What's up guys,

So long story short I blew my 3-4 clutches out about 2 weeks ago and swapped in a used one(which I'll never do again) with 80k on it for $600 and 1 week later blew out the 3-4's in that one as well. I called around and cheapest rebuild I could get is 1500. I really don't have that kind of money right now. So I debating if I should rebuild it myself. I had never swapped in a tranny prior to the last one and it was easier than I thought it would be. The bellhousing bolts took me 15 mins after reading it takes 3-6 hours alone on that part. So I'm confident as a quick learner and have watched several good in detail 4l60 rebuild videos and I feel confident just a lot of little parts to remember. If I order a rebuild kit can it be done, and what other tools would I need besides the basic ring pliers, sockets, and patience? I'm thinking on putting in raybesto 3-4 frictions and sonnax smartshell. OEM most other parts. Can it be done? I have until Monday to make a final decision. Thanks guys.


Btw most of my tools are snap on and some matco tools. Just wondering if a 4l60 can be adequately rebuilt on a bench in tires plus where I work. Lol

1994 z28 on my 3rd tranny in the past 6 months.

 

Use a 7-8 clutch count on the 3/4 and use borgwarner frictions..aswell another reason why you can be burning up the 3/4 is because your cooler/radiator can be clogged up

 

The most critical special tools are the spring compressors for the input drum, rear case and reverse drum. A great deal of care has to be taken with the teflon rings on the input shaft and pump's stator shaft. Ideally installers and "resizers" should be used, but they are very expensive. Perhaps a local trans shop could help you with that and also cleaning the case.
Post pics of the inside of the pump for feedback on whether that should be replaced.

Here are some links that should help:
First time rebuild:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/automatic...questions.html

Rebuild Kits:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/automatic...-kit-help.html
https://ls1tech.com/forums/automatic...-problems.html
https://ls1tech.com/forums/automatic...-rite-kit.html
https://ls1tech.com/forums/automatic...ild-4l60e.html (post #5)
https://ls1tech.com/forums/automatic...who-sells.html
https://ls1tech.com/forums/automatic...build-kit.html

As GMCSIERRA5.3 mentions, adding an aftermarket cooler is highly recommended, and if you already have one make sure it is working correctly. Have you logged trans temperature?

While the 3/4 clutch definitely wears out before other parts, often it rapidly fails again after a rebuild because the mechanic skipped steps or wasn't careful enough to prevent leaks in the 3/4 feed circuit. At a minimum I recommend the Sonnax 4L60E-LB1 boost valve and drilling the 3/4 feed hole in the separator plate to at least .093. These will give you a bit more pressure and enough fluid to overcome any small leaks. The leaks can be hard to find and fix. For example, where the input shaft presses into the input drum can start leaking after many miles/years.

Member Cory recently rebuilt his trans as a newbie and created a nice thread with pictures and suggestions and solution to the problems he encountered.

I never recommend that a 1st timer rebuild their trans to save money. First it takes special tools, experience to determine which hard parts are worn out, research time and a lot of patience. Even then the success rate is only about 60%. There are over 200 different parts and if you nick one rubber seal or forget one o-ring the trans will not work and need to be removed and rebuilt again. But if you want to learn and try it, I and others here are happy to help.

 

Here's my rebuild thread that mrvedit mentioned.

https://ls1tech.com/forums/automatic...ld-thread.html

My parts list is overkill, but I wanted to have fun with my transmission since I don't expect to have many opportunities to rebuild one. I used the transmissionbench rebuild videos. Better videos do not exist. If you've already seen them, then you know what I'm talking about. Post 55 is my list of things I would do differently next time and some of what I think are helpful tips. And, due to the year of your transmission, if your rebuilt kit includes the updated steel pistons you'll need an updated overrun spring cage, noted in post 34.

I really liked the trutechtrans kit, both for completeness and the price. I had a great experience with Circle D for my new torque converter. Sonnax Performance Pack has lots of goodies. Get ready for some visits to the local tool shop during working on it. Make friends with a well regarded transmission shop; you may need to grab a different sized clutch pack backing plate from them. A prime membership on Amazon will allow you to overnight a part you suddenly find you need for $4 (had to do this twice).

I'll echo mrvedit in being encouraging but wary. Rebuilding a transmission correctly is a very satisfying but huge undertaking. 20 thousandths of an inch clearance in some of these parts can mean the difference between success and a breakdown. Many parts can fit incorrectly or backwards just fine, but condemn the transmission to a painful death.

But if you should succeed, you get to join the hall of fame and get a million gold stars. It is super fun. I'm part of the lucky half who somehow managed to get it right on the first try.

bbond105 and mrvedit are the most common experts you'll see in this forum.