46RE transmission 2-3 upshift overlap

[DLJ]

Hello there!
I have been through a few posts including the Transgo Shift Kit Modifications (This is it!) http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=33093.0
quite a few times and decided to try post a new one once I would appreciate very much some input from the trans techs concerning a possible 2-3 upshift overlap on my 46RE dodge dakota.
I bought the truck a few years ago in very good condition but the trans had never been touched, I did change the governor pressure solenoid and transducer to resolve a 1-2 shift hunt issue which was noticeable only at low rpm (solved), adjusted bands to factory specs, changed fluid to ATF+4 and filter and also put in a Superior shift kit to preserve the transmission.
The truck always had a very hard 2-3 upshift only at WOT or near WOT, before and after the shift kit, feels like an abnormal bang or bump in the powertrain but only near WOT so I decided to make a restrictor orifice for the direct clutch port. I made it 0.140 inch diameter.
The trans and the truck are in great working condition besides that detail.
My question is, when I previously spoke with the Superior tech representative he told me to loose the front band half turn to get rid of the bump, it helped a bit but the bump is still there, and when I told him I would put in an orifice plug in the direct clutch he said I`d FRY my clutches... I undertand the orifice only slows down the flow of fluid during the shift but after that the amount of fluid that has to pass the orifice will be much smaller and the orifice will not cause restriction in that condition (front clutches applied). Am I correct? Is there any concern or problem the orifice plug could cause? I am going to test the 0.140 inch orifice tomorrow, not sure if it will work, maybe I need to go smaller... hope not.
Well thank you for any info concernin this subject,
Cheers,
DLJ

[6packCuda]

I think you're on the right track. Adding the orifice won't burn up your direct clutch. Most shift kits use this same mod.

[DLJ]

I think you're on the right track. Adding the orifice won't burn up your direct clutch. Most shift kits use this same mod.

Thanks 6packcuda, I already tested the 0.140" orifice in the front clutch passage in the case (picture) but I also added the stroger pressure regulator spring that came with the kit so all shifts became more kinda harsh feeling but the WOT 2-3 upshift  bangs a little bit less than before, now I am in the process of dropping the VB again, go back to the stock PS Spring and try a 0.120" orifice in the direct clutch port. Hard to play but curious now if I can get rid of the wot 2-3 bang. Other than that the transmission shifts and behaves just fine. Will post the results so other members might benefit. Cheers.

[DLJ]

Hello there!
I have been through a few posts including the Transgo Shift Kit Modifications (This is it!) http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=33093.0
quite a few times and decided to try post a new one once I would appreciate very much some input from the trans techs concerning a possible 2-3 upshift overlap on my 46RE dodge dakota.
I bought the truck a few years ago in very good condition but the trans had never been touched, I did change the governor pressure solenoid and transducer to resolve a 1-2 shift hunt issue which was noticeable only at low rpm (solved), adjusted bands to factory specs, changed fluid to ATF+4 and filter and also put in a Superior shift kit to preserve the transmission.
The truck always had a very hard 2-3 upshift only at WOT or near WOT, before and after the shift kit, feels like an abnormal bang or bump in the powertrain but only near WOT so I decided to make a restrictor orifice for the direct clutch port. I made it 0.140 inch diameter.
The trans and the truck are in great working condition besides that detail.
My question is, when I previously spoke with the Superior tech representative he told me to loose the front band half turn to get rid of the bump, it helped a bit but the bump is still there, and when I told him I would put in an orifice plug in the direct clutch he said I`d FRY my clutches... I undertand the orifice only slows down the flow of fluid during the shift but after that the amount of fluid that has to pass the orifice will be much smaller and the orifice will not cause restriction in that condition (front clutches applied). Am I correct? Is there any concern or problem the orifice plug could cause? I am going to test the 0.140 inch orifice tomorrow, not sure if it will work, maybe I need to go smaller... hope not.
Well thank you for any info concernin this subject,
Cheers,
DLJ

Just to give you folks an update, it took me long but I finally got rid of the brutal harsh 2-3 upsift (thump) at Wide Open Throttle on my 46RE.
I had to go down to a 0.115" orifice plug put into the aluminum transmission case at the direct clutch port.
I had tried larger sizes orifices before with little or no difference, such as, 0.140" then 0.125"and finally 0.115" when I got the harsh hit reduced to what I would call a real firm shift (clutch apply) but I am only talking about 2-3 upshifts at WOT, other than that the shifts were fine without the orifice plug.
It really made the difference, I can't believe that later year 2000 46RE's still could benefit of a direct clutch restricting orifice plug, because other than that, the transmission was fine.
Anyway, I am happy I do not get a flare in any situation. Still would like to go one size smaller (0.105") but really do not want to mess with the Valve Body, seals and screws any more.
Hope that helps someone with real harsh wot 2-3 upshift, best hint is start with a 0.110" orifice, you will probably have to replace it but then you know it is small (if you get a flare) or still large if you still get the thump harsh shift.

[6packCuda]