Getting a new transmission-recommendation for upgrades?

[oefvet0708]

I got a new truck about a month and knowing some history about it, it got a new 4l60e put in a couple years ago. But when I bought it I noticed it was leaking, shifting wierd, and wouldn’t go higher then 3rd gear. After talking with the previous owners they agreed to help me get the tranny warrantied since it’s in their name. After going back and forth with the company they agreed to have it warrantied so now I’m a getting a fresh stock rebuilt tranny.

So with that being said I want it to be reliable, and last longer than a couple years. I know 4l60s arnt known for taking much abuse. The truck is 98 exsb 4wd, 6 inch lift, 35” tires, stock radiator cooler no external cooler. What are some recommendations to upgrade in the new tranny to have it perform better and be reliable. I was thinking about doing the transgo hd2 kit and add an external cooler, but I have seen some things about a corvette servo. Plans for the engine is basically keep it stock or just mild bolt ons. I plan on towing occasionally, off roading seldom, mostly a point a to b truck, maybe need to drive 100 miles round trip with some mountains at highway speeds for work. Thank you for any advise give

 

[movietvet]

Hopefully @NickTransmissions will chime in with recommendations.

 

[NickTransmissions]

I got a new truck about a month and knowing some history about it, it got a new 4l60e put in a couple years ago. But when I bought it I noticed it was leaking, shifting wierd, and wouldn’t go higher then 3rd gear. After talking with the previous owners they agreed to help me get the tranny warrantied since it’s in their name. After going back and forth with the company they agreed to have it warrantied so now I’m a getting a fresh stock rebuilt tranny.

So with that being said I want it to be reliable, and last longer than a couple years. I know 4l60s arnt known for taking much abuse. The truck is 98 exsb 4wd, 6 inch lift, 35” tires, stock radiator cooler no external cooler. What are some recommendations to upgrade in the new tranny to have it perform better and be reliable. I was thinking about doing the transgo hd2 kit and add an external cooler, but I have seen some things about a corvette servo. Plans for the engine is basically keep it stock or just mild bolt ons. I plan on towing occasionally, off roading seldom, mostly a point a to b truck, maybe need to drive 100 miles round trip with some mountains at highway speeds for work. Thank you for any advise give

Upgrade your final drive ratio in the differentials if you haven't already. Otherwise, you'll be replacing your 3-4 clutch pack early and often.

 

[oefvet0708]

What ratio would you recommend with 35s and maintaining a decent highway rpm that is able to tow without lugging around too bad?

 

[NickTransmissions]

What ratio would you recommend with 35s and maintaining a decent highway rpm that is able to tow without lugging around too bad?

Sorry, failed to mention that...I'd recommend 4:56 for the best all around mix for city, hwy and light/moderate off-road or trail use...You can go 4.88 to maximize acceleration, towing capability at the expense of a little bit of fuel economy or 4.10 to maximize hwy fuel economy at the expense of city fuel economy...I'd advise against 4.10 gears however as it's not enough of a gain in hwy fuel mileage to overcome it's deficiencies at lower RPM acceleration/city mpg which will be the majority of most peoples' driving time. You'll also need to change your carrier to a Series 4 if you currently have a series three carrier in the rear diff...You can check the RPO codes either in the glove box or door (or perhaps call the dealership, ask for parts and give the last 8 digits of your vin - then ask what gear ratio you currently have or the applicable RPO codes).

 

[boy&hisdogs]

What ratio would you recommend with 35s and maintaining a decent highway rpm that is able to tow without lugging around too bad?

I'd go 4.56 for 35s. 4.10s might be tempting because they lower your RPM on paper but remember that not only do you have larger diameter tires to account for, but also much heavier tires and wind resistance from lifting the truck. It will still probably hunt for gears on the hills/highway and burn up the transmission faster.

I went from 3.42 and 33s (two steps higher than the usual stock 3.73/31" combo) to 4.88 and 37s, which is actually a bit lower than stock. It makes a world of difference in all driving conditions, but especially when driving in the hills and on the highway where the trans can actually pick a gear and hold it instead of constantly going between 3-4.

 

[Cadillacmak]

Sorry, failed to mention that...I'd recommend 4:56 for the best all around mix for city, hwy and light/moderate off-road or trail use...You can go 4.88 to maximize acceleration, towing capability at the expense of a little bit of fuel economy or 4.10 to maximize hwy fuel economy at the expense of city fuel economy...I'd advise against 4.10 gears however as it's not enough of a gain in hwy fuel mileage to overcome it's deficiencies at lower RPM acceleration/city mpg which will be the majority of most peoples' driving time. You'll also need to change your carrier to a Series 4 if you currently have a series three carrier in the rear diff...You can check the RPO codes either in the glove box or door (or perhaps call the dealership, ask for parts and give the last 8 digits of your vin - then ask what gear ratio you currently have or the applicable RPO codes).

Are there upgrades to the 4l60e like there was for the 700r4? My dad bought a new 1988 light duty k2500 and the transmission went out under warranty (somewhere around 1990?). GM put a new transmission in and it started going out again about 5 years later. Dad asked a local transmission shop to put a new GM in and the guy said no, he needed an upgrade rebuild. Same transmission today, so he must have done something better than GM.

 

[boy&hisdogs]

Are there upgrades to the 4l60e like there was for the 700r4? My dad bought a new 1988 light duty k2500 and the transmission went out under warranty (somewhere around 1990?). GM put a new transmission in and it started going out again about 5 years later. Dad asked a local transmission shop to put a new GM in and the guy said no, he needed an upgrade rebuild. Same transmission today, so he must have done something better than GM.

Yes, I don't know off the top of my head but there are common upgrades that builders usually include with even a "stock" rebuild. I remember the guy explaining it to me when I had mine rebuilt but I don't know enough about it to remember.

There are also lots of performance parts too.

 

[NickTransmissions]

Are there upgrades to the 4l60e like there was for the 700r4? My dad bought a new 1988 light duty k2500 and the transmission went out under warranty (somewhere around 1990?). GM put a new transmission in and it started going out again about 5 years later. Dad asked a local transmission shop to put a new GM in and the guy said no, he needed an upgrade rebuild. Same transmission today, so he must have done something better than GM.

The same upgrades are available for all 700R4s and 4L60Es...The pumps are slightly different but the same internal pump upgrades or equivalent hydraulic Sonnax or Transgo parts are available for the 700R4. The 700R4 also has plenty of valve body updates / mods that can be done to achieve better performance in higher HP/Torque applications...There is a limit though, beyond which you have rapidly diminishing returns for dollars spent...that limit is ~600-650 HP for that family of transmissions.

Check out my Youtube Channel as I have several videos dedicated to High Performance or HD mods, tips and pointers for folks looking to upgrade their 700R4 or 4L60E.