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4L60-E Transmission Preventative Maintenance


NoEcm
08-28-2005, 10:57 PM
1996 Suburban 100k miles on the original 5.7L and 4L60-E transmission. Engine and transmission going strong.

After doing much research on the web regarding the GM 4L60-E transmission I have come to the conclusion that this transmission definitely has some trouble areas.

There are several different type of transmission “modification” kits out there that are advertised to help some of these problem areas. Many (but not all) of the problems that I have researched are related to the transmission valve body and or servos.

Besides changing the filter/ATF and keeping the transmission fluid cool with an auxiliary cooler what else can I do as preventative maintenance to keep from having future transmission problems?

Any suggestions and or advice would be greatly appreciated.

TIA!!!

2000CAYukon
08-29-2005, 02:29 AM
My recommendation would be a Transgo HD2 Reprogramming Kit and a Vette Servo with D-Ring Seals (instead of the cut ones).

The Transgo Reprogramming kit is very good kit and solves a lot of the issues with the 4l60e.

I installed this kit on my 96 Impala SS. My preference was to go pretty conservative on the shift firmness and I am very happy with the results. Smooth shifts on light throttle, firm shifts when I put my foot into it.

Here is a link to the Servo http://www.powerglide.com/parts/parts/77701-04K.htm and here is one to the transgo kit http://www.transmissionpartsusa.com/Reprogramming_Kits_Shift_Kits_Converter_Kits_etc_s/4.htm

//2000CAYukon

sub006
08-29-2005, 01:59 PM
Use a better ATF. Conventional grade is useless in the HD environment of a large SUV.

Consider Mobil 1 the MINIMUM. Best I have found is Red Line D4, about $10/quart; cheap insurance!

NoEcm
08-30-2005, 10:48 PM
2000CAYukon > I appreciate your advice and opinion.

Just a couple of questions:

1. How difficult/time consuming was it to install the Vette servo and the Transgo Reprogramming kit? I'm pretty comfortable working around cars but I don't have much experience around transmissions.

2. Looking back at what you did to your Impala SS would you have done anything different or additional to the transmission?

Thanks again for the advice!!!!!

2000CAYukon
08-31-2005, 01:00 AM
2000CAYukon > I appreciate your advice and opinion.

Just a couple of questions:

1. How difficult/time consuming was it to install the Vette servo and the Transgo Reprogramming kit? I'm pretty comfortable working around cars but I don't have much experience around transmissions.


It was my first time at pulling a valve body off so I really took my time. Unfortunately, I had to remove the passenger side cat to get at the servo (i.e. there was not much room to get at it with the exhaust in the way). I replaced the servo on my 90 K1500 and I had plenty of room to get at it. I probably spent a full day on it for everything (8 hours); however, the servo was 2 hours with the exhaust removal. Note that I already had the vette servo but decided to install the D-ring seals.


2. Looking back at what you did to your Impala SS would you have done anything different or additional to the transmission?


I forgot to mention that I also went with the GM Deep Pan and filter (This is stock on 2000 and up trucks and Suvs) to get an extra qt of fluid plus a drain! I am very happy with this setup (Transgo, Deep Pan and D-Ring Seals on the vette servo) and I would go with the exact same setup if I ever got a different Impala. If I was changing the cam or rear gear ratio, I probably would have changed the converter to get the right stall speed; however, since my engine and gears are stock, I did not change the converter. It is a very fun car to drive!!!

I still have the instructions (although there are some finger prints on them) and could email them to you if you are interested to see how hard the install is.

//2000CAYukon

NoEcm
10-21-2005, 06:33 PM
2000CAYukon: Thanks again for your advice and offer for the installation instructions.

Here is what I decided on and installed this last weekend:

TransGo SK 4L60E shift Kit (~$40.00 + shipping)
Corvette Servo (~$13.00 + shipping)
TransGo Tempered Separator Plate #46-PLT-96 (~$16.00 + shipping)
At the same time I also purchased a couple of bulk transmission filters + gaskets @ $7.00 each. These are the same filters (as indicated by the markings on the filter) as the Frams sold in the auto parts stores for $18.00 each.
Total combined shipping for the above parts was $6.75


I started the installation Friday evening by dropping the pan so the the transmission could drain overnight. (even after draining overnight there were still ATF drips the next day).

Corvette Servo: Saturday morning I started with the installation of the Corvette Servo in conjunction with the shift kit. The shift kit comes with 2 additional springs, a coil spacer and a "gold shim" to install along with the servo. You also have to grind 4 oil exit notches on the steel cover in this step. Installation was pretty straightforward and unlike other cars that use the 4L60E there was plenty of room to work and I did not have to lower the transmission or remove the catalytic converter.
The Corvette Servo that I purchased was a generic one that was not marked with the factory identification numbers. Just for information the factory Corvette piston is an "093" and I used this reference # when I drilled the Separator Plate and installed the Valve Body springs.

The Separator Plate: My original plan did not include the replacement of the Separator Plate. It was recommended by the shop that sold me the parts and I went ahead and purchased it. After I pulled the old one out I'm glad that I did purchase it as several of the check valve holes in the old plate were well worn. Before installing the new Separator Plate there are several holes that need to be re-drilled to .093" (this drill bit is included with the shift kit). The hole for the 1-2 shift also needs to be redrilled; .063 for a softer shift and .070 for a firmer shift. Also the hole for 4th needs to be redrilled; .086 for softer and .093 for firmer. These last two drill bits are not included with the shift kit and will need to be purchased separately (unless you use the included .093 bit for 4th).

The valve body modifications: Installation here was pretty straightforward. Just take your time and go one step at a time. Instead of using "TransJel" to hold the check balls in place during re-assembly I took a little Vaseline and refrigerated it overnight to firm it up prior to use.

Going at a slow pace and following the directions step by step this was a 6 – 7 hour job on Saturday. (I could probably do a 2nd installation in ~3 – 4 hours now.

This burb is a family vehicle and is used occasionally to tow a boat. The intent of this particular installation was for preventative maintenance and to extend the life of the transmission. In observation, after driving around for the last few days both the upshifts and the downshifts seem to be shorter and more positive.

The tech at the TransGo product support # was excellent and the instructions that were included with the shift kit was well written and very easy to follow. I would not hesitate to do this same mod again.

2000CAYukon
10-21-2005, 07:50 PM
Good info on the separator plate. My SS only had 60K on the clock so I did not replace it; however, it sounds like it a good recommendation for an older tranny.

The other benefit of all your work is that the 3/4 clutches get more oil so that they will last longer!

Sounds like you had a very successfull tranny upgrade!!!

//2000CAYukon

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