so I just got done test driving the "new" transmission. Everything seems fine other than the 1-2 shift. Its a long shift and has a little flare like its slipping. Is this something the 1-2 accumulator will fix or is it caused by a different problem?

 

What you are feeling could be related to the 2nd accumulator...
Remove the pan and take a look in the 2nd accumulator housing.
Check for any leakage from one side of the accumulator piston to the other (also where the pin seals to the piston).

 

should I just go ahead and do the sonnax pinless accumulator upgrade since I will be in there? Also is the 3-4 accumulator the same as the 1-2? I'm just trying to do everything I can while I'm in there without taking the VB off. I'm not confident enough in myself to put it back together right.

 

3/4 accum is not the same. different pin bore diameter
Block the 3/4 accum with a setscrew and throw the piston in the trash
Use the 3/4 accum spring on the opposite side of the 1-2 accumulator piston spring.
So the stackup will go

separator plate
reused 3/4 accum spring
piston
1/2 stock accumulator spring
housing

Also...check band clearance
Sloppy 1-2 can be the result of loose band

 

How on Earth would we know? You have to diagnose it, and maybe, just maybe if you could tell us if it has any codes it may help. Any number of things come to mins, from a faulty VB gasket, servo problem, accumulator problem, etc. Is it full of fluid? have you reset the adapts? have you checked pressures? Band clearance?

 

if there was codes I would have said it was throwing a code. And for the adapts wouldn't it be the same shifting through every gear not just 1-2? 1/2 quart over filled. It feels like it could be a band problem to me. I got ahold of the builder and he's just going to bring my original 98 trans back rebuilt

 

Good luck. Slipping in second is a rare problem.

 

its more so a flare than slip. But its a good 500-600 rpm flare. I've had a few people tell me it feels fine but I've never felt that with the 2 other trans I had in the truck in the past.

 

I think my TG SK said the piston went into the Accum. housing last, with all springs inside and piston bumps facing out. I bought the alum. piston with legs... my housing is the 3rd type w/two grooves inside for 2 springs, and I blocked the 3-4 Acc w/1/16NPT plug. Do I continue with:

the alum legged piston put in last using type 2 springs & piston w/legs (legs pointing inward) in the type 3 hsg?
A. (plate --> legged piston --> type 2 springs --> type 3 housing)

the Sonnax pinless piston w/type 3 TG springs and ball pounded into housing after removing pin?
B. (plate --> Sonnax pinless --> type 3 springs --> type 3 housing)

the aluminum type 2 piston using type 2 springs into Acc hsg, then type 2 piston with legs (which direction should legs point--into housing, or towards plate?), and the 3-4 spring last, between piston & plate?
C. (plate --> 3-4 acc spring --> legged piston --> type 2 springs --> type 3 housing)

???
Thanks

 

whichever way you like
You're mixing and matching parts and bouncing around so many threads nobody can keep up
Take some time, experiment with feed hole sizes and accumulator springs and accumulator regulator valve springs and sleeves and valves.
There are literally 100's of combinations using just factory parts and altering feed hole sizes. If you're going to start using shift kits but throwing your own spin on them...you'll have to get used to dropping the pan and making changes a bunch of times...Just like anybody else already did that gives out advice