BLUF, want to reduce or eliminate shudder? Change your engine tune or adjust you right foot.
I've got over 220,000 miles on my transmission.
The only thing I've done to it is add the transgo shift kit.
Yes it shudders.
Yes it has the fluid drainback problem.
But I've learned to deal with it.
I have a new Florida Hemi TC sitting in my garage. I just haven't found the time or proper motivation to drop that beastly 545rfe and install it.
When I was running the Yeti stage 2 tune, anything other than the most gentle of acceleration in 5th gear caused shudder. And this was not towing and driving across the florida flatlands.
So I tried running with a Hemi TCM. Different shift points (not necessarily better) and slightly harsher engagement of the gears. Shudder was reduced just a bit.
Then I added the sonnax booster. Not much difference.
Then I switch to the Yeti stage 4 tune.
Still with the Hemi TCM and sonnax booster.
The stage 4 tune definitely has more power than the stage 2, but I wasn't getting nearly as much shudder. Why?
Well the stage 2 hits hard with instant torque from 1800 rpm on up.
The stage 4 comes in more slowly with more top end from 2300 and up.
Don't get me wrong, I could still force it to shudder. It just wasn't as frequent.
Then I switched to a GDE Eco Tune (not the full torque).
Again, I rarely tow and don't live in a mountainous region.
But shudder has been completely eliminated.
Why?
Because the eco tune significantly reduces power whenever the TC clutch is applied.
Like to the point that its almost taken the fun out of it.
But that's ok. Its a Jeep, not a race car.
(my fun car inches closer to completion
https://youtu.be/x3oQzbcf9y4 )