Silverado Towing Performance

[Woodcutter]

Just wanted to make a post on this if anyone is interested:

 

This morning I just towed the first real load I've had behind my new truck so far: 9500# GVW tandem axle EZ-Dump trailer loaded flush to the top with firewood. I have to admit that I'm thoroughly impressed with the power and handling of these trucks. I really don't know how much the loaded trailer weighed, but I would guess somewhere around the listed 7500 lb. max capacity. I didn't go over any big mountains, but drove 26 miles through rolling terrain.

 

I was worried about "only" having the 5.3 V8 and 3.73s, but I don't feel bad now. Of course, I would have bought the VortecMAX pkg if $$ and availability weren't among my limitations! I live in Central PA and have yet to see a VortecMAX in any nearby dealer lots. I only recall seeing one of these trucks on the road all year. But these GM trucks are definitely still made to work!

[MS3DALE]

Yep,These trucks do tow nice.

I towed 6,000lbs+ earlier this year (A buddies '79 Corvette) with my VortecMAX and it didn't even know it was back there!!

[VMax2007]

Yep,These trucks do tow nice.

I towed 6,000lbs+ earlier this year (A buddies '79 Corvette) with my VortecMAX and it didn't even know it was back there!!

 

Now c'mon Rich, be real. Yes, I know these tow awesomely, but you knew it was back there. I tow a 3K+ boat all summer and I know that's back there.

[wlvrn1215]

Im assuming I have the 4L60E but what other tranny options come in a crew cab 5.3 with 3.73's

[MS3DALE]

Yep,These trucks do tow nice.

I towed 6,000lbs+ earlier this year (A buddies '79 Corvette) with my VortecMAX and it didn't even know it was back there!!

 

Now c'mon Rich, be real. Yes, I know these tow awesomely, but you knew it was back there. I tow a 3K+ boat all summer and I know that's back there.

 

 

Well,Yea I knew it was back there but I don't think the truck knew it was back there!!

 

Z71chev,The 4L60E is the only tranny offered behind the 5.3's.

[wlvrn1215]

now the MAX comes with the 70 or 80

[VMax2007]

now the MAX comes with the 70 or 80

 

4L70E

[wlvrn1215]

thanks.......the 80 must come in the HD's then

[wlvrn1215]

I really wish they would have put the 70's in the 5.3's Just makes sense to me. Because of the 60's track record...I am always worried about longevity.

[Woodcutter]

I really wish they would have put the 70's in the 5.3's Just makes sense to me. Because of the 60's track record...I am always worried about longevity.

 

 

Just work it sensibly and don't get it too hot, you really shouldn't have anything to worry about. The 4L60s aren't new so the track record must be pretty good.

[wlvrn1215]

not really the track record of the 60's is not to good. I know someone who had his replaced like 3 times. I think it was one of those freak things but who knows...... I have the trans cooler so I think I'll be ok.

[MS3DALE]

Just work it sensibly and don't get it too hot, you really shouldn't have anything to worry about. The 4L60s aren't new so the track record must be pretty good.

 

I agree,I've always had good luck with the 4L60's.

And we see very few in the shop for any kind of work.

[topdj]

the 4l70e is the same thing with beefy parts like the aftermarket performance 4l60e they build a 4l65e too but the 4le70 get all the goodies & hardend pieces.

They know you max guys are gonna stand on that pedal LOL

really require to to drive smart come to a complete stop before shifting especially when you have a load in the bed or towing.

 

2008 Hydra-Matic 4L60 / 4L65 / 4L70 (M30/M32/MD6/M70) Car and Truck Transmissions

Hydra-Matic 4L60 / 4L65 / 4L70 four-speed automatic rear- and four-wheel-drive transmission

2008 Model Year

 

SUMMARY OF NEW OR CHANGED FEATURES FOR MODEL YEAR 2008

 

• New Applications: New 4WD application added for the Hummer H3 Alpha with the 5.3L V8 (LH8) engine.

• Quality Improvement with Bonded Spacer Plate Assembly Incorporating Solenoid Screens

• New Aluminum Cooler Fittings Replace Steel Fittings

• Input Speed Sensor Completion of Rollout into all Applications

 

 

FULL DESCRIPTIONS OF NEW OR CHANGED FEATURES

 

 

NEW APPLICATIONS: New 4WD Application added for the HUMMER H3 Alpha with the 5.3L V8 (LH8) engine.

