Lq9 with early model 4L60
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Teching In
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Lq9 with early model 4L60 So I’m swapping a 6.0 lq9 out of a 02 Escalade into a 1990 GMC Suburban. The original tranny is early 4L60 not the E. The plugs on the same on each Im wondering if the updated computer will work with the older tranny or should I just buy the newer 4L60E?
Thank You
Thank You
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Grand Rapids, Michigan
I'd buy the newer trans, trying to get a non-electronic 700R-4 ( which is what a 4L60 is ) to work with your engine will be difficult. Especially hooking up the TV cable. The bellhousing has the wrong dimensions as well, so you'd have to use adapter plates or a special flexplate. Not to mention, the trans is not likely to live behind the torque of a 6 liter LQ9. They hardly held up with a weak 350 in front of them.
Thread Starter
Teching In
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I'd buy the newer trans, trying to get a non-electronic 700R-4 ( which is what a 4L60 is ) to work with your engine will be difficult. Especially hooking up the TV cable. The bellhousing has the wrong dimensions as well, so you'd have to use adapter plates or a special flexplate. Not to mention, the trans is not likely to live behind the torque of a 6 liter LQ9. They hardly held up with a weak 350 in front of them.
TECH Apprentice
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The earlier 4L60E models had numerous production changes (I'm pretty sure they made variations of the V6 vs V8 too in those years.) I believe the later models with the top bellhousing bolt hole are better (?), so I would also recommend you find a later unit. The LQ9 was mated to a 4L65E, which had some modifications to it to hold up to the LQ9, so going to an early E seems like a double downgrade.
Someone with more knowledge please chime in.
TECH Apprentice
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Or are you going with newer transfer case? Didn't the Escalade have full-time all-wheel drive? Or was only the Denali? NP149?
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Grand Rapids, Michigan
The 4L60E didn't come out until '93, so unless that was swapped into that '90 Suburban, it's not one. The 4L60E has a 13/14 pin connector on the passenger side. The 700R-4 has a 4 pin on the driver's side. There is zero difference between a 700R4 and a 4L60, it was a GM name change later on. Just like a TH400 ended up being called a 3L80 at the end of it's production. Does the trans have a bolt on bellhousing? If so, you'll need the bellhousing from an LS 4L60E, as the distance from the block face to the bellhousing mount is different, as far as I'm aware. The transfer cases should still bolt up the same. Regardless of that, the internals of an early 4L60E or late 700R-4 are not going to hold up to the torque a 6.0 produces, especially when mounted in a 7000 lb. 4WD Suburban. If it were me, I'd just look for a 4L80E out of a 2500 and use that. That will readily fit in an squarebody Suburban.
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Thread Starter
Teching In
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I have the original transfer case that came on the 90 suburban. At this point I’m just trying to figure out what will work. i was hoping to keep the original since there’s a 4x4 selector in the floor.
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