it uses PWM on the solenoids to engage the clutches. You're perfectly safe to tow.

 

I believe the Transgo kits come in two varieties. One that you can do during a standard fluid change, the other requires dropping the trans and opening up the internals.

If you are rebuilding your trans I recommend doing the full kit, or even if you know you will have it rebuilt down the road. Do what you can and keep the remaining parts stashed for the rebuild.

The kit really just beefs up some of the weak components. The springs that go in the valve body increase the line pressures on the clutch packs, and it speeds up the shifts just a bit. It doesn't make your shifts harder or anything to that nature, so it remains nearly stock in terms of drivability.

As far as towing, I would go out on a limb to say it would improve the transmissions abilities due to the added line pressures. Transgo would be the best source for information.

If you have a Sonnax line pressure booster, it may have to be removed. I remember seeing somewhere that they don't recommend piggy backing the Sonnax with their kit.

 

If you have a Sonnax line pressure booster, it may have to be removed. I remember seeing somewhere that they don't recommend piggy backing the Sonnax with their kit.

I have the Transgo SK45RFE shift kit, the Sonnax Line Pressure Booster and the Superchips Advanced Transmission Tuning App. on mine and everything works fantastic. I would be dumbfounded if I had any trouble towing, but not as much when hot rodding it.....like I do often. For me this combination works about as good as I could expect, without tearing it out of the vehicle and doing a performance rebuild.

 

http://www.transgo.com/products.php...hp?cat=45RFE,-545RFE,-and-68RFE&homeinclude=catalog&category_id=63&parent_id=63

Both kits come with the snap ring that I mentioned. Appears that the lesser kit simply doesn't replace all of the accumulator springs.

If you're in there, put in the HD2 kit.

Also, don't worry about the line pressure booster. In fact, I'd not want to boost the line pressure WITHOUT the kit...the accumulator plate they include is stronger and helps stop the problem of the stock plate deforming and damaging the valve body. Sheradon goes a step further by adding additional holes to the valve body when they do their performance builds.

 

Not trying to hijack this thread, but going to be putting in the Transgo at my next service, probably in a couple months. I've go a 2008, and I noticed their web site says the resistor can't be used for 2005 and up vehicles? Looking at what caulk04 said, I'm assuming this isn't necessary anyway?

 

Yes, the resistor in the Transgo kit can't be used on newer 545RFE's. The Booster that caulk04, 90grandoneer, and myself were talking about is a plug-in unit from Sonnax. The Sonnax unit you can use.

 

Thanks. One more question. Is it necessary to have the plug-in unit? Or will the kit alone (minus resistor) be a good upgrade?

 

No, it is not necessary to have the Sonnax line pressure booster. The kit will be a great upgrade as it sits. If you want to add to it down the road, you can install the Sonnax booster.

 

Cool, thanks again. I'll probably get it at some point, heck for $45 why not, just may be a while.

 

All I can say is my setup (see Post No.4) works nearly perfect for my purposes.

 

how hard is it installing either mod? will be dropping the pan soon for fluid and filters. I'm also adding a drain plug and temp sensor while the pan is off.

 

Both are easy to do. The Sonnax is plug and play, but a little difficult to get to. The shift kit just requires removal of the valve body, but the installation of the components is easy. Are you just adding a drain plug to the existing pan or replacing the pan with one that has a drain plug. Dorman makes one (265-817) with a drain plug. Cost is around $30. I installed one of those when I did my shift kit. I've had the Sonnax installed for over 5 years now. Everything works great.

 

adding to existing pan. Didn't think about getting a different pan, although I know some are higher capacity.

 

The Dorman is a stock capacity with the drain plug added. I too had an "add-on" drain plug and was going to use it until I found the pan with one already in it. Thought it would be a cleaner install and no worry about potential leaking of the "add-on".

 

I get it. Fortunately there's a nut I counter torque against the plug. Of course ****s always prone f* up. Hmmm..

I'm guessing you can temp sensor your drain on the fly? or does the pan have ports?

I also don't like a pan sensor because it's not getting a good read on temp. Exit line T would be best
sent from my Samsoon S5 from the bottom of a mud hole

 

I get it. Fortunately there's a nut I counter torque against the plug. Of course ****s always prone f* up. Hmmm..

I'm guessing you can temp sensor your drain on the fly? or does the pan have ports?

I also don't like a pan sensor because it's not getting a good read on temp. Exit line T would be best
sent from my Samsoon S5 from the bottom of a mud hole

Unfortunately there are no other ports on the pan to add things like a temp. gauge. I suppose if you wanted you could add one and still have the separate drain. I monitor my trans. temp. with my onboard DashHawk. The PID for it is not quite correct, so the readings are off, but I just make sure it stays within the range that it normally indicates, and all is good. If it goes way higher, I know something's up. Not the best way to do it, but it seems to work for me.

 

You got the sensor in the pan or outside?

sent from my Samsoon S5 from the bottom of a mud hole

 

You got the sensor in the pan or outside?

sent from my Samsoon S5 from the bottom of a mud hole

Mine reads the temp. from the PCM/TCM, so no external sensor.....just the stock one on the tranny. As I said, the DashHawk PID is not accurate, so my readings are a little high. Here's the definition of a PID, if you are not aware of it: OBD-II PIDs (On-board diagnostics Parameter IDs) are codes used to request data from a vehicle, used as a diagnostic tool.