Rebuild or run it?

[JNJchev77]

While changing the servo to a Corvette Servo in my 4l65e, my Trans pan showed up, so I decided to pull the pan and check it out, and put the new pan on... Well when I pulled the old pan this is what I find... I was told the trans had about 45K on it....


My knowledge of Transmissions is very, very limited lol. Question is, is this the thing ok to run? Or should I have it rebuilt? The square ribbed looking piece is a magnet that was near the drain plug, is this standard, or has this pan been off before?

I am just running basically a mild 5.3, driver, nothing crazy.

[BR3W CITY]

is that all metal filings?
if you really like the 65e, I'd at least have it checked out...although that looks like a lot of metal.

Upgrade time

[JNJchev77]

Seems to be...

I do like the 65e, also due to the fact I'm running a Dropmember, the 4l80e would require more mods to the cab and tunnel... And I just completed these to fit this combo I'm running...

So I should have a shop check it out?

What's a good rebuild cost, $1000??

[AJII]

Yeah. I'd have that one checked out.

I've pulled the pans on our 2003 Tahoe with 120k and 2004 Silvy with 100k and and neither of those had NEARLY the amount of material in them as you show there.

And that fluid looks nasty. Either it has way more than 45k on it, or it towed alot without a cooler. That fluid is burnt.

Magnet is standard.

[JNJchev77]

Ok, looks like I'll have it checked. Now to find an honest, reputable trans shop close. Thanks guys!!!

[clinebarger]

When a 4L60E/4L65E has aluminum & steel in the pan...Its BAD.
4L65E's are rare, And 99% are for AWD trucks, Finding a 2WD in a yard is next to impossible.

If there is any way to get your money back...Do it!

[JNJchev77]

Originally Posted by clinebarger

When a 4L60E/4L65E has aluminum & steel in the pan...Its BAD.
4L65E's are rare, And 99% are for AWD trucks, Finding a 2WD in a yard is next to impossible.

If there is any way to get your money back...Do it!

I didn't find this one in a yard, bought it from CL, only paid $200, so figured I'd give it a shot, or use it as core, or have it rebuilt.

Are you saying I won't be able to use this in my 2wd?

[clinebarger]

Originally Posted by JNJchev77

I didn't find this one in a yard, bought it from CL, only paid $200, so figured I'd give it a shot, or use it as core, or have it rebuilt.

Are you saying I won't be able to use this in my 2wd?

Is it from a AWD/4WD vehicle? Got a pic of the trans?

[JNJchev77]

I can grab a couple.... give me a sec

[JNJchev77]

Snapped a couple pics... I was told '05 2wd, but I was also told the trans had 45K miles

[AJII]

Originally Posted by clinebarger

When a 4L60E/4L65E has aluminum & steel in the pan...Its BAD.
4L65E's are rare, And 99% are for AWD trucks, Finding a 2WD in a yard is next to impossible.

If there is any way to get your money back...Do it!

That's not entirely true. 65e's came in 2wd for the Silvy SS and VHO. But in all likelihood, you're right, he doesn't have a 65e, as not many of them are around. So you probably have a toasted 60e. haha


And the only differences from the 60e to the 65e is
* Five-pinion gears for input and reaction gearsets (versus four-pinion gears in the L60)

* Heat-treated stator shaft splines

* Induction hardened turbine shaft

* Heavier-duty low/reverse roller clutch

* Additional friction plate added to 3-4 clutch (seven plates versus six in L60)

* Shot-peened output shaft

* Revised valve body calibration

[AJII]

Thats a 2wd trans, so that much they were right about. haha

Edit: But if it is a 65e out of an SS or VHO (same thing)...that would explain two things.

1)Why it ended up in the junkyard
2)Why the trans is toasted with only 45k (the case is very clean so it may be true)

Somebody was having a lil too much fun

[JNJchev77]

Glad you find humor in my "toasted" transmission! jk.

[AJII]

Originally Posted by JNJchev77

Glad you find humor in my "toasted" transmission! jk.

Lol. No humor found. I know all too well of paying a premium for "good" parts and finding out all is not as it seems.

[JNJchev77]

Ok, 2wd, good. I was 99% sure it was 2wd, just from the pics of 4wd's I've seen. So looks like I will take it down to a shop for rebuild. Kinda of planned on it, in the back of my mind

[JNJchev77]

Originally Posted by AJII

Lol. No humor found. I know all too well of paying a premium for "good" parts and finding out all is not as it seems.

I know AJ, I laughed at myself for actually thinking I was going to run a trans I picked up for a couple hundred bucks. I don't have that kind of luck!

[AJII]

If it were me, I'd have a competent shop do a stock rebuild on it and put in a Trans Go HD2 shift kit.

That's what mine is and it has held up well behind a cammed 6.0 in a heavy ECSB.

[AJII]

Originally Posted by JNJchev77

I know AJ, I laughed at myself for actually thinking I was going to run a trans I picked up for a couple hundred bucks. I don't have that kind of luck!

But there's always that hope!

[JNJchev77]

What kind of estimated cost can I be looking at with the transgo kit included?

[AJII]

I'd say somewhere in the ballpark of 800-1200.

[AJII]

And if you planned on using the converter from that trans, have it cut and cleaned before you do.

[JNJchev77]

Thanks for your help AJII!!! Going to get some quotes tomorrow!

[JNJchev77]

Found a local shop, referred by the Machine Shop that did the work on my 5.3. $975 for the rebuild, with rebuilt converter and shift kit. Although he didn't recommend the HD Shift kit, but a more mild kit. Pretty satisfied with what I found, and they seem to be a trust worthy shop. I've known my machine guy for a while. So Basically I will have $1175 in this trans after rebuild (with warranty), pretty happy with that!!

Thanks again for the help, dudes!

[clinebarger]

Originally Posted by AJII

That's not entirely true. 65e's came in 2wd for the Silvy SS and VHO. But in all likelihood, you're right, he doesn't have a 65e, as not many of them are around. So you probably have a toasted 60e. haha

The 2wd SS & Vortec Max were only made for 2 1/2 years, And were not high production vehicles.

[AJII]

Originally Posted by JNJchev77

Found a local shop, referred by the Machine Shop that did the work on my 5.3. $975 for the rebuild, with rebuilt converter and shift kit. Although he didn't recommend the HD Shift kit, but a more mild kit. Pretty satisfied with what I found, and they seem to be a trust worthy shop. I've known my machine guy for a while. So Basically I will have $1175 in this trans after rebuild (with warranty), pretty happy with that!!

Thanks again for the help, dudes!

I'd push for the HD2, it's known to help prolong the life of the 60e...and it needs all the help it can get. lol.

Just have him install it on its lightest setting and you'll be fine! Some trans shops try to do their own shift kit (drilling out and leaving out checkballs) that's not what you want.

However, if he's gonna warranty it, run whatever!