Recommend a trans... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

72gmcshorty · 11-07-2010, 12:19 AM

I have a 2006 5.3l out of a 2wd silverado. What trans would be the cheapest, easiest to bolt up to it?

68GMCCustom · 11-07-2010, 03:55 PM

are you staying computer controlled with efi? if so....maybe the 4L60e or 4L65e?
If not........turbo 350, 700-R4, 200-4r, etc.

mongoose · 11-07-2010, 04:03 PM

you on bcgbody?

72gmcshorty · 11-07-2010, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mongoose

you on bcgbody?

yes, just noticed you as well....

Critter · 11-15-2010, 12:13 AM

The cheapest and easiest will be by far the regular 'ol 4l60e. It's basically the only trans that could have been behind that engine from the factory so the crankshaft flange, wiring connections and computer will already be expecting to see it back there. No reprogramming for a different computer controlled trans OR reprogramming to accommodated for an older NON-electronic th350, 700r4, sm465 etc. Just plug-n-play. Not to mention the 2wd 4l60e is the most common trans from that body style truck and are very reasonably priced.

BR3W CITY · 11-15-2010, 04:05 PM

4l60e as the others said will be a direct bolt-up and probably the cheapest. However, you do sacrifice some measure of strength with that option.

Super73 · 11-15-2010, 04:54 PM

You could also do a 4L80E with manual valve body. No wiring at that point excpet for the vehicle speed sensor and verter lock up... No after market controller, no repining the factory connector or using an adapter harnes.. Just a tough as nails option.

I picked up my manual valvebody with T-brake for under $275 shipped to my door.

**LEEVON** · 11-15-2010, 05:38 PM

Lots of questions? vehicle, EFI or carb on the 5.3L...

If you're serious about your initial quest for the "cheapest and easiest" I would have to respectfully disagree that this fits the bill. 4L60e is a superior transmission but not the cheapest, you find them used for about $500-700 and new/rebuilt for about $1300.

A TH350 or TH400 would be the cheapest and easiest, you just need an adapter and bolts (about $45). Plus you get to use a cable speedo if that's an issue in the car. It's old technology and losing a gear but take the price of either of these transmissions and add the $45 and bam, you're there. You'll have to flash the computer for a manual trans but if you're using EFI you have to have it programmed anyway, no added cost.

But my vote is Super73's suggestion of a 4L80e manual valve body FTW!!!

Critter · 11-15-2010, 05:56 PM

Super73 and Leevon, I can't argue with what y'all are saying other than I was putting more emphasis on the "easy" aspect I guess. Both of you are probably familiar at this point with what adapts to what and where to get crossover parts etc. But if someone is unfamiliar with all this I still think the original style 4l60e is worth the extra $200 (give or take) when considering everything bolts up and plugs in just where it should go. With the older trannys that were mentioned he would have to adapt the tv cable to the dbw throttle assembly, not to mention you wouldn't have overdrive with the th350 or 400. But like it has been said, everyone is entitled to their own opinions, and neither of us is wrong. More info from the original poster would probably help narrow it down though.

Also...just for reference, a salvage yard 4l60e with under 60,000 miles can be had in my part of the world all day long for $600. With that low of mileage I wouldn't be afraid to run it as is without rebuilding it.

**LEEVON** · 11-15-2010, 07:07 PM

We're all just filling in the blanks for him, lots of good info here. I would be a toss up for me too if I was going with an automatic, just wasn't sure what his goal really is. I guess I had really cheap in mind, like a used craigslist TH350 or TH400 for $200. If I just had to get a truck going, everything else be damned that's what I'd do.

72gmcshorty · 11-15-2010, 11:23 PM

I'm going with an automatic. The motor i bought came with all the wiring harness including the drive by wire pedal assembly. It's hard to find the 4l60's here for under $600. Place here sells rebuilts for $900. Not used to paying so much i guess

72gmcshorty · 11-15-2010, 11:57 PM

so something like this is decent?

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/va...052809849.html

**LEEVON** · 11-17-2010, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72gmcshorty

so something like this is decent?

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/va...052809849.html

It's got the right upgrade stuff for sure, that's a good price too (CN or US?). I had a 700R4 built to pretty much the same specs and it's holding up fine. I'd check them out very thoroughly. The disadvantage is that now you have to run the TV cable, and to my knowledge that can only be done with a kit from bowtieoverdrives.com made just for the drive-by-cable (99-02) intake/throttle body. Not too expensive but it will require you swap the intake. I've got one for $50 if you need it.

BR3W CITY · 11-17-2010, 10:53 PM

4l80e with a full manual would also be no where near cheap compared to some of the other options.

