will a shift kit help?

My trans slips in second gear under hard accelration but not at all under normal driving.  Would a shift kit slow the demise of the second gear clutches or do nothing at all.  I could afford the shift kit but not even come close to a rebuild.

I rather doubt that it would help now if it's already slipping. If you had it installed before the wear occured it could have been worth the money.

Oh!  You've piqued my interest sir.   What all is involved with these shift kits...and how do they work exactly?

A shift kit is basically a hydraulic reprogramming of the transmission for quicker, firmer shifts.  When done to a healthy transmission, it will prolong its life.  Most of the heat and wear generated inside the actual transmission (torque converter aside) comes from the slipping that occurs during a shift.

If you do not mind having shifts that may be classified as harsh to neck snapping (depending on the shift kit setting you choose), a shift kit is for you!

^^^ As Kyle says, it's basically a hydraulic reprogramming. This involves pulling the pan, dropping the valve body, changing a few check balls to alter pressures.
I have a shift kit in my '90 and it has a head snapping shift. I like it, but I don't take my 82 year old dad out in this truck.

I agree with those that feel a shift kit improves transmission performance on a health tranny. But once a tranny starts slipping the best is to take it in for repair before you cause MAJOR DAMAGE. Personally, anytime I have to rebuild a tranny for myself a shift kit is a must. The other improvement that isn't talked about much is a performance torque converter, like HUGHES or B&M. For standard use & off-road I like the towing converters made by HUGHES PERFORMANCE out of Phoenix. They reduce converter slippage, which in turn adds to torque & less heat. Also another help for healthy tranny's is LubeGard ATF Additive. It cuts heat according to many tranny guys I talk to. Many tranny shops recommend it & or add it to their rebuilts.

Well then does anybody have a guess as to what a rebuild would cost me.


I though about this but it is a little overkill.  http://www.bmracing.com/index.php?id=products&sid=3&cat=4&subcat=19