what to do next????

For the tranny, do aa search for Level 10 upgrade.

 

http://www.levelten.com/index.html

 

http://www.tacomaterritory.com/forum/showthread.php?t=19804

First of all, I would like to let everyone know about the outstanding customer service I received from John at IPT Performance Transmissions. Please take a minute to read THIS OTHER POST. I have never received such awesome customer service!

Now - for those of you who may not know - All of our trucks (With A/T) come from the factory with what is known as "Luxury Shifting". This makes driving more pleasant and comfortable for the masses of consumers who don't know any better. The Valve Body Upgrade modifies your existing Valve Body for high performance operation and eliminates this "luxury shifting" and replaces it with faster, more firm shifting. This upgrade is neccessary to prolong the life of your transmission, ESPECIALLY if you are running a Supercharger, as it prevents slipping, or even stripping gears. As IPT says - the upgrade will take you from Mild to Wild!

The removal and install is, as my dad would say, "Like falling off a bicycle". You really can't screw it up. I was a little nervous b/c I've never messed with transmissions before. As long as you follow THESE INSTRUCTIONS and use THESE PICS as a guide you should be fine. But here are a few things that aren't mentioned in the instructions or pics that would have helped me out:

• On pre 2001 Tacomas you DO NOT need to remove the sway bar. (2001-2004 Tacomas have a deeper tranny pan that neccessitates removal of the sway bar.)
• You don't have to remove the solenoids from the VB when you send it to IPT. It's fine to leave them on the VB. (then you don't have to worry about which one goes where, when you get your VB back)
• Draw a rough diagram of the VB and take note of which bolts go where. There are about 20 bolts of 3 different lengths, and it DOES matter where they go when you reinstall the upgraded VB.
• A box of rubber gloves will be your best friend.
• A face shield is also a good idea, b/c even though you drain the tranny pan before you drop it you are always facing up, and constantly getting rained on by ATF.
• There is about a quart of ATF in, and behind the VB, and as soon as you remove the last bolt, it will all pour down on you instantly.
• ATF does not taste good, it does not feel good in your eyes, it will not come out of your clothes, but it will moisturize your skin, scalp, and hair pretty good.
• When refilling the transmission after you reinstall your upgraded VB, be careful not to overfill. Add about 4 quarts, drive for a few miles, add more ATF as needed and repeat until the fluid level is correct and stable. (I was NOT careful and initially overfilled the tranny and wasted about 3 quarts of expensive AMSOIL ATF)

The only tools you need are:

• 1/4" drive ratchet, with 4" extension.
• 1/4" drive torque wrench (in inch lbs)
• 10mm socket (all the bolts on the VB, and Tranny Pan are 10mm)
• 12mm socket (for the bolt on the dipstick tube)
• 14mm socket (Tranny Pan drain plug)
• Magnetic parts tray
• Corless drill (to remove and reinstall all the bolts around the pan DO NOT USE THE DRILL FOR THE BOLTS ON THE VB)
• About 9 qts of ATF. (AMSOIL sells a 2.5 gallon (10 qt) jug that is perfect)
• A HAND PUMP for refilling the Tranny.

If you are considering getting your Valve Body Upgraded I highly reccommend IPT Performance Transmissions. They are extremely knowlegeable, have amazing customer service, and have the best price I found for this service. In this case I can't imagine how paying more could have gotten me more, ESPECIALLY considering the customer service I got from IPT.

IPT = $495 + Shipping
Level 10 = $698 + Shipping