72gmcshorty · 02-11-2011, 09:04 PM

so i've not been able to find a 4l60 or 80 that will directly bolt up to this motor. I need to find something soon. I want something for daily driving/cruising. What years/model should i look into?

clinebarger · 02-13-2011, 12:27 AM

99-06 2WD 1/2 ton Chevy/GMC truck (including 1500HD), Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon YukonXL, SSR, Trailblazer & Envoy with the 4.8, 5.3 & 6.0 will work.

98-02 Camaro Z28/SS & Trans Am 4L60Es will work also, But they dont have the neutral safty switch mounted over the shift selector shaft, Not a big deal on a conversion.

72gmcshorty · 02-13-2011, 01:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clinebarger

99-06 2WD 1/2 ton Chevy/GMC truck (including 1500HD), Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon YukonXL, SSR, Trailblazer & Envoy with the 4.8, 5.3 & 6.0 will work.

98-02 Camaro Z28/SS & Trans Am 4L60Es will work also, But they dont have the neutral safty switch mounted over the shift selector shaft, Not a big deal on a conversion.

Those are the ones i have been looking for and cannot find locally on Craigslist. Crazy. Going to have to try wreckers. Would a trans from a 6cyl work?

Critter · 02-13-2011, 01:35 AM

Try this link, great way to browse the salvage yards from the comfort of your couch.

clinebarger · 02-13-2011, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72gmcshorty

Those are the ones i have been looking for and cannot find locally on Craigslist. Crazy. Going to have to try wreckers. Would a trans from a 6cyl work?

A 4.3L 4L60E can be made to work with this http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/results...umber=12621399 But the lower bolt holes in the bellhousing will NOT line up with oil pan, And they have a 298mm converter V.S. 300mm on a Gen III 4L60E, They also dont have the very top bellhousing bolt hole. The 298mm 4L60E is a compromise in my opinion!

Heres a chart so you can identify a domestic 300mm 4L60E, The large bell V6/V8 transmissions are 298mm.

72gmcshorty · 02-15-2011, 10:56 PM

my blazer is going to be automatic. Do i need to look strictly at 2wd vehicles?

clinebarger · 02-16-2011, 12:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72gmcshorty

my blazer is going to be automatic. Do i need to look strictly at 2wd vehicles?

I was talking about 4L60Es the whole time??? 4WD models will have a different output shaft & will have to be converted to 2WD.

72gmcshorty · 02-18-2011, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clinebarger

I was talking about 4L60Es the whole time??? 4WD models will have a different output shaft & will have to be converted to 2WD.

What is involved in converting to 2wd? Found a guy with motor and tran out of 1999 suburban. He's willing to sell the trans but it's 4x4.

usmcchevy · 02-18-2011, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72gmcshorty

What is involved in converting to 2wd? Found a guy with motor and tran out of 1999 suburban. He's willing to sell the trans but it's 4x4.

The whole trans must be disassembled to change the output shaft,

clinebarger · 02-18-2011, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72gmcshorty

What is involved in converting to 2wd? Found a guy with motor and tran out of 1999 suburban. He's willing to sell the trans but it's 4x4.

A 99 suburban would have a 5.7L Gen I Vortec & a 298MM 4L60E, Keep looking. To answer your question on the 4WD to 2WD, You will need a 2WD extension housing, Output shaft with the VSS reluctor wheel, VSS sensor, Then the trans will need to be torn down to the Input Planetary gear set to access the output shaft snap ring.

72gmcshorty · 02-20-2011, 02:21 AM

Since i am having no luck finding a direct bolt on wire up option, what would be the next easiest option for me? Again, it has to be auto and prefer something for daily driving. The engine is drive by wire

11-07-2010, 12:19 AM	#1
72gmcshorty Registered User Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: North Delta, British Columbia Posts: 1,344	Recommend a trans... I have a 2006 5.3l out of a 2wd silverado. What trans would be the cheapest, easiest to bolt up to it? __________________ 1992 Gmc 2wd 1972 Chevy Blazer 2wd

11-07-2010, 03:55 PM	#2
68GMCCustom Truck and auto performance nut Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: McKinney,Texas Posts: 3,848	Re: Recommend a trans... are you staying computer controlled with efi? if so....maybe the 4L60e or 4L65e? If not........turbo 350, 700-R4, 200-4r, etc. __________________ Kurt - '68 GMC short step - NIB '09 LY6 6.0L crate motor w/mods, NIB '12 crate 4L85e w/billet 3k stall Circle D, 3.73 posi 12 bolt, DynaTech f-swap headers, 3/4 drop, handling mods, etc. - my toy '72 Chevy LWB C-10 Highlander - 350/350 ps/pb/tilt/ac - not original but close '06 Chevy TrailBlazerSS - LS2/4L70e - little black hot rod SUV - my DD '18 Kia Sorento - wife's econo-driver '95 Chevy S10 - reg cab shortbed, LS, 4.3, auto... my '68's powertrain and chassis build -links broken A surprise phase - carb to efi -links broken

