Transmission Question

[RyanFoster1980]

I have a question about GM transmission, in regards to the different models they produce.

I have ready alot on here about the 4L60, 4L80, 4L90 and others that GM offers in the trucks. It seems to be that the general consense is that the 4L60 is a "weak" tranny, is this true, and what transmissions are in what trucks? do the put the 4L60 in the 1500's and the 4L80 in the 2500's and so on, or does it not wor that way? Also how can I find out what transmission I have? I have an 2006 Crew Cab, 5.3L. Thanks in advance!

[rodram]

I believe that you will have a 4L60E ... but my experience is more with the older trucks

check the RPO codes on the sticker in your glove box - transmission codes start with M

M30 = 4L60E

MT1 = 4L80E

 

The 4L60E is a very functional transmission, but is "weak" in relation to some of the tough work that some personal truck owners try to push their truck through. It does have a predictable life span ... under normal use, many people (including me) have had to undergo a complete rebuild after about 140,000 miles. Some last longer, some if abused last a shorter time...

 

I take the position that knowing I have a 4L60E, I will do what I can to protect it.... and the $2500 (including total rebuild and R&R) is an expensive maintenance item ... but still cheaper than a new truck.

[jro909]

the 60 is a good trans, people just push it too far and blame the trans when it goes out....any trans is going to have a short life if its abused no matter what brand...lack of maintance will destroy it too, driving it like you stole it and towing more then it should will put a nail in it, let alone giant monster tard tires and 10 foot lifts will wear it down too

[rodram]

the 60 is a good trans, people just push it too far and blame the trans when it goes out....any trans is going to have a short life if its abused no matter what brand...lack of maintance will destroy it too, driving it like you stole it and towing more then it should will put a nail in it, let alone giant monster tard tires and 10 foot lifts will wear it down too

 

 

I agree 100 per cent....

[Z45]

Some people can be hard on the trans just by their driving habits. Where I worked for 30 yrs we always got identical vehicles on our survey crews. In 30 yrs I never had a transmission problem with my trucks but this guy on another crew actually had the transmission in each of his trucks over the same 30 yrs fail at one point in the 4-6 yrs he had the vehicle. We got to the point that we were trying to predict how long it would take for the trans to fail after he got a new truck. Be it a Furd, Dudge or a GM truck, he would kill the trans long before the truck was due to be replaced.

[RyanFoster1980]

Thanks for all the advice, do any of you guys change the tranny fluids before they are supposed to be changed, for example the manual says at 100K, but do you guys change it earlier. My 06 Crew Cab 1500 5.3L is an everyday driver, I do hall a flat bed trailer a couple times a year, and a 4000 LB travel trailer 5 times a year for camping, do you think this is with in the "normal" range of use and should I just anticipate changing the tranny fluid at 100K or sooner? My truck currently has 56,xxx on it.

[txab]

Change it now and make sure you have an auxillary trans cooler of adequate size installed. Do a full fluid change out and use synthetic fluid

[rodram]

+1 ... when you are towing, extra fluid changes are a good maintenance plan

[jro909]

doing preventive maintance will lengthen your truck's bits and pieces but lighten your wallet...you decide whats more important 50 bucks now or a couple of grand later

 

 

synthetic is a must along with a cooler towing or not, people should have both even if they don't tow

[RyanFoster1980]

Sounds great, thanks for the advice everyone. I think that my truck already has a tranny cooler, from the factory, because it has the tow/haul package on it.

[jro909]

just look just inside the grill the factory cooler is about the size of a book and is in a bracket just in front of the main radiator below the bow tie