4L60E

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Thanks.
Did you notice a performance loss from the TH400 and losing the OD?
I may be simplifying this, but it would seem that once you set the shifter up, it would seem that you just plug into the harness and youre good.
I guess that Ill find out within the next year.
Some have said that an up grade to the clutches is a good idea too...
CHA CHING, CHA CHING, CHA CHING.
Good thing Im not in a hurry.
(unless disaster strikes in the stock gear...):eek:

No performance loss. Maybe some MPG loss, but I didn't care. Its not a DD. If there was one thing, I was so used to hearing the engine at a lower noise level when the tranny would shift into OD that I was constantly thinking I was in a lower gear. I got used to it after driving it a little. My goal was simplicity when setting up my wagon. Mostly because I am horrible at electrical. I had a 90's chevy just stop on me up near Highland Lakes. It was the computer. It cost me $500.00 to have it towed to Bear Valley. So on this I went with as simple as I could. That way it would be fairly simple to diagnose on the trail and fix. I have been very happy with the performance, and the cost was much less. God Luck.
 
Just let me know when.:D



There are a lot of videos and books available. I'm just throwing that out there...

From what I understand, there a one or two specialized tools and then all you have to worry about is a clean work area, keep everything clean and organized.

Jack

Is it something that you think that I could tackle?:hhmm:
I know that YOURE down right crazy AEB trying to set up your diffs, so I may be asking the wrong person.
Ive never really bothered to look into it (doing it myself) cuz Ive just always heard that it was a nightmare and its just better left to the pros.
That is a BIG FAWKING component to screw up!

K
 
Is it something that you think that I could tackle?:hhmm:
I know that YOURE down right crazy AEB trying to set up your diffs, so I may be asking the wrong person.
Ive never really bothered to look into it (doing it myself) cuz Ive just always heard that it was a nightmare and its just better left to the pros.
That is a BIG FAWKING component to screw up!

K

I would get one of the videos and then make a decision. I didn't have a video when I went to do my diffs. I think it would have helped tremendously.

Here is a manual: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/4L60....c0.m245&_trkparms=72:543|65:12|39:1|240:1318

And here is a video: http://www.transmissionvideos.com/

Jack
 
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I would get one of the videos and then make a decision. I didn't have a video when I went to do my diffs. I think it would have helped tremendously.

Jack
You were also under pressure to get it done. I think if you had a spare diff you could take your time with it and not worry about when it gets done things might be different.
 
got your pm keith and i have a few things i'd like to add to this thread:

1) i don't know why a shop would say not to use the transmission that came with the engine. seems strange to me. sure, there are more working parts in an "E" compared to the mechanical 700, but if it's built properly, cooled properly and the computer is flashed properly, you should'nt see any problems that you would'nt expect from the 700. electrical issues can be a pita, but that's what scanners are for........you can buy a cheapy and use it for your engine and trans. mechanically, the two transmissions are very similar and share 90% of the parts in common. the valve body on the "E" is more complex and the electrical items ( solenoids, sensors, MLPS, EPC and pressure manifold ) can add cost to a rebuild should they need to be replaced.

if it were me, i'd run the 4L60E

2) i don't think you have to deal with smog laws where you are but in my little conrner of this country, i have to go with what the smog laws say. part of that is that the transmission either needs to be original for the vehicle or it needs to be from the same year or newer as the engine you're transplanting into the rig. so a th700 would flunk big time and would need to be replaced with a 4L60E if you had to pass smog. a th350 or th400 would flunk as well..........
so if you ever plan on selling the rig, it's something to keep in mind.

3) i would NOT recommend that you attempt to build the transmission yourself. i know you're mechanically inclined and i have seen the work you have done to the wagon in person. you and your abilities are not the issue here.
4L60Es are not a transmission you want to start with if you think you want to rebuild an automatic trans. it's like getting into a 10 second drag car without knowing how to drive ( notice is said 10 second and not 7 second bacuse it's more realistic ). sure, you might pull it off but chances are that you won't. i know there are lots of instructional videos and books out there but they don't tell you all the little tricks and intricate knowledge it takes to rebuild one of these units. let the pros handle it. save your money where you know it's a sure bet. the last thing you want/need to do is to try to rebuild the trans yourself only to fail and then have to pay a shop to do the work over again, possibly having to replace parts over again.....
i'm speaking from personal experience when i say this. i ran a transmission shop for 7 years and sold transmission componsnts for an additional 5 years. i have seen numerous people try to build autos themselves only to fail and end up spending more money than having it built at a reputable shop the first time around.
if you were taliing about a th350 or a th400, then i'd probably tell you to give it a try. but not a th700 or worse yet a 4L60E.

enough for now.

hth

georg @ valley hybrids
 
got your pm keith and i have a few things i'd like to add to this thread:

