I purchase a built 2004r for my 72 GS and it has performed flawlessly. I have yet to hook up the lockup function though, and after reading many threads, I'm only more confused. I see a single prong exposed from the drivers side of the transmission, but every lock up kit for sale has multiple wires or a bung which doesn't connect to mine. I'm only concerned with 4th gear lock up on the freeway and using a toggle switch is fine by me. Can someone walk the dog on how to hook this up as simple as possible for me please. Parts to buy, places to tap into for power etc. Thanks!
Just tap in to any switched 12v source and run the wire to the single prong on the transmission. The current draw is minimal so you can tap into just about any accessory source. I ran mine through a toggle switch so I could activate lock up only when I needed it. There are fancier ways of doing it but they are not necessary for the lock up to function.
I have basic toggle setup. Hella Electric vacuum pump for brakes. The engine bogs until trans downshifts to 3rd or 2nd as you slow, then convertor unlocks. Or, you can manually downshift and same results. Light goes out, Trans stays unlocked till you reach 4th gear again. When on x-way, nail gas and convertor unlocks first, then Trans downshifts, (all happens quick)you're off like a bat then locks again when you hit 4th. My lockup only happens when in O.D. 2-3 hundred rpm drop at lockup.
I almost wrote off my truck when I had to do a panick stop and forgot to unlock the manual toggle switch I had on the dash. The engine stalled and I lost my power brakes and steering. I managed to get it started back up before I hit the car in front but after that I installed a brake switch in line with the toggle switch and had no issues after that.
Seems simple enough. Just run power to the prong and let it be? No need to provide a ground? Does the fact that I have a reverse manual valve body set up change anything? My understanding is the convertor will only lockup in fourth gear and will unlock automatically when I downshift. Is that right?
Contact extreme and ask them how they setup the lockup. The factory setup gm uses has the transmission getting 12V power all the time when the ignition is on and the brake switch and vacuum switch to control the lockup are on the ground wire. Most people reverse this and put the switches on the power wire, but in my opinion there must be a reason gm had this setup. Unless extreme modified the internal lockup system then it should lock in 3rd and 4th.
Given that it's been modified already to only have one prong, its very probable its internally plumbed and wired to only lock up in 4th gear when 12v is applied so will simply unlock when it downshifts into 3rd. I drove a 700-r4 this way (constant 12v, lock up immediately in 4th) for a couple years without any issues driving in southern California, where I was no stranger to abrupt traffic stops.