11-07-2010, 04:03 PM	#3
mongoose Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: slurrey, bc. Posts: 1,134	Re: Recommend a trans... you on bcgbody? __________________ -'73 c/10 - Low with Go - will be complete... probably never. -'90 2wd Blazer - well... soon enough anyways. -'84 SWB - the daily gas guzzler.

11-15-2010, 12:13 AM	#5
Critter Future TOTM Winner Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bulverde, TX Posts: 2,692	Re: Recommend a trans... The cheapest and easiest will be by far the regular 'ol 4l60e. It's basically the only trans that could have been behind that engine from the factory so the crankshaft flange, wiring connections and computer will already be expecting to see it back there. No reprogramming for a different computer controlled trans OR reprogramming to accommodated for an older NON-electronic th350, 700r4, sm465 etc. Just plug-n-play. Not to mention the 2wd 4l60e is the most common trans from that body style truck and are very reasonably priced. __________________ 72 Chevy CST K5 HIGHLANDER BLAZER Getting a 6.0,NV4500,NP205,14BFF (Currently laying all over the place in little pieces) 72 Chevy swb step-side "LS" 6.0 Here's a build thread of sorts 2002 HD2500 Crew Cab, 8.1L Allison 4x4 Daily Driver Check it out www.lsdyno.com Last edited by Critter; 11-15-2010 at 12:15 AM.

11-15-2010, 04:05 PM	#6
BR3W CITY meowMEOWmeowMEOW Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: MKE WI Posts: 7,128	Re: Recommend a trans... 4l60e as the others said will be a direct bolt-up and probably the cheapest. However, you do sacrifice some measure of strength with that option. __________________ *'66 Short Step / SD Tuned / Big Cam LQ4 / Backhalfed /Built 4l80e / #REBUILDEVERYTHING* MY BUILD THE H8RDCPTR //\\ MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL REV J HD

11-15-2010, 04:54 PM	#7
Super73 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Bay Area, Ca Posts: 2,841	Re: Recommend a trans... You could also do a 4L80E with manual valve body. No wiring at that point excpet for the vehicle speed sensor and verter lock up... No after market controller, no repining the factory connector or using an adapter harnes.. Just a tough as nails option. I picked up my manual valvebody with T-brake for under $275 shipped to my door. __________________ ------Motor---------------Bottle 60'---1.53---------------1.41 1/8---6.58 @ 105.92----5.87 @ 118.41 1/4---10.38 @ 126.97----9.24 @ 142.49 Last edited by Super73; 11-15-2010 at 04:55 PM.

11-15-2010, 05:38 PM	#8
LEEVON Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,887	Re: Recommend a trans... Lots of questions? vehicle, EFI or carb on the 5.3L... If you're serious about your initial quest for the "cheapest and easiest" I would have to respectfully disagree that this fits the bill. 4L60e is a superior transmission but not the cheapest, you find them used for about $500-700 and new/rebuilt for about $1300. A TH350 or TH400 would be the cheapest and easiest, you just need an adapter and bolts (about $45). Plus you get to use a cable speedo if that's an issue in the car. It's old technology and losing a gear but take the price of either of these transmissions and add the $45 and bam, you're there. You'll have to flash the computer for a manual trans but if you're using EFI you have to have it programmed anyway, no added cost. But my vote is Super73's suggestion of a 4L80e manual valve body FTW!!! __________________ '20 Silverado Trail Boss ~ '17 Tahoe ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~ '55 Pontiac Safari ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids Last edited by LEEVON; 11-15-2010 at 05:38 PM.

11-15-2010, 05:56 PM	#9
Critter Future TOTM Winner Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bulverde, TX Posts: 2,692	Re: Recommend a trans... Super73 and Leevon, I can't argue with what y'all are saying other than I was putting more emphasis on the "easy" aspect I guess. Both of you are probably familiar at this point with what adapts to what and where to get crossover parts etc. But if someone is unfamiliar with all this I still think the original style 4l60e is worth the extra $200 (give or take) when considering everything bolts up and plugs in just where it should go. With the older trannys that were mentioned he would have to adapt the tv cable to the dbw throttle assembly, not to mention you wouldn't have overdrive with the th350 or 400. But like it has been said, everyone is entitled to their own opinions, and neither of us is wrong. More info from the original poster would probably help narrow it down though. Also...just for reference, a salvage yard 4l60e with under 60,000 miles can be had in my part of the world all day long for $600. With that low of mileage I wouldn't be afraid to run it as is without rebuilding it. __________________ 72 Chevy CST K5 HIGHLANDER BLAZER Getting a 6.0,NV4500,NP205,14BFF (Currently laying all over the place in little pieces) 72 Chevy swb step-side "LS" 6.0 Here's a build thread of sorts 2002 HD2500 Crew Cab, 8.1L Allison 4x4 Daily Driver Check it out www.lsdyno.com Last edited by Critter; 11-15-2010 at 06:01 PM.

