After just twice towing the boat the transmission start to fail .
The symptoms included a very long 1 gear with the engine rpm going to 4500 and a hard shift with a jump to 2nd gear
I stopped using the trailer tow mode but still got the same problems
also after removing the boat it is still acting weird with the same symptoms but lighter

what will you guys recommend . A mantenience fluid/filter replacement
or is time to upgrade

in any case what will be a stronger transmission which dont need mods
Any way to rebuil with upgrades
thx

 

It sounds like its toast.

I have spent a ton of time researching this myself and have found that IF you find the right guy, the 4L60E / 4l65E can be built to withstand a ton of power but will probably never be bullet proof. The biggest issue you have is heat, so an aftermarket trans cooler should be top of your list.

You can Upgrade to the 4L80E which will hold up to anything but that requires some modification or look at the 4L70E, which is supposedly identical but will require some electronics.

Monster transmission is in Florida. I hear good and bad about them but their prices seem fair.

Tim

 

thx for the input .. I have a aftermarket cooler installed . the transm fluid never gets ober 180 even with a heavy load
unless I find someone who can do a switch for a 4L80 Im.not going to get into myself . Is too hot here to try any mechanical repairs.outside

I guess I will start lookimg for a transm shop tomorrow

is there any significant difference between the 60 and 65
do you know what to look to be improved
thx

 

Its all internal. I don't think there is anyway to tell from the outside.

Tim

 

If you do go with a 4l80 swap you should re gear to 4.88s because the 4l80 has a higher first and second gear.

 

If you got the tranny shift 1 - 2 problem all the time it COULD be the tranny. But if this happens only when cold and for a few minutes and resumes normal shifting, its a feature the thing has to warm up the engine quicker.

There is this other thing called vette servo that can be installed with the tranny in. It suppose to firm up the 1 - 2 shift. I would pull the battery cables over night and see if the thing will relearn shifts.

Otherwise there is this thing about a rebuilt pcm that fixes this weirdo shifting. I think that is simply a reflash of the program to shift or some damn thing. Try that disconnect both cables on battery first and see waazup.

 

I will disconnect the battery and hopefully it helps but the sift issue happen even after driving
200 miles pulling a 5000 load . for sure both tran and engine was super warm

the weird part is . it didnt showed any previous symptoms. temp steady in the 175 . fluid is good .
heading to the keys it was fine . even driving arpund was good . all started suddenly on the way back after the first stop

 

just talk with the transmission shop guy .
by tge symptoms he said thr 2 gear os done . that's why is jumping from a very long 1rs to 3 gear
hee said thats a very common problem with these trannys
got quote 1500 for a rebuilt . waiting price to upgrade to heavy duty

 

One of my employees just got a rebuild by a local guy that specializes in them for $850 including a torque converter. He advertises on Craigslist but also other local papers and has been rebuilding them for over 25 years. He warrants them for 1 year and everything. I've used him years ago myself years back. When you get it, it truly looks brand new and works great. He will also do heavy duty builds, etc and uses only the best parts.

You might very well have a reputable local one man show like that which could save a good bit of money. Just have to be sure to check them out and that they are local and have been around for a long time is all.

 

@Mixman ... Where u located S.C ?
I rebuilt an expedition for 850 but it was a few years ago .
Havent called anywhere else but 800ish seems too low at least around here.
I always heard 1000 to 2000 not matter what kind of tranmy is involved .. wishI can found a reputable shop in the 900 range

Now Im debating between an upgrade to heavu duty (clutchs and 2nd band ) with 3 years warranty for 2400
or the standard rebuilt with 1 year warranty for 1500