The Hummer H3 Alpha application with the Vortec 5.3L V8 (LH8) engine use the Hydra-Matic 4L60 (M30). This application requires a new torque converter housing design and 300mm torque converter.

 

QUALITY IMPROVEMENT WITH BONDED SPACER PLATE ASSEMBLY INCORPORATING SOLENOID SCREENS

All applications of the 4L60 / 4L65 / 4L70 get a new bonded spacer plate assembly incorporating screens for (3) solenoids, and the bonding of the valve body gaskets to the spacer plate. This one-piece design improves assembly and improves quality.

 

NEW ALUMINUM COOLER FITTINGS REPLACE STEEL FITTINGS

All applications of the 4L60 / 4L65 / 4L70 will incorporate aluminum cooler fittings in the transmission case in place of steel fittings. This product improvement will help prevent corrosion of the fitting and also uses a new external seal to improve quality and durability.

 

INPUT SPEED SENSOR COMPLETION OF ROLLOUT INTO ALL APPLICATIONS

With the 2008MY, all 4L60 / 4L65 / 4L70 applications have an input speed sensor. This technology was introduced in this product starting in the 2006MY with a three year rollout plan. To allow more sophisticated electronic programming of shifting and other transmission functions, an internal input speed sensor precisely monitors the input shaft speed. To fit the sensor inside the transmission without changing major components, the sensor is installed inside the fluid pump. The turbine shaft incorporates a spline, so that the sensor can count the teeth to determine the input speed.

 

LOW MAINTENANCE

For severe use, DEXRON®-VI fluid changes are the only maintenance recommended. For normal use there is no fluid change scheduled. Continual development of the 4L60 / 4L65/4L70 to increase high-mileage longevity remains a priority.

 

Another contribution to low maintenance is the ability to match the transmissions to each of its broad list of applications. Performance efficiency and ideal cooling are achieved by using one of four sizes of torque converters and that contributes to long-term durability.

 

 

 

OVERVIEW

The Hydra-Matic 4L60 / 4L65 are differentiated primarily because of gearset design. Each of the two planetary gearsets in these four-speed automatic transmissions have four pinion gears in the 4L60, and five pinion gears in the 4L65 and 4L70. The 4L65 was introduced in the 2001 model year as a heavy duty (HD) variant with more robust parts that provide increased strength. Beginning in 2002, many of the technologies from the 4L65 applications that add durability have been incorporated into the 4L60, such as more robust bushings and bearings. The 4L70 is a variation of the five-pinion 4L65, with additional strengthening in the output shaft and reaction internal gear to handle increased engine torque.

 

The Hydra-Matic 4L60 / 4L65 / 4L70 are also characterized by rigid structures and low noise designs. These transmissions are state of the art for rear-drive and four-wheel-drive cars and trucks because of their adaptive shift electronic controls and GM’s proprietary Electronic Controlled Capacity Clutch (ECCC) technology. The ECCC allows sophisticated variable clutch slip to dampen engine pulses, providing smooth shifting and driveline feel. The transmissions also take directions from vehicle powertrain control modules to avoid hunting between gears when climbing hills. On certain applications, the stand-alone T42 transmission control module is used, which allows sophisticated software control of the transmission.

 

An extremely versatile transmission, the 4L60 / 4L65 / 4L70 functions in a wide range of applications. Its sophisticated electronic controls and high-torque capabilities allow it to serve in pickups and SUVs ranging from the compact Chevrolet Canyon and GMC Colorado pickup trucks to the roomy GMC Yukon XL. Because of a new input speed sensor added for the 2006 Model Year, the 4L60 is able to be tuned to match the brand character of the new mid-size rugged HUMMER H3 Alpha and the uplevel European luxury Saab 9-7x. Tuning for the Saab includes earlier downshifting to enhance performance.

 

A new transmission fluid, DEXRON®-VI, was developed for the 2006 Model Year to behave more consistently during temperature and other environmental variations, as well as to provide even lubrication of the moving surfaces of the transmission. This fluid is validated in all 4L60/4L65/4L70 transmissions.