1) i don't know why a shop would say not to use the transmission that came with the engine. seems strange to me. sure, there are more working parts in an "E" compared to the mechanical 700, but if it's built properly, cooled properly and the computer is flashed properly, you should'nt see any problems that you would'nt expect from the 700. electrical issues can be a pita, but that's what scanners are for........you can buy a cheapy and use it for your engine and trans. mechanically, the two transmissions are very similar and share 90% of the parts in common. the valve body on the "E" is more complex and the electrical items ( solenoids, sensors, MLPS, EPC and pressure manifold ) can add cost to a rebuild should they need to be replaced.

if it were me, i'd run the 4L60E

2) i don't think you have to deal with smog laws where you are but in my little conrner of this country, i have to go with what the smog laws say. part of that is that the transmission either needs to be original for the vehicle or it needs to be from the same year or newer as the engine you're transplanting into the rig. so a th700 would flunk big time and would need to be replaced with a 4L60E if you had to pass smog. a th350 or th400 would flunk as well..........
so if you ever plan on selling the rig, it's something to keep in mind.

3) i would NOT recommend that you attempt to build the transmission yourself. i know you're mechanically inclined and i have seen the work you have done to the wagon in person. you and your abilities are not the issue here.
4L60Es are not a transmission you want to start with if you think you want to rebuild an automatic trans. it's like getting into a 10 second drag car without knowing how to drive ( notice is said 10 second and not 7 second bacuse it's more realistic ). sure, you might pull it off but chances are that you won't. i know there are lots of instructional videos and books out there but they don't tell you all the little tricks and intricate knowledge it takes to rebuild one of these units. let the pros handle it. save your money where you know it's a sure bet. the last thing you want/need to do is to try to rebuild the trans yourself only to fail and then have to pay a shop to do the work over again, possibly having to replace parts over again.....
i'm speaking from personal experience when i say this. i ran a transmission shop for 7 years and sold transmission componsnts for an additional 5 years. i have seen numerous people try to build autos themselves only to fail and end up spending more money than having it built at a reputable shop the first time around.
if you were taliing about a th350 or a th400, then i'd probably tell you to give it a try. but not a th700 or worse yet a 4L60E.

enough for now.

hth

georg @ valley hybrids

Point taken!
GOD I just HATE taking it to the "MAN", but...longevity has to come before the ego or the pocket book for this type of activity.
I appreciate the honesty Georg!

What would your friend in the Bay area charge for a total re-build...just out of curosity?
Like I said...Im not sure that its necessary, but...

Thanks

Keith
 
yeah, sometimes you have to put pride aside and pay up. i have built a few autos yet i still let my buddy henry build everything that goes into my customers' rigs or mine.
henry charges $400 labor for a rebuild, plus parts. i can get you the parts at cost, which including the rebuild kit, the hd sun gear shell, bushings, bearings, washers, HD band, filter usually start at about $275 and go up from there depending on the need for any hard parts or other items like electrical components.
 
yeah, sometimes you have to put pride aside and pay up. i have built a few autos yet i still let my buddy henry build everything that goes into my customers' rigs or mine.
henry charges $400 labor for a rebuild, plus parts. i can get you the parts at cost, which including the rebuild kit, the hd sun gear shell, bushings, bearings, washers, HD band, filter usually start at about $275 and go up from there depending on the need for any hard parts or other items like electrical components.

Well, let take a look at that route. Im thinking that it might be worth the ride down to the Bay area if you trust this individual. Plus, right off the top Id be saving at least a little bit...
Im not too sure about the shops that Ive gone to thus far.

Lemme know

Thanks a ton Georg

K
 
hey keith.
i know it's a long drive but you could keep going and spend a night out at the coast. i'm sure the little lady would'nt mind that part......
i have known henry for 15 years and his work is excellent. that's why i don't go anywhere else. if you decide to have him work on the trans, i will call him and set it all up........


georg
 
hey keith.
i know it's a long drive but you could keep going and spend a night out at the coast. i'm sure the little lady would'nt mind that part......
i have known henry for 15 years and his work is excellent. that's why i don't go anywhere else. if you decide to have him work on the trans, i will call him and set it all up........


georg

Yeah...
Ive seen a few of your rigs, and if YOU trust him...
Ive just been hitting the local shops none of whom know anything about cruisers. The first quote I got, the guy was straight up about what needed to be done while in there sort of thing.
I appreciated that, but...what happens when he gets IN THERE.
For a rebuild and the upgraded components, youre thinking in the neighborhood of around 700.00?
Just trying to gauge the finances..
Youre right about the lil woman and I staying down at the coast...I think she'd dig that.

Thanks!
A really appreciate it.

K
 
i think you're in the right ball park. we won't know until we get in there but hopefully we can get away with doing a mild rebuild, replacing the shafts and doing the required updates.


georg

Alright...
When I scrape the cash together, Ill let you know!

K
 
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