[gearmesh, inc.]

I never have had much faith in complete transmissions that are sold via long distance. When there is a problem, diagnostics are done long distance as well. Sometimes the whole transmission has to get truck freighted back to its maker for a solution.

I feel for you, Rob. Those people sent you the wrongly configured 4L80E transmission to you to start with. Then they want to try to modify it into the configuration that you originally wanted via long distance wrenching by me. From what I gathered on the phone with these guys this week, the transbrake valve body they sent isn't quite like a ground up built configuration that you originally wanted. They told me that they do modifications to the case passages when a transbrake configured unit is built in house. Obviously, your current case isn't modified in their usual manner, so they are attempting to do it all from the valve body side. Apparently, it still isn't right.

As far as transbrakes go on 4 speed autos, generally they don't release as fast as what folks are accustomed to in an older, simpler 2 or 3 speed auto. There are lots more fluid passages with longer runs and it takes more time for reverse oil to dump when the transbrake is released. You can't fight physics.

A 4L80E physically is one stout piece. But just like any other auto, valve body issues can wipe out a well built rotating assembly.