Which Transmission do I have?
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Which Transmission do I have? Hello,
I am trying to figure out which transmission I am working on. I know it is a 4L60E and I believe it is the 1995 model based on a few things.
1. It has a non-detachable bell housing
2. It has PWM molded on the pump
3. It has a 4 bolt extension housing
I am trying to find a rebuild kit for it. Will buying a kit for any 700R4 or 4L60E (of similar year) work? It seems the only difference between models is minor.
Thanks!
I am trying to figure out which transmission I am working on. I know it is a 4L60E and I believe it is the 1995 model based on a few things.
1. It has a non-detachable bell housing
2. It has PWM molded on the pump
3. It has a 4 bolt extension housing
I am trying to find a rebuild kit for it. Will buying a kit for any 700R4 or 4L60E (of similar year) work? It seems the only difference between models is minor.
Thanks!
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From: Turnin' Wrenches Infractions: 005
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From: Ann Arbor, MI
From the little you have said, it could be a '95, '96 or '97.
Unfortunately the '95 has a unique valve body, set of solenoids and separator plate. Therefore it is best to get a '95-specific rebuild kit if you have a '95. In contrast the same rebuild kit will work with '96 through '05 and some '06. Sorry, I don't know exactly what all the differences are.
The top of the case should have a 4-character tag with the first character being a digit for the year it was built. Alternatively post a color picture of the valve body after removing the oil pan. In particular the color of the connectors on the two rear solenoids will be a clue. I won't be able to tell for sure from such a picture, but hopefully one of the pro builders can. It is important to know what year, especially as a '95 PCM will only control a '95 transmission and not a '96+. Similarly a '96 PCM will not work correctly with a '95 trans.
Unfortunately the '95 has a unique valve body, set of solenoids and separator plate. Therefore it is best to get a '95-specific rebuild kit if you have a '95. In contrast the same rebuild kit will work with '96 through '05 and some '06. Sorry, I don't know exactly what all the differences are.
The top of the case should have a 4-character tag with the first character being a digit for the year it was built. Alternatively post a color picture of the valve body after removing the oil pan. In particular the color of the connectors on the two rear solenoids will be a clue. I won't be able to tell for sure from such a picture, but hopefully one of the pro builders can. It is important to know what year, especially as a '95 PCM will only control a '95 transmission and not a '96+. Similarly a '96 PCM will not work correctly with a '95 trans.
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Go to: https://www.700r4l60e.com/store/home.php?cat=22 This will give you some choices for the 1995 transmission.
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Hey guys, sorry for the late reply. I was under the assumption I would get emails when people reply.
Anyway. I found a number cast into the transmission near where fbody_brian mentioned, the number is 24202520. Don't know if this means anything. The tag has been removed by someone at some time. (Not sure why someone would do this...)
Right now I am using a rebuild manual for a 1998 Unit. So far everything has been identical except for the removable bell housing and ONE valve in the valve body. Every other valve has been exactly the same. The valve in question is the valve in the bore for the 3-2 shift solenoid. Here are some images of the valve body, separator plate, and the transmission itself.
https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/...38480814_n.jpg
https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/...47011611_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.n...69260451_o.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.n...84218839_o.jpg
https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/...74902872_n.jpg
Anyway. I found a number cast into the transmission near where fbody_brian mentioned, the number is 24202520. Don't know if this means anything. The tag has been removed by someone at some time. (Not sure why someone would do this...)
Right now I am using a rebuild manual for a 1998 Unit. So far everything has been identical except for the removable bell housing and ONE valve in the valve body. Every other valve has been exactly the same. The valve in question is the valve in the bore for the 3-2 shift solenoid. Here are some images of the valve body, separator plate, and the transmission itself.
https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/...38480814_n.jpg
https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/...47011611_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.n...69260451_o.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.n...84218839_o.jpg
https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/...74902872_n.jpg
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From: Long Beach, MS
Hey guys, sorry for the late reply. I was under the assumption I would get emails when people reply.
Anyway. I found a number cast into the transmission near where fbody_brian mentioned, the number is 24202520. Don't know if this means anything. The tag has been removed by someone at some time. (Not sure why someone would do this...)