 

The 4L60 / 4L65 / 4L70 are produced in two plants, Toledo, OH and Ramos Arizpe, Mexico. The Ramos Arizpe plant has state-of-the-art gear processing systems, and similar systems have now been upgraded at the Toledo plant, which has been building transmissions since 1982.

 

Finally, as part of a corporate-wide reduction of environmentally hazardous materials, the use of hexavalent chrome as a material coating is eliminated in all of the 4L60 / 4L65 / 4L70 transmissions.

 

FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPTIONS

The 4L60 / 4L65 / 4L70 transmission is mated to several different transfer cases used by four- and all-wheel-drive applications. The Colorado and Canyon pickups use the Isuzu model T150 part-time two-speed transfer case with electric engagement of driving ranges. The Trailblazer and Envoy use the NP model 226, which features an electrically operated clutch pack that functions as a center differential for full-time use on any surface. The Trailblazer SS uses an NV 120 with a unique Torsen center differential. This is an automatic torque-sensing center differential that detects slippage mechanically and sends torque to the non-slipping axle. The Chevrolet Silverado ( Classic ) and GMC Sierra ( Classic ) pickups use the NP models 246, 261 and 263. The NP246 has an electrically operated clutch pack to send torque to the front axle while the NP263 has a 2 speed part time electric range selection. The NP261 is a conventional manual part-time transfer case. The ( Classic ) pickup series bows in late 2007 replaced by the New for 2007, Silverado and Sierra series trucks. New Magna transfer cases debut replacing each of the current NP products; MP1625 and 1626 2 speed electric, MP3023 and 3024 2 speed active and MP1222 and 1225 2 speed manual selection. The new Magna line brings improved powertrain control integration and band width for torque input. Borg Warner continues with the BW 4493 and 4494 2 speed AWD unit in the GMT345, an updated BW4484 2 speed AWD for increased band width in the H2 and the BW4481 is used in the premium full-size SUVs.

[topdj]

here is the 2007 changes

 

2007 Hydra-Matic 4L60 (M30,MK2-AWD,M33-PHT)

2007 Hydra-Matic 4L65 (M32,MD6-AWD)

2007 Hydra-Matic 4L70 (M70)

 

2007 Model Year

Hydra-Matic 4L60 / 4L65 / 4L70 four-speed automatic rear- and four-wheel-drive Car & Truck transmission

 

SUMMARY OF NEW OR CHANGED FEATURES FOR MODEL YEAR 2007

 

? New Applications: New Chevrolet Silverado, Suburban, and Tahoe, and new GMC Sierra, Yukon, and Yukon XL

? New Applications: New Chevrolet Silverado, Suburban, and Trailblazer SS, GMC Sierra, and Yukon XL

? High-Mileage Durability Increase With New 3-4 Gear Clutch Material

 

 

FULL DESCRIPTIONS OF NEW OR CHANGED FEATURES

 

NEW APPLICATIONS: NEW CHEVROLET SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, AND TAHOE, AND NEW GMC SIERRA, YUKON, AND YUKON XL

The new GMT 900-series pickups and full-size SUVs equipped with the 4.8L and 5.3L V8 engines use the Hydra-Matic 4L60.

 

NEW APPLICATIONS: NEW CHEVROLET SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, AND TRAILBLAZER SS, GMC SIERRA, AND YUKON XL

The new GMT 900-series pickups equipped with the uplevel 6.0L V8, the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra, as well as the new Suburban and Yukon XL and the performance model of the mid-size Trailblazer SUV, are equipped with the 4L70 transmission because of its high torque handling capability and its towing capacity.

 

HIGH-MILEAGE DURABILITY INCREASE WITH NEW 3-4 GEAR CLUTCH MATERIAL

All applications of the 4L60 / 4L65 / 4L70 get a new paper friction material on the 3-4 clutch that is designed to increase high-mileage durability, particularly with transmissions that have been driven 200,000 miles or more.

 

LOW MAINTENANCE

For severe use, DEXRON®-VI fluid changes are the only maintenance recommended. For normal use there is no fluid change scheduled. Continual development of the 4L60 / 4L65 / 4L70 to increase high-mileage longevity remains a priority.

