Beefing up a 4L60E?

kstruckcountry · October 25, 2012

Lately I've been worried about preserving my tranny. I'd like some input from y'all on what kind of upgrades I can make to it to make it last longer. I'm not interested in the performance as much as longevity.

Are there some things to do that will really help its lifespan, or should I just save the money for a 4L70 once this one goes out?

GMstrong · October 25, 2012

Its probably to late,depending on the mileage.I would save for a 4L80e.Now you can get them for cheap.

music · October 25, 2012

I'd save the money towards a solid rebuild when the time comes (if it does). Your truck probably has the newer sun shell design, so it should last a long time. I'm assuming you have an external oil cooler? Every truck should have one, imho.

kstruckcountry · October 25, 2012

Yeah, it has a cooler. I'm pretty nice to it, other than towing the boat on hills on a couple really hot days.

I though quite a bit of work went into putting in a 4L80E? I remember something about moving a crossmember back, changing the tune, and changing a transfer case gear?

Bad Bowtie2 · October 25, 2012

You could add the vette sero's, add a shift kit, & then upgrade the internals off the beefier 4L65E (which hame in the VHO's, Vortec MAX, & Silverado SS's).

KMGZ400 · October 25, 2012

I'd save the money towards a solid rebuild when the time comes (if it does). Your truck probably has the newer sun shell design, so it should last a long time. I'm assuming you have an external oil cooler? Every truck should have one, imho.

what he said. just save for and upgraded rebuild

desrtrat · October 26, 2012

I'd save the money towards a solid rebuild when the time comes (if it does). Your truck probably has the newer sun shell design, so it should last a long time. I'm assuming you have an external oil cooler? Every truck should have one, imho.

what he said. just save for and upgraded rebuild

X2

i don't think you'll be happy with a 80..your not pushing big power. with the added weight, increase plasmic loss decreasing your mpg, and the terrible first gear ratio, i would stay with the 60. JMO..

Prokopchuk_9 · October 27, 2012

Lots of work addin 4l80...look for a used 60, check scrap yards. Build one then when urs shits the bed drop rebuild in. Then rebuild the one that came out and sell it!!! You could end up makin some money if you found a cheap one off the bat.

yukon25008.1 · October 27, 2012

I just found one in syracuse ny.. for $945 with 44,000 on it and only $140 for shipping.

kstruckcountry · October 27, 2012

Chevyboy, what if I started building one now?

That way I'd have it when I need it. I know what to look for as far as price of the tranny, but which parts and how much to pay for them I have no idea. If I can find a good tranny cheap, I may as well buy it.

By the way Chevyboy, love your new ride.

Prokopchuk_9 · October 27, 2012

Chevyboy, what if I started building one now?
That way I'd have it when I need it. I know what to look for as far as price of the tranny, but which parts and how much to pay for them I have no idea. If I can find a good tranny cheap, I may as well buy it.

By the way Chevyboy, love your new ride.

Transmissions are for tranny people IMO. I have helped build one but you gotta know what ur doin, a long lasting tranny is all in the builder. Some guys know some pretty good tricks. I would look for a 4l60 in scrap yard, send core into finish line transmissions. Check it out http://www.finishlinetrans.com/transmissions/streetPerformance4L60.htm

Plus if you did that, you would have a warrantied tranny. That tranny is only $1500 not bad at all...