A couple 4L60E questions...

[hoogiesngrinderz]

The other day I bought a 4l60E 4x4 trans, supposedly from an '05 Trailblazer. They guy said it had 10,000 miles or so on a rebuild and then he lost all gears. New converter at the time. $80 and it was mine, figured it would be a learning experience if it turned out to be junk.

I tore it all down. Here is what I discovered:

Dirty pan. Didn't seem too interested in the magnet on the pan, but not entirely non-magnetic
IMAG0437.jpg

Reverse drum isn't pretty. It felt like it had two spots of welding spatter on the side and the rest wasn't pretty
IMAG0436.jpg

3-4 pack. This is the order it was removed. Are the two on the bottom supposed to be metal to metal?
IMAG0438.jpg

That looks like a crack to me...not sure what to do about this
IMAG0435.jpg

This is the main reason why it lost all gears
IMAG0439.jpg

So...this trans is going behind a little 5.3 with a Z06 cam. New reverse drum and band, Corvette servo, shift corrector kit, pump kit, and call it good? More? Less? I will be putting new solenoids. Thanks for any input!

[Boost Addict]

Change the sunshell. And if it has the correct converter it's like a 2400 or 2600 stall. Trailblazer torque converters are a popular upgrade with the SSS guys.

[hoogiesngrinderz]

Change the sunshell

"The Beast" isn't out of the question, just not sure if 350hp will justify one.

Trying to identify the part in picture #4...

[Boost Addict]

"The Beast" isn't out of the question, just not sure if 350hp will justify one.

Trying to identify the part in picture #4...

I'd say its a major flaw with the 60e so for the $60? it costs, I'd do it while you're in there. And are you referring to the park sticking through the case? Isn't that the park pawl?

[hoogiesngrinderz]

I'd say its a major flaw with the 60e so for the $60? it costs, I'd do it while you're in there. And are you referring to the park sticking through the case? Isn't that the park pawl?

They also have a newer style shell, haven't heard much about it.

The part I'm curious about is the shell that interacts with the park pawl. If you click the photo for a larger size, it looks like it cracked whatever shell that is...if it is one. This is my first time getting deep into 4L60E

[Boost Addict]

I think it's just where the low reverse assembly sits. If the crack has stopped I don't know if I'd worry about it. How do the lugs on the case look up close.

[hoogiesngrinderz]

I think it's just where the low reverse assembly sits. If the crack has stopped I don't know if I'd worry about it. How do the lugs on the case look up close.

The case itself looked fine, nothing stood out to me.

I'm used to rebuilding manual trans...in the past when, with autos, I would just drop the bad unit and toss another one in

Anyway, I might buy the low/reverse clutch compression tool because I've thought about doing autos on the side as well. After more searching I think the broken part is the low reverse piston, correct?


If I build this one up nice, I'll swap this trans with the one in the 98 that's behind the 6.0

[hoogiesngrinderz]

Upon more reading, looks like what I though was the 3/4 clutch pack is in fact the low-reverse pack.


This is why I love car so much. Non stop learning!

[c0ncEpT]

My car broke a beast with 319RWHP. I think it was a defective part but I would still use one over a stock sunshell. The snonnax is also popular.

[hoogiesngrinderz]

My car broke a beast with 319RWHP. I think it was a defective part but I would still use one over a stock sunshell. The snonnax is also popular.

This car will be lucky to hit 280

I'll add it to the list though. I think I'll build this one up for 6.0 Camaro and swap when the time comes. I think I need a new pump, some damage was done :\
IMAG0440.jpg

[hoogiesngrinderz]

What worries me the most is that low-reverse piston

[hoogiesngrinderz]

Looks like I need a new pump, unless this isn't bad I can feel it with my nail

IMAG0440.jpg

Building my tools today for the rest of the teardown.

I'm leaning towards the SmartShell, new 13 vane pump, new solenoids, Corvette servo, and TransGo SK 4L60E shift kit (HD2 kit and GM 5 pinion planetaries if I put it in the Camaro)

[Formula Z]

Re: A couple 4L60E questions...

Got a buddy who does auto rebuilds on the side and has lots of parts and is pretty knowledgeable if you have questions. Lmk

Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2

[hoogiesngrinderz]

New low-reverse piston on the way.

Reverse drum is worn out in the center. I took a flat block and some 1000 grit to the pump surfaces, cleaned up OK but there are some small imperfections. Looks like the converter wasn't set right and the vane rotor indented the pump wall a little, and it lightly scored when the rotor broke apart. $40 for the vane kit, $97 for a used compression style pump (no o-ring for 2004-05 pump, no ISS like 06+)

Still need to get a 2wd 6 bolt rear housing and main shaft, as well as a v8 bell housing.

I've made up my mind that this one will go in the Impala. If my dad blows it up, he can buy all the parts for the next rebuild...not me

[hoogiesngrinderz]

Holy **** is my head spinning! The Beast vs. SmartShell vs. OEM hardened spline....so much back and forth! Use wide thrust washer on the shell- no, use torrington bearing. Use Corvette servo - no, do a 1/4 turn on the PCS. Use Alto wide band - no, use a high-energy band.

Everything is on the way for a basic rebuild besides the shell, band, and a few other things I have questions about.

What shell?

What band?

Should I use the Sonnax Input Drum Reinforcement Sleeve?


HD Pump Stator Bushing & Bearing kit?