Right now I am using a rebuild manual for a 1998 Unit. So far everything has been identical except for the removable bell housing and ONE valve in the valve body. Every other valve has been exactly the same. The valve in question is the valve in the bore for the 3-2 shift solenoid. Here are some images of the valve body, separator plate, and the transmission itself.
https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/...38480814_n.jpg
https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/...47011611_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.n...69260451_o.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.n...84218839_o.jpg
https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/...74902872_n.jpg
Anyway. I found a number cast into the transmission near where fbody_brian mentioned, the number is 24202520. Don't know if this means anything. The tag has been removed by someone at some time. (Not sure why someone would do this...)
Right now I am using a rebuild manual for a 1998 Unit. So far everything has been identical except for the removable bell housing and ONE valve in the valve body. Every other valve has been exactly the same. The valve in question is the valve in the bore for the 3-2 shift solenoid. Here are some images of the valve body, separator plate, and the transmission itself.
https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/...38480814_n.jpg
https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/...47011611_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.n...69260451_o.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.n...84218839_o.jpg
https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/...74902872_n.jpg
Anyways, pretty surr it's a 95, as the 2-3 solenoid is different between 95 and 96 up
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From: Ann Arbor, MI
Indeed the difference between a '95 and '96 is the 3-2 downshift solenoid and valve. Also separator plate. I don't know these older transmissions personally, but will try to study it from my doco.
EDIT: Confirmed it is a '95; see below
EDIT: Confirmed it is a '95; see below
Last edited by mrvedit; Dec 15, 2013 at 07:35 PM. Reason: Update
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I was doing some research, and I believe it is a 95. In the following article..
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turbo-H...L60E_.2F_4L65E
It says this..
"In 1996, GM introduced a redesigned 4L60E transmission case that incorporated a bolt-on bell (2 piece case, bell and case) housing and an 6 bolt tail housing. This 2 piece case style was first seen in 1996 and up model S-10 Blazer, S-10 Truck, GMC Jimmy, and GMC Sonoma with the 4.3L engine."
This transmission does not have a removable bell housing and it has a 4 bolt tail housing. So I think it is a 95'.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turbo-H...L60E_.2F_4L65E
It says this..
"In 1996, GM introduced a redesigned 4L60E transmission case that incorporated a bolt-on bell (2 piece case, bell and case) housing and an 6 bolt tail housing. This 2 piece case style was first seen in 1996 and up model S-10 Blazer, S-10 Truck, GMC Jimmy, and GMC Sonoma with the 4.3L engine."
This transmission does not have a removable bell housing and it has a 4 bolt tail housing. So I think it is a 95'.
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From: Ann Arbor, MI
Sorry for the delay, but I finally had to time to research this for you.
Based on your separator plate picture, I can confirm it is a '95.
The key is the upper right corner in your picture; 2-1/2" down and 2-1/4" from the far right edge, you have two square holes very close to each other and a tiny hole 1" below that. Those holes do not exist in '96 or later separator plates. There might also be a "MU" identification code stamped in the plate.
As far as I can tell, while the detachable bell housing was introduced in '96, it did not reach all vehicles until '97 and maybe even '98.
Based on your separator plate picture, I can confirm it is a '95.
The key is the upper right corner in your picture; 2-1/2" down and 2-1/4" from the far right edge, you have two square holes very close to each other and a tiny hole 1" below that. Those holes do not exist in '96 or later separator plates. There might also be a "MU" identification code stamped in the plate.
As far as I can tell, while the detachable bell housing was introduced in '96, it did not reach all vehicles until '97 and maybe even '98.
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Sorry for the delay, but I finally had to time to research this for you.
Based on your separator plate picture, I can confirm it is a '95.
The key is the upper right corner in your picture; 2-1/2" down and 2-1/4" from the far right edge, you have two square holes very close to each other and a tiny hole 1" below that. Those holes do not exist in '96 or later separator plates. There might also be a "MU" identification code stamped in the plate.
As far as I can tell, while the detachable bell housing was introduced in '96, it did not reach all vehicles until '97 and maybe even '98.
Based on your separator plate picture, I can confirm it is a '95.
The key is the upper right corner in your picture; 2-1/2" down and 2-1/4" from the far right edge, you have two square holes very close to each other and a tiny hole 1" below that. Those holes do not exist in '96 or later separator plates. There might also be a "MU" identification code stamped in the plate.
