Car has been running normally until last night. Pulled up to pick up mail at the end of the road, but when I put it into reverse, it didn't go anywhere. It acted just like it was in neutral. Put it in Drive to turn around and it didn't want to shift, the RPMs just kept rising. I checked the fluid level this morning, and it was about a half quart low. I topped it off, but still no reverse. Anyone ever had anything similar happen?

 

More that likley you stripped the sunshell, This will result in no 2nd, reverse or 4th and give the impression of a very late shift when actually it just isnt able to make the next gear till its time for third, But your definalty going into the unit theres no elecrical cause for no reverse.

 

How hard is it to get to the sunshell to check it? I've pulled the trans to do a torque converter and installed my own cam if that gives any insight into my mechanical ability. Should I just take it to a trans shop?

 

If you dont have experince with transmissions internally you should either take it to a trans shop or if the milage is high or if you plan on continuing mods I would eally consider just geting a built unit, Since you have the ability to swap it your self itwill likley be there quickest and best solution to your problem. And likley the most economically feasable also. Most shops will not go in and just replace one part.

 

Here is a picture of what a broken shell looks like. This is the shell on the left. The shell on the right is a new Beast shell.

 

The mileage on the trans is only 82k and has had the converter in it since about 35k. If the sunshell stripped out, is it possible for metal pieces to have gotten to the converter? (i.e. do you think I would need to get the converter rebuilt or replaced?)

 

As you can see in FLT's picture this is a "clean break" normally. As far as your torque converter, it may be a good idea to inspect and freshen it up. If future modifications are going to require a stall change this may be a good time to do it. Please let us know if we can help you.

 

What causes the force to make these sunshells break? I know reverse is usually the weakest part in the 4L60E, could this be why?

 

The thin collar must takes the full force of upshifts into 2nd and 4h gears along with reverse. The beast which we also use is a nearly indestructable replacement for the weaker stock shell. Its a relativly comon failure,

 

Ah yes, this is also why they say that the shift into overdrive can be harsh and eventually can damage the 4L60E.