Transmission Question

2k3TahoeZ · October 29, 2003

I have less than 20k on my 03 Z and the tranny feels like is about to crap out on me. It has been shuddering from time to time, especially when going into OD. I know the 4l60E's are pretty crappy and should be left for the minivans and sedans, so I was curious about your opinions on if it would be better for me to put the 4l80E in instead.

I know the gearing is a bit different, but I plan on giving the 5.3 a kick in the pants, but I am also going to be putting a Rancho 4" kit on with 33" tires. I do have the 4.10 gears already.

Would there be issues with connecting the t-case or driveshaft lengths?

Any insight would be greatly appreciated - thanks.

-2k3

99-2door · October 29, 2003

If you have less than 20K you should still be under warranty. Aside from that, unless you are prepared to do a conversion involving computer programming, drive-shaft modifications, and possibly crossmember mods I would stick with the 4L60e . As far as I know the 4L80e is not available with the Autotrac and I doubt the transfer case will just bolt up.

2k3TahoeZ · October 30, 2003

I've got 75k worth of warranty, but I'd rather have a tranny that I can trust. Are there any bullet-proofed aftermarket 4l60e's?

Colorado Kid · October 30, 2003

I don't know about bullet proof aftermarket 4L60-Es, but I do know that the 1500HD (now known as 2500) came with the 4L80-E and could be had with an autotrac T-case. It the same T-case as your Tahoe, I don't know.

THe 4L80-E is longer than the 4L60-E, so that will require changes to both driveshafts at the minimum. I doubt that they are electronically interchangable also.

Perhaps you could find a way to have the 4L60-E rebuilt to 4L65-E specs, as found in 6.0L Escalades and Silverado SSs.

99-2door · October 30, 2003

I've got 75k worth of warranty, but I'd rather have a tranny that I can trust. Are there any bullet-proofed aftermarket 4l60e's?

Dude, that's

If you are still under warranty and something is really wrong with your tranny, you can get a new one for nothing. Then if something happens to that one, which I doubt would happen, you can change to an aftermarket unit when your warranty is out. No use spending money when you don't have to. If you have it to burn though, I guess that's your choice.

2k3TahoeZ · October 30, 2003

I've got 75k worth of warranty, but I'd rather have a tranny that I can trust. Are there any bullet-proofed aftermarket 4l60e's?

Dude, that's

If you are still under warranty and something is really wrong with your tranny, you can get a new one for nothing. Then if something happens to that one, which I doubt would happen, you can change to an aftermarket unit when your warranty is out. No use spending money when you don't have to. If you have it to burn though, I guess that's your choice.

I don't care about the warranty as much as I care about not getting stuck in the middle of the 120degree desert with a crapped out p.o.s. tranny. I'd rather be more proactive than reactive with this issue.

I'll look into the 4l65e rebuild - thanks Colorado Kid.