IRNMADN

Picked up an 04' Yukon for the 5.3L/4L60E. Upon splitting them apart, looks like maybe a rebuilt trans. I'm mainly looking at the converter.



The fluid that drained looked good. Maybe because it was a recent rebuild? Either way, is there any way to check a trans to see if it's good other than hooking it up and running it? Pull the pan and look for upgrades???

a.anaya480

The best and fool proof way would be to disassemble the unit and give it a good inspection no special tools are required with the exception of the torx 50 plus bit for the bell housing price removal I did it with it on (time wasn't on my side)
I rebuilt mine recently I would highly suggest if you do go this route check the sunshell if it is stock junk it go ahead with the beast sunshell (this is what failed in my car, a stock 2002 T/A, when that goes you lose reverse 2nd and 4th gear) I also have a complete and very information guide on my computer I can send you along with a link of a video that will help throughout the process... This was my first rebuild and I'm confident about opening her or another up if she ever fails again hardest part i think was actual removal and reinstalling being only 16" above the floor
Or have a transmission shop take a look if your not comfortable gutting this hog
Let me know if you could use the information
Hope you have good news to come

IRNMADN

What are the usual upgrades on these things that I should tackle while it's on the work bench, other than the sunshell? Guess I can pull the pan and post some photos. Really have no clue what I would be looking for other.

a.anaya480

id say a corvette servo they usually run around 20-25 bones like 5 minutes to install (servo by the transmission lines)
i havent had the chance to put a shift kit in mine yet when i rebuilt mine i didnt have the luxury of having extra money to play with or the time to do it so im not sure what a shift kit would look like from just dropping the pan... maybe somebody with a shift kit can help there
basically looking for wear on clutches and the 2-4 band if you pm me your email i can send you the overhaul procedure its in microsoft word format
also the link to a video that will help visually

a.anaya480

also did they say its rebuilt or an aftermarket built tranny?
i think for brands red alto or high energy for good friction plates and 2-4 bands
youll also need a variety of seals during the teardown process

IRNMADN

I have no clue. No clue on the mileage of the Yukon I picked up. I'm guessing it's a rebuild by the painted converter. Look at the above pic. I was told the converters don't look like this from the factory. I'm assuming someone has been in here!

mrvedit

GM installed stronger hardened sun shells starting in 2003 to handle LS2 engines. These newer ones rarely break and therefore no need to replace that part in a '04 trans.

a.anaya480

mrvedit makes a good point, i only worked with a 2002 model
*i think* (could be wrong) it has the same specs as the older ones plus heat treated
"beast" is made from thicker material than OEM
nice truck by the way... i will try to keep up with your build as you progress

mrvedit

With luck you might even have a 4L65E which GM installed into heavier SUVs. No way to tell without opening it up and examining the planetaries.

IRNMADN

Would the #s on the trans or maybe the VIN of the Yukon tell me? What is the 4L65E? Hadn't heard of it.

mrvedit

A serial number on the trans or the VIN of the Yukon might let the dealer look that up for you. A 4L65E is a slightly stronger version of the 4L60E; it has a hardened input shaft and 5 gears in the planetaries instead of 4.

IRNMADN

I did some serious work on google! My RPO was M30 not M32. M30 is 4L60E. i also found that the 4L65E has an extra bolt hole top center that the 4L60E does not. Not sure if that's true or not but mine has the hole. Then again, this could be a replacement trans. Maybe they swapped in a 65? Hope so.

IRNMADN

If I pop off the pan, will I be able to see the planetaries to determine for sure what model I have?

IRNMADN

Nevermind. Just watched these two vids.

mrvedit

NO!
The bolt hole at the top center (also called 12 O'clock) indicates it is a '98 or later with a 300mm input shaft for LS engines. As I said, there is no way to tell a 4L60E from a 4L65E from an external inspection.
Other than that, I'm sure you learned a lot on Google. This forum has a wealth of info; it is often easier to search it with Google instead of the Search function.

IRNMADN

Damn there are a lot of parts! LOL
Looks like some special tools are requires to tear one down and put it back together. I see the use of a foot press.
For a DIY'r in the garage, can you get by without them? Seems like if you just followed a rebuild video combined with the instructions that come with the upgrade parts you buy, it's possible. It's a question of the tools required.

mrvedit

Here is a link about the tools, including the spring compressors I bought and made with a little welding:

https://ls1tech.com/forums/automatic...-get-them.html

A variety of snap ring and c-clip pliers is also essential.

a.anaya480

ive been on the road and havent had time to get on but you can get by with out removing those they wont block access to any clutches or get in the way whatsoever
there are two, one engine side of the inside ?input drum? and one at the back of the case i think its to cushion movement everything in-between there

a.anaya480

also how do i subscribe to a thread?

mrvedit

I would advise against opening the trans unless you are going to rebuild it. Certainly not to determine if it is a 4L60E or a 4L65E or to examine it for wear. Opening a well-used trans is opening a can of worms. Instead install the trans and run it until it breaks, hoping that it will be a long time.
I love helping people rebuild their trans, but I also know when to say "don't".

At the top of this thread, just above your first post, on the right side is a drop down menu call "Thread tools", you can subscribe there.
In your settings, you can subscribe to all threads in which you post with notifications immediately, daily or weekly.

EDIT: Sorry if my post was confusing - I thought a.anaya480 was the OP.