I need guidance/advice/kick to the head....

[junkswapmatt]

Ok here's what I have ..
3 trucks total.
1 1997 C2500 5.7 auto LB over 8600gvw
1 1992 c1500 4.3 manual lb
1 2009 c1500 4.3 auto LB

What I want to do:
Drop the auto out of the 2500 put it in the 2009,
Drop the nv3500 out of the 92 and put it in the 2500
Things that may be of use...
The 92 cab is hacked to pieces, not serviceable.. but will use it for donor floor panels ECT.
The 2500 needs cab floor and rockers anyway, don't mind cutting.

As far as the 2500 to 2009, I think should be straightforward..I hope.

The nv3500 to the 97.. flywheel "should" be same, donor truck has all pedals and master cylinder ECT. To donate. Will I have to flash the PCM from auto to manual? What else may I run into?
I already know "nv3500 is weak, use nv4500" I've seen some forum comments.. I'm not going to be putting big power to it, it MIGHT once in a while haul a 8k lb trailer... MAYBE.. other than that just hauling stuff in the bed and general driving. And the other part, trying to do with parts on hand and on the cheap to get some trucks back on the road. All constructive help appreciated.

 

[NickTransmissions]

As far as the 2500 to 2009, I think should be straightforward..I hope.

What does "straightforward" mean to you in this context?

 

[junkswapmatt]

What does "straightforward" mean to you in this context?

Hopefully, drop out, move to next truck, plug in, go. From what I can gather both are 4l60E's...

 

[NickTransmissions]

Hopefully, drop out, move to next truck, plug in, go. From what I can gather both are 4l60E's...

Ok...It won't be straightforward.

Check your 2500's glovebox for RPO codes...if you have a code "M30" its a 4L60E; if you have an RPO code MT1, it's a 4L80E. The 4L60E has a square pan with 16 bolts (13mm socket size) while the 4L80E has an oblong pan with 17 bolts (10mm socket size).

What's wrong with the 4L60E in your 2009?

 

[junkswapmatt]

09 will reverse, drive, shift 1-2 fine, will try 3rd but acts like manual with fried clutch .. just spins up engine rpm, won't go over 30mph.

 

[junkswapmatt]

Crap... 97 has MT1 code.. already know it's much more difficult to put nv3500 into the 09 because firewall was never made for master cylinder provisions and the 3rd pedal.

 

[NickTransmissions]

Crap... 97 has MT1 code.. already know it's much more difficult to put nv3500 into the 09 because firewall was never made for master cylinder provisions and the 3rd pedal.

09 4L60E's 3/4 clutch pack is fried (90% come in for overhaul due to that pack failing). Take that unit out, tear it down, inspect it and then overhaul it. You can check out my 4L60E info thread for instructions, parts lists, links and resources.

Even if your 2500 had a 4L60E, it still wouldnt swap over due to the significant C3 changes that took place from 08 to 09 in those units. No 2009+ 4L60E is compatible with vehicles 2008 and older.

 

[junkswapmatt]

Ok thanks. I'll check that out. How hard of a job is that (also read how expensive is that) or should I just look for a another take out trans? I have found a local take out for $300.... Was a running truck til it was totaled in an accident.

 

[NickTransmissions]

I have found a local take out for $300.... Was a running truck til it was totaled in an accident.

Is the 'take-out' from a 2009+ truck with a Gen3 sbc/4.3L engine?

If not, don't buy it.

I rebuild a lot of 'take out' 4L60Es that lasted all of a week to a year or so before crapping the bed, giving the customer two bad transmissions instead of one...Dice roll for sure...

Ok thanks. I'll check that out. How hard of a job is that (also read how expensive is that)

I can rebuild them blindfolded but for someone doing it for the first time, it will take longer (maybe a week or so; depends on how quickly you catch on). But you only need a few special tools and the money you'd spend on those tools is roughly equivalent to the amount you'd pay someone else (a shop, reman company, etc) to do it for you. The difference is you'd acquire a skill that you'll have for the rest of your life, have those tools for the rest of your life and remove any dependencies on transmission shops (and not have to worry about whether the job was done right, what parts were installed, etc). That's priceless.

I taught myself how to build transmissions...Took me two weeks to completely rebuild my first (a 700R4)...