The only downside to the modded VB is in 4 lo, the computer makes it shift harder. It's like getting hit from behind <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

UPDATE:
Oh man, my tail is completely between my legs right now.

Took the truck to a tranny specialist last week (actually, I limped it to the tranny shop!). The guy drove it and said he thought the tranny was fine, but it was throwing misfire codes all over the place. He said maybe the spark plugs were bad.

I totally thought the guy was full of it. My dad and a coworker had both driven the truck a few days prior and agreed it was most likely the TC (and they both have tons of auto experience). And when the thing chugged, it chattered like the rearend was going to fall out!

The mechanic said, "I dunno, maybe change your spark plugs. Or it could be the timing belt."

I laughed to myself at such a stupid idea, then took the truck to a general mechanic to have it checked out. First thing the guy said when he opened the hood was, "Hey, I never seen one of these with a turbo on it before."
Politely, I replied, "Umm, it's not a turbo. It's a supercharger." <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" />

Anyway, same conclusion from him. He said he had no idea what was causing the problems but it wasn't the tranny. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> But could I really trust a guy who can't tell a turbo from a blower??? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/butwiggle.gif" alt="" />

In a last ditch effort, I replaced my plugs that night (which led to me breaking my air intake <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/ignore.gif" alt="" />), cleaned the MAF and throttle body, and scoffed at the idea of it actually working.

Holy crap, it actually worked.

The truck hasn't chugged or bucked since that night and it runs like a champ. Even the shifting is back to normal; the tranny doesn't lag anymore under load (is that even possible??? Maybe shifting is affected by power delivery too?)

So lesson learned: Don't EVER underestimate the power of your spark plugs!!!! Wow! I feel like such an IDIOT! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" />

By the way, I'm still going to do the valve body mod next chance I get, since that'll probably prolong the life of the tranny anyway.

And thanks for the help!

Also, just to let you know if your tranny is still good, there is a "$20 VB mod" that people have done with success. read through this whole thread http://www.customtacos.com/forum/showthread.php?t=97198
(this is good as long as your tranny is OK)

Whoa! A lot of reading, but it sounds legit. Shoot, if I could install a couple of 7/8" and 5/8" washers and get a firmer shift, I'd be in heaven! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I printed out that one guy's job on his Lexus. Those are some detailed instructions! If anybody wants to read up on it, check it out here: Lexus VB mod.

Hey Greg, thanks for sending that link. I think I may see a Saturday project on the horizon.... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />