Automatic Transmission Band Adjustment

[behindbars]

Recommended Intervals for Band Adjust, Fluid Change, Filter Change:

    * 24,000 miles or 24 months, whichever comes first

Automatic Transmission Band Adjustment:

The front band controls the 2nd gear cluster. The rear band controls the 3rd gear cluster and reverse. For a 2-3 shift, the transmission shifts back to 1st gear with the front band while the rear band engages 3rd gear. If the front band does not release the 2nd gear clutches before the third gear clutches engage, the transmission binds, which shortens the life of the transmission clutches. If the front band releases too early in the shift, the engine will overspeed (sounds and feels like a slip) during the 2-3 shift.

1. Loosen band adjusting screw locknut. Then back locknut off 3-5 turns. Be sure adjusting screw turns freely in case. Apply lubricant to screw
threads if necessary. The front band adjuster is on the outside of the transmission and the locknut requires a 3/4" wrench.

2. Using Inch Pound Torque Wrench C-3380-A, a 3-in. extension and appropriate Torx™ socket (T-40), tighten adjusting screw to 72 in-lb. CAUTION: If Adapter C-3705 (from SPX Miller) is needed to reach the adjusting screw, tighten the screw to only 47-50 in. lbs. torque.

3. Back off adjusting screw the number of turns listed below for your transmission.

4. Hold adjusting screw in place and tighten lock-nut to:

    41 N·m (30 ft. lbs.) for the front band
    34 N·m (25 ft. lbs.) for the rear band
    The adjustment screw inside the case is a square head bolt. You will need a 1/4 square head socket to fit your torque wrench. (this may also take a 1/4" or 5/32" six point socket)

Front Band Adjustment (on outside of transmission)




Rear Band Adjustment (inside pan)




Band adjustments for each model year:
1994    

    * Front Band - tighten to 72 in-lb, back off 2-1/2 turns (all transmissions)
    * Rear Band
          o 32/42RH - Tighten to 72 in-LB, back off 4 turns
          o 36/37/46/47RH - Tighten to 72 in-lb, back off 2 turns

1995-1996    

    * Front Band
          o 42RH - tighten to 72 in-lb, back off 2-1/4 turns
          o 46RH - tighten to 72 in-lb, back off 2-7/8 turns
          o 47RH - tighten to 72 in-lb, back off 1-7/8 turns
    * Rear Band
          o 42RE/RH - tighten to 72 in-lb, back off 4 turns
          o 46RE/RH - tighten to 72 in-lb, back off 2 turns
          o 47RE/RH - tighten to 72 in-lb, back off 3 turns

1997-1998    

    * Front Band
          o 42RE - tighten to 72 in-lb, back off 3-5/8 turns
          o 46RE - tighten to 72 in-lb, back off 2-7/8 turns
          o 47RE - tighten to 72 in-lb, back off 1-7/8 turns
    * Rear Band
          o 42RE - tighten to 72 in-lb, back off 4 turns
          o 46RE - tighten to 72 in-lb, back off 2 turns
          o 47RE - tighten to 72 in-lb, back off 3 turns

1999    

    * Front Band
          o 42RE - tighten to 72 in-lb, back off 3 turns. (TSB 21-16-98)
          o 47RE - tighten band adj. screw to 72 inch pounds, back off 1 7/8 turns
    * Rear Band
          o 47RE - tighten band adj. screw to 72 inch pounds, back off 3 turns
                + The 47RH rear band requires a 1/4" hex driver, the front band requires a
                  T-30 Torx driver, the filter is held in place by two screws which require a T-20 Torx drive

2000-2002    

    * Front Band
          o 42RE - Tighten band adj. screw to 72 in-lb, back off 3 turns
          o 44RE - Tighten band adj. screw to 72 in-lb, back off 1 7/8 turns
          o 46RE - Tighten band adj. screw to 72 in-lb, back off 2 7/8 turns
          o 47RE - Tighten band adj. screw to 72 in-lb, back off 1 7/8 turns
           

    * Rear Band
          o 42RE - tighten band adj. screw to 72 inch pounds, back off 4 turns
          o 44RE - tighten band adj. screw to 72 inch pounds, back off 4 turns
          o 46RE - tighten band adj. screw to 72 inch pounds, back off 2 turns
          o 47RE - tighten band adj. screw to 72 inch pounds, back off 3 turns

2003    

    * Front Band
          o 48RE - tighten band adj. screw to 72 inch pounds, back off 1-3/4 turns
    * Rear Band
          o 48RE - tighten band adj. screw to 72 inch pounds, back off 3 turns

2005    

    * Front Band
          o 48RE - tighten band adj. screw to 72 inch pounds,
            back off front band adjusting screw 1-3/4 turns for diesel vehicles,
            or 1-1/2 turns, for V-10 vehicles.
    * Rear Band
          o 48RE - tighten band adj. screw to 72 inch pounds, back off 3 turns

94+ Automatic Transmission Bolt and Nut Torque Specs

    * Front band adjustment locknut - 30 ft-lb
    * Rear band adjustment locknut - 25 ft-lb
    * Transmission pan bolts - 13 ft-lb

[Kev_n_Az]

nice write up!

just add the O/D adjustment on the first gens please

thats located outside the trans housing,. not inside like the other adjusters.

[Buford445]

Nice write up Chad  It may be my next Project

[Buford445]

Is this the same numbers for the 06 ??

[Cumminalong]

Is this the same numbers for the 06 ??

Same numbers, buddy!

[Buford445]

Thanks

[Cumminalong]

Guys, the only thing I'll add to this is the band adjustment number for the front band, and this only applies to folks with aftermarket transmission and or valve body that also did bands, struts and anchors.

The front band adjustment is based on the apply lever ratio and is NOT a one size fits all.

The stock apply lever is a 3.8, but many transmissions use a 5.0 lever (which needs to loosened less than the 3.8 ) or a 2.5 lever (which needs to be loosened more than the 3.8 ).

The 5.0 needs to be loosened approx 1 1/4 - 1 1/2 turns off of 72 in/lbs.

The 2.5 needs to be loosened approx 2 3/4 2 7/8 turns off of 72 in/lbs.

The actual measurement is done between the tip of the apply lever and the tip of the servo rod. That measurement should be .375"

These measurements are critical to get correct shift timing and avoid binding or flaring.

If you have an aftermarket band, strut and anchor and apply lever, make sure you know which one it is.

If the band is too loose, the trans will flare (i.e. the engine will rev during the shifts).

If the band is too tight, the trans will bind (i.e. the truck will buck and the rpm's will drop).