Next Gen Drivetrain Project Carbon Valve Body Upgrade

[u/Jermi321]

https://nextgendiesel.com/collections/10l80e-valve-bodies/products/project-carbon%C2%AE-10l80-e-diy-valve-body-upgrade-kit-v3-1?variant=44018016157869

Has anyone proactively installed the Next Gen Drivetrain valve body upgrade kit? GM's software update does nothing to address the root cause of the 4th clutch auto engagement issue. It is a valve body mechanical wear issue causing fluid to bypass the valve causing an inadvertent 4th clutch to engage simultaneously with the other 3 clutches causing the transmission output shaft to lock up. The Next Gen kit is advertised as a mechanical solution to the shift valve wear issue.

I have noticed on several trucks that the fluid is damn near black at 45,000ish miles. My impression is if the valve body wear is gradual, then maybe over time the fluid leaking by the shift valve is not enough in the beginning stages of wear to cause the clutch drum to fully engage, but rather enough is leaking by to cause the clutch drum to partially engage causing a clutch slippage issue which is causing the fluid to look burnt in such a short time frame. I am looking to proactively take care of the issue GM will not. Truck has 3800 miles on it and I cannot afford to be without it for months at end.

TLDR: Thoughts on installing the valve body upgrade as a failure prevention upgrade.

[u/Choice_Leader_8213]

Parts are in, just need time now.

[u/Choice_Leader_8213 → u/Choice_Leader_8213]

Some additional Sonnax parts, I may use some of these??

[u/Pretend-Category6934 → u/Choice_Leader_8213]

Disclaimer: new to reddit. 

I just installed the Next Gen 10L80 valve body kit with the steel relay valves, and B&M deep pan (its got a large magnet which is why I chose it, plus also had one on my TH400 and was great). 

The install was was mostly trouble free, but the instructions are lacking and showed pictures for some other version of the 10L80 than what I had. So there was has a fair amount of head scratching but I believe I installed it correctly as the tranny runs through all 10 gears minus a weird behavior today from 1-2, 2-3, but I only have about 30 miles on it. 

[u/Pretend-Category6934 → u/Pretend-Category6934]

I'd post some pictures, but this shit is confusing. 

[u/Choice_Leader_8213 → u/Pretend-Category6934]

https://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/threads/project-carbon-next-gen-10-speed-valve-body-kit-finally-installed.153898/

Proper fluid level setting is not clear, it is all over the place depending on what you are reading or watching on YouTube.

Readers digest version.

1. Engine MUST be running when setting the final fluid level. You MUST put the fill plug back in the transmission while the engine is running.

2. You may need to check the fluid 2-3 times after reassembling the transmission.

3. Use the remote keyfob to start engine and shut it off, saves time and keeps the exhaust cooler so you will not get burned as easily.

4. DO NOT brake torque or power brake the transmission to raise the temperature. If you remove the transmission thermostat you you can skip any attempt to raise the transmission temperature. If you still have the transmission thermostat installed, just make sure you check the transmission level after you fully warm the transmission up, even if it does not hit the 170F+ mark, even if you get the transmission temp to 150-160F you have probably forced the transmission thermostat open, so just recheck the fluid level after a good long drive.

5. The TCM will also relearn over time while you drive after a repair.