11-15-2010, 07:07 PM	#10
LEEVON Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,887	Re: Recommend a trans... We're all just filling in the blanks for him, lots of good info here. I would be a toss up for me too if I was going with an automatic, just wasn't sure what his goal really is. I guess I had really cheap in mind, like a used craigslist TH350 or TH400 for $200. If I just had to get a truck going, everything else be damned that's what I'd do. __________________ '20 Silverado Trail Boss ~ '17 Tahoe ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~ '55 Pontiac Safari ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids Last edited by LEEVON; 11-15-2010 at 07:12 PM.

11-15-2010, 11:23 PM	#11
72gmcshorty Registered User Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: North Delta, British Columbia Posts: 1,344	Re: Recommend a trans... I'm going with an automatic. The motor i bought came with all the wiring harness including the drive by wire pedal assembly. It's hard to find the 4l60's here for under $600. Place here sells rebuilts for $900. Not used to paying so much i guess __________________ 1992 Gmc 2wd 1972 Chevy Blazer 2wd

11-15-2010, 11:57 PM	#12
72gmcshorty Registered User Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: North Delta, British Columbia Posts: 1,344	Re: Recommend a trans... so something like this is decent? http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/va...052809849.html __________________ 1992 Gmc 2wd 1972 Chevy Blazer 2wd

11-17-2010, 10:53 PM	#14
BR3W CITY meowMEOWmeowMEOW Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: MKE WI Posts: 7,128	Re: Recommend a trans... 4l80e with a full manual would also be no where near cheap compared to some of the other options. __________________ *'66 Short Step / SD Tuned / Big Cam LQ4 / Backhalfed /Built 4l80e / #REBUILDEVERYTHING* MY BUILD THE H8RDCPTR //\\ MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL REV J HD

02-11-2011, 09:04 PM	#15
72gmcshorty Registered User Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: North Delta, British Columbia Posts: 1,344	Re: Recommend a trans... so i've not been able to find a 4l60 or 80 that will directly bolt up to this motor. I need to find something soon. I want something for daily driving/cruising. What years/model should i look into? __________________ 1992 Gmc 2wd 1972 Chevy Blazer 2wd

02-13-2011, 12:27 AM	#16
clinebarger Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Fort Worth, TX Posts: 6,370	Re: Recommend a trans... 99-06 2WD 1/2 ton Chevy/GMC truck (including 1500HD), Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon YukonXL, SSR, Trailblazer & Envoy with the 4.8, 5.3 & 6.0 will work. 98-02 Camaro Z28/SS & Trans Am 4L60Es will work also, But they dont have the neutral safty switch mounted over the shift selector shaft, Not a big deal on a conversion.

02-13-2011, 01:35 AM	#18
Critter Future TOTM Winner Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bulverde, TX Posts: 2,692	Re: Recommend a trans... Try this link, great way to browse the salvage yards from the comfort of your couch. __________________ 72 Chevy CST K5 HIGHLANDER BLAZER Getting a 6.0,NV4500,NP205,14BFF (Currently laying all over the place in little pieces) 72 Chevy swb step-side "LS" 6.0 Here's a build thread of sorts 2002 HD2500 Crew Cab, 8.1L Allison 4x4 Daily Driver Check it out www.lsdyno.com



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02-15-2011, 10:56 PM	#20
72gmcshorty Registered User Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: North Delta, British Columbia Posts: 1,344	Re: Recommend a trans... my blazer is going to be automatic. Do i need to look strictly at 2wd vehicles? __________________ 1992 Gmc 2wd 1972 Chevy Blazer 2wd

02-20-2011, 02:21 AM	#25
72gmcshorty Registered User Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: North Delta, British Columbia Posts: 1,344	Re: Recommend a trans... Since i am having no luck finding a direct bolt on wire up option, what would be the next easiest option for me? Again, it has to be auto and prefer something for daily driving. The engine is drive by wire __________________ 1992 Gmc 2wd 1972 Chevy Blazer 2wd

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