As far as I can tell, while the detachable bell housing was introduced in '96, it did not reach all vehicles until '97 and maybe even '98.
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So I have one question. As I said before, I am working with a 1998 Rebuild manual. The one thing I am concerned about is the location of the check ***** when re-assembling the valvebody. Are the location of these check ***** the same as in a 1998 model? I believe I have 7 check *****, plus one that is in the case. I forgot to take a reference photo / notes before removing them. :\
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From: Ann Arbor, MI
So I have one question. As I said before, I am working with a 1998 Rebuild manual. The one thing I am concerned about is the location of the check ***** when re-assembling the valvebody. Are the location of these check ***** the same as in a 1998 model? I believe I have 7 check *****, plus one that is in the case. I forgot to take a reference photo / notes before removing them. :\
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I just wanted to say thanks so much for all the information so far.
I ran into a problem I do not quite understand.
Before I state my problem I want to say a few things.
-I did find "MU" on the separator plate as you said.
-This transmission has been rebuild before. I know this because I found a transtec gasket for the oil pump. (Unless they just replaced the pump)
The problem i am having is that the valvebody gasket that came off the unit is different than the one that came in the rebuild kit. The kit was for a 1995 unit. Here are two images showing what I mean.
http://imageshack.us/a/img716/1549/exkl.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img842/2757/kpwx.jpg
Can anyone shed some light as to why this would happen, or where I can get this exact gasket?
Thanks!
EDIT: After looking again, I believe I accidentally took the upper gasket when I should have been comparing with the lower. I THINK so anyway, I wont be able to check until next week.
I ran into a problem I do not quite understand.
Before I state my problem I want to say a few things.
-I did find "MU" on the separator plate as you said.
-This transmission has been rebuild before. I know this because I found a transtec gasket for the oil pump. (Unless they just replaced the pump)
The problem i am having is that the valvebody gasket that came off the unit is different than the one that came in the rebuild kit. The kit was for a 1995 unit. Here are two images showing what I mean.
http://imageshack.us/a/img716/1549/exkl.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img842/2757/kpwx.jpg
Can anyone shed some light as to why this would happen, or where I can get this exact gasket?
Thanks!
EDIT: After looking again, I believe I accidentally took the upper gasket when I should have been comparing with the lower. I THINK so anyway, I wont be able to check until next week.
Last edited by MattyMo; Dec 24, 2013 at 09:10 AM.
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From: Ann Arbor, MI
Sorry for the slow reply - I was visiting with limited Internet access.
Personally I would simply use the old gaskets as a template and cut the needed holes with an Exacto knife. Any extra holes in the gasket won't matter; make sure every hole in the separator plate has a hole in both gaskets.
Alternatively, you might try the dealer; they might be able to order a set of gaskets for you.
Personally I would simply use the old gaskets as a template and cut the needed holes with an Exacto knife. Any extra holes in the gasket won't matter; make sure every hole in the separator plate has a hole in both gaskets.
Alternatively, you might try the dealer; they might be able to order a set of gaskets for you.
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identifier 1996-97 have a 1 piece bellhousing except in the S10/Blazer...My 1997 suburban has a transmission with this same number on the housing 24202520
I was doing some research, and I believe it is a 95. In the following article..
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turbo-H...L60E_.2F_4L65E
It says this..
"In 1996, GM introduced a redesigned 4L60E transmission case that incorporated a bolt-on bell (2 piece case, bell and case) housing and an 6 bolt tail housing. This 2 piece case style was first seen in 1996 and up model S-10 Blazer, S-10 Truck, GMC Jimmy, and GMC Sonoma with the 4.3L engine."
This transmission does not have a removable bell housing and it has a 4 bolt tail housing. So I think it is a 95'.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turbo-H...L60E_.2F_4L65E
It says this..
"In 1996, GM introduced a redesigned 4L60E transmission case that incorporated a bolt-on bell (2 piece case, bell and case) housing and an 6 bolt tail housing. This 2 piece case style was first seen in 1996 and up model S-10 Blazer, S-10 Truck, GMC Jimmy, and GMC Sonoma with the 4.3L engine."
This transmission does not have a removable bell housing and it has a 4 bolt tail housing. So I think it is a 95'.
