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I have a 1993 4l60e that I rebuilt after a botched job by the guy that had the truck before me. In the 2nd accumulator I put the spring in first and then the piston, and now I learn that those years had it the other way around. My shift is not extremely firm, is that the effect that would have?
The Spring can touch the Separator-Plate (Piston in the Bore first) or the Piston can touch the Separator-Plate (Spring in the Bore first).
The Image below shows both configurations:
The Left side of the Image shows that the Spring will be against the Separator-Plate.
The Right side of the Image shows that the Piston will be against the Separator-Plate.
When assembling the 2nd Accumulator as in the Left side of the Image...
A firmer Spring makes for a firmer Shift into 2nd-Gear.
When assembling the 2nd Accumulator as in the Right side of the Image...
A softer Spring makes for a firmer Shift into 2nd-Gear.
So both setups are usable regardless of year?
And am I right to assume, that using the same spring setup, having the spring against the plate as shown on the left would result in a firmer shift?
vortec, is there a benefit to either stack up? From a logic standpoint a firmer spring making a firmer shift makes thing easier, but is there any advantage to setting it up the other way? i assume it changes shift feel, but in what way?
The Left Side Configuration, or the Right Side can be used for any Model Year/ Version.
The Left Side was the original Configuration.
Essentially what was realized (with the Left Side Configuration)...
is that using a relatively soft Spring for the 2nd Accumulator, most often results in a broken Spring from repeated cycling
(the 1 - 2 Shift is the most common Shift that the Transmission makes).
A stiff Spring generally lasts the life of the Transmission (which makes for a firm Shift).
A softer Spring (for a more pleasant Shift) usually will fail and need replacement.
So the 2nd Accumulator Parts were flipped over (as in the Right Side Diagram)...
Now a Firm Spring (or Two) can still be used, and have a Softer Shift (without worrying about the Spring failing).
Regardless of spring pressure, the left setup will always be firmer than the right, if all else is equal (line pressure, accumulator oil valve in the valve body, orifice sizing, etc)
FIRM ---> soft
Stiff Spring Left Setup
Soft Spring Left Setup
No Spring
Soft Spring Right Setup
Stiff Spring Right Setup
There are also setups where you put a spring on either side of the piston. This can give different results based on spring pressures but it usually results in a firmer overall shift because the piston travel is reduced and with less available travel, the shift becomes more firm.
Thank you vortec & maroon! i have used the dual spring setup from dana's modified transgo shiftkit in a few 700s now. would like to try my own on the next 4l60e i do this winter.
It makes more sense now. I currently have the right setup and I believe two springs. I would like the shift a bit firmer so I was thinking about taking one out. Would i be alright doing that without changing anything else?
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4l60e 2nd accumulator 