 

Another contribution to low maintenance is the ability to match the transmissions to each of its broad list of applications. Performance efficiency and ideal cooling are achieved by using one of four sizes of torque converters and that contributes to long-term durability.

 

OVERVIEW

The Hydra-Matic 4L60 / 4L65 are differentiated primarily because of gearset design. Each of the two planetary gearsets in these four-speed automatic transmissions have four pinion gears in the 4L60, and five pinion gears in the 4L65 and 4L70. The 4L65 was introduced in the 2001 model year as a heavy duty (HD) variant with more robust parts that provide increased strength. Beginning in 2002, many of the technologies from the 4L65 applications that add durability have been incorporated into the 4L60, such as more robust bushings and bearings. The 4L70 is a variation of the five-pinion 4L65, with additional strengthening in the output shaft and reaction internal gear to handle increased engine torque.

 

The Hydra-Matic 4L60 / 4L65 / 4L70 are also characterized by rigid structures and low noise designs. These transmissions are state of the art for rear-drive and four-wheel-drive cars and trucks because of their adaptive shift electronic controls and GM’s proprietary Electronic Controlled Capacity Clutch (ECCC) technology. The ECCC allows sophisticated variable clutch slip to dampen engine pulses, providing smooth shifting and driveline feel. The transmissions also take directions from vehicle powertrain control modules to avoid hunting between gears when climbing hills. On certain applications, the stand-alone T42 transmission control module is used, which allows sophisticated software control of the transmission.

 

An extremely versatile transmission, the 4L60 / 4L65 / 4L70 functions in a wide range of applications. Its sophisticated electronic controls and high-torque capabilities allow it to serve in pickups and SUVs ranging from the compact Chevrolet Canyon and GMC Colorado pickup trucks to the roomy GMC Yukon XL. Because of a new input speed sensor added for the 2006 Model Year, the 4L60 is able to be tuned to match the brand character of the new mid-size rugged HUMMER H3 and the uplevel European luxury Saab 9-7x. Tuning for the Saab includes earlier downshifting to enhance performance.

 

A new transmission fluid, DEXRON®-VI, was developed for the 2006 Model Year to behave more consistently during temperature and other environmental variations, as well as to provide even lubrication of the moving surfaces of the transmission. This fluid is validated in all 4L60 / 4L65 / 4L70 transmissions.

 

The 4L60 / 4L65 / 4L70 are produced in two plants, Toledo, OH and Ramos Arizpe, Mexico. The Ramos Arizpe plant has state-of-the-art gear processing systems, and similar systems have now been upgraded at the Toledo plant, which has been building transmissions since 1982.

 

The 4L60 (M33) is also used with the Parallel Hybrid pickup truck, which uses an electric motor/alternator sandwiched between the conventional engine and transmission. The electric motor applies torque smoothing during low-speed converter lock-up, and generates electricity to charge batteries at other times. The torque converter is a 258mm unit, but it is modified to take the extra torque of the V8 engine. The input shaft on the torque converter is stronger, and the lockup clutch is a more robust dual-plate design. Generally V8 engines are matched to 300mm torque converters, but the smaller unit was used to allow space for the electric motor.

 

Finally, as part of a corporate-wide reduction of environmentally hazardous materials, the use of hexavalent chrome as a material coating is eliminated in all of the 4L60 / 4L65 / 4L70 transmissions.

 

FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPTIONS

The 4L60 / 4L65 / 4L70 is mated to several different transfer cases used by four- and all-wheel-drive applications. The Colorado and Canyon pickups use the Isuzu model T150 part-time two-speed transfer case with electric engagement of driving ranges. The Trailblazer and Envoy use the NP model 226, which features an electrically operated clutch pack that functions as a center differential for full-time use on any surface. The Trailblazer SS uses an NV 120 with a unique Torsen center differential. This is an automatic torque-sensing center differential that detects slippage mechanically and sends torque to the non-slipping axle. The GMT 800 pickups use the NP models 246 and 261. The NP246 has an electrically operated clutch pack to send torque to the front axle, and the NP261 is a conventional part-time transfer case. A BW4481 is used by the full-size SUVs, and a BW4484 is used by the Hummer H2, and both are two-speed transfer cases with an open center differential.