4l60e Help Needed!

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!

txab · August 29, 2009

If I'm having a trans repair at 110,000 miles, I'm having a total overhaul. There are many things that need to be upgraded in the 4L60E. Sun shell is one. I've got a great local builder, so that's the way I'd go.

If you install one yourself, you probably would need to have it checked to see if everything is ok. Shift pressures and and shift points to suit your driving style. You should have no problem removing and installing it yourself.

brims · August 29, 2009

I too would recommend that you have it built a little bit by a reputable transmission shop. That's what I'm doing when my trans goes, maybe I'll just order from Monster Transmission or something, I hopefully won't have to think about that for a few years.

alwcurlz · August 30, 2009

I too would recommend that you have it built a little bit by a reputable transmission shop. That's what I'm doing when my trans goes, maybe I'll just order from Monster Transmission or something, I hopefully won't have to think about that for a few years.

If rebuilding or replacing, I'd recommend upgrading to the 4L65E. It's an improved version I've been reading about. Check this info out! This info at CarCraft.com is VERY good reading!

CarCraft.com/ 4L60E upgrade to 4L65E

I would likely get mine either rebuilt and upgraded at the same time or buy a 4L65E transmission from someone like Outlaw Transmissions.