Need 4l60e Advice Please!

CaptainInsano · August 29, 2009

I have a 2005 Chevy Silverado 4x4 Z71 with about 110 miles on it. No major issues until the other day when I was cruising at about 60 MPH on the highway. Notice I was running about 2500 RPM (typically at this speed I spin abou 1500 RPM). I was about 40 miles from home so I kept on trucking...about 20 more miles I was spinning about 3000 RPM to go 60 MPH. At this point I knew something was wrong. I babied it home (forunately the last 15 miles are mostly down hill). It was late so the next day I did a little investigation. No leaks, fluid level and color looks good (might have a bit of a "cooked" smell?). Took the truck for a ride today. Shifts and runs excellent in R, 1, 2. The problem is when I'm in 3rd gear (and I'm going to guess 4th too, couldn't get goin fast enough of the back country road). When I'm in 3rd gear the transmission 'slips'. When I say slip its like you get 1500 to 2000 RPM of reving before you get movement. I don't have much experience with auto transmissions (last 5 vechiles were all sticks!). I have rebuilt several of those but an auto tranny rebuild is something I don't have experience with. I am guessing the band or clutches for 3/4 are shot? Anyways...I am wondering what my best course of action is.

Of course its 10K out of warranty...I called Chevy and as I expected their give a damn is busted. Should I:

1. Take it to a local transmission shop (good reputation) for a complete rebuild (about $1300) or just go with a targeted repair.

2. Buy a Jasper or other aftermarket rebuild tranny?

Any finally, how hard is it to rip the tranny out of the truck? I've always removed standards but never an auto...looks pretty easy but is there anything from an alignment standpoint or programming that needs done with the new / rebuild unit is installed?

I plan on keeping the truck for at least another 100K miles.

Thanks guys!

bossier62guy · August 30, 2009

Of course its 10K out of warranty...I called Chevy and as I expected their give a damn is busted. Should I:

1. Take it to a local transmission shop (good reputation) for a complete rebuild (about $1300) or just go with a targeted repair.

2. Buy a Jasper or other aftermarket rebuild tranny?

Any finally, how hard is it to rip the tranny out of the truck? I've always removed standards but never an auto...looks pretty easy but is there anything from an alignment standpoint or programming that needs done with the new / rebuild unit is installed?

I plan on keeping the truck for at least another 100K miles.

Thanks guys!

If it were me and I had 110K miles on it I'd definitely have it completely overhauled especially since you said the fluid smelled burnt. Whether you get it done locally or purchase one from a reputable overhauler would kind of depend on if you have a shop that you trust in your area. I've never swapped one of these out, just the old turbo 350/400's but it doesn't look that bad.....of course the transfer case is going to cause some extra work. I doubt any programming will have to be done afterwards either but maybe someone that has this experience will speak up. Now lastly; GM covered your truck for 100K miles.....did you really expect them to man up for 10K over that? Good luck

CaptainInsano · August 30, 2009

Of course its 10K out of warranty...I called Chevy and as I expected their give a damn is busted. Should I:

1. Take it to a local transmission shop (good reputation) for a complete rebuild (about $1300) or just go with a targeted repair.

2. Buy a Jasper or other aftermarket rebuild tranny?

Any finally, how hard is it to rip the tranny out of the truck? I've always removed standards but never an auto...looks pretty easy but is there anything from an alignment standpoint or programming that needs done with the new / rebuild unit is installed?

I plan on keeping the truck for at least another 100K miles.

Thanks guys!

If it were me and I had 110K miles on it I'd definitely have it completely overhauled especially since you said the fluid smelled burnt. Whether you get it done locally or purchase one from a reputable overhauler would kind of depend on if you have a shop that you trust in your area. I've never swapped one of these out, just the old turbo 350/400's but it doesn't look that bad.....of course the transfer case is going to cause some extra work. I doubt any programming will have to be done afterwards either but maybe someone that has this experience will speak up. Now lastly; GM covered your truck for 100K miles.....did you really expect them to man up for 10K over that? Good luck

Thanks for the input....they did some work on the front differential at about 76K because I noted a howling noise coming from either the transmission or the front differential. They claim to have rebuilt the front differential but said that the noise was still slightly noticable after repairs were made. I offered it might be the tranny but they disagreed and said the noise was noticable but they didn't feel anything was wrong. Now at about 30K later the tranny is gone...was that noise the tranny the whole time?

bossier62guy · August 30, 2009

Of course its 10K out of warranty...I called Chevy and as I expected their give a damn is busted. Should I:

1. Take it to a local transmission shop (good reputation) for a complete rebuild (about $1300) or just go with a targeted repair.

2. Buy a Jasper or other aftermarket rebuild tranny?

Any finally, how hard is it to rip the tranny out of the truck? I've always removed standards but never an auto...looks pretty easy but is there anything from an alignment standpoint or programming that needs done with the new / rebuild unit is installed?

I plan on keeping the truck for at least another 100K miles.

Thanks guys!

If it were me and I had 110K miles on it I'd definitely have it completely overhauled especially since you said the fluid smelled burnt. Whether you get it done locally or purchase one from a reputable overhauler would kind of depend on if you have a shop that you trust in your area. I've never swapped one of these out, just the old turbo 350/400's but it doesn't look that bad.....of course the transfer case is going to cause some extra work. I doubt any programming will have to be done afterwards either but maybe someone that has this experience will speak up. Now lastly; GM covered your truck for 100K miles.....did you really expect them to man up for 10K over that? Good luck

Thanks for the input....they did some work on the front differential at about 76K because I noted a howling noise coming from either the transmission or the front differential. They claim to have rebuilt the front differential but said that the noise was still slightly noticable after repairs were made. I offered it might be the tranny but they disagreed and said the noise was noticable but they didn't feel anything was wrong. Now at about 30K later the tranny is gone...was that noise the tranny the whole time?

That would be hard to say from where I sit but I suppose it's possible. Keep us posted on what you decide to do w/ you truck.

Alljackedup408 · September 2, 2009

Id go with a reman transmission if you are not building the trans itself. will be much cheaper. Plus you will get a warranty. The 3-4 clutch pack is very weak in the 4l60e. If you have it rebuild instead of a reman trans, request a Zpak 3-4 clutch pack, i put one in mine when i rebuilt my trans. They are a very good clutch pack, that take alot of abuse. Id also recommend putting a new sunshell in it, preferably a beast sun shell, and a wide 2-4 band. Just more surface area for the band grabbing.

CaptainInsano · September 12, 2009

I had the tranny rebuilt at a local shop that my intern at the plant recommended. He went to Wyotech and worked at a local ford garage before going back to school for engineernig. 1400 for a complete rebuild, new torque converter, labor, and 2 year unlimited mile warranty. Got it back in 3 days. Put about 1000 miles on it...runs great.