4L60e vs 4L80e

[bubbatrucklover]

There seems to be a good amount of discussion on this matter. I have done some research and will continue to do more but, I wanted to get some feed back on the matter.

Please bear with me as I get through to my reason for the question.

I started with a small oil leak a while back (about a quart between oil changes) in fact the "oil level" message comes right about a week (give or take) before the "change oil" one.

I said, "enough is enough" this last time and plopped down the $50 for an oil pan gasket "in hopes" that would solve the prob and NOT the rear main seal. No dice still have a leak. Oil pressure is still good but, I won't be waiting to much longer before I change it out.

Also my tranny is up for servicing too. (I first did it shortly after I bought the truck so I could monitor the EXACT time/mileage for servicing). The previous owner payed to have the tranny re built to be "bullet proof" and handle the bigger tires. (NOT TRUE) The reputable shop that serviced my tranny said they spent $1.700 for a stock tranny re build.

I have 37"X13.5" tires now and at most might go to 40" when I do the SAS and at some point I will have a beefier engine (383 stroker-400ci) 400-500 HP depending.

SOOO do I save up some extra $ so when I drain and drop the 4L60e tranny for the rear main I have it re built (Corvette servo, shift kit etc.) OR do I just change the fluid and filter and save up for a 4L80e core and rebuild?

I don't have the $ to really do anything (per say) drastic now BUT, I don't want to put "extra" in the tranny I have just to swap it later.

Thanks for Ya'lls input.

 

[Black02Silverado]

I would think you can just have the 4L60E rebuilt to perform like you want. A quick Google search seems to show that. That way you wouldn't have to change anything and know the tranny is built to your specs.

Have you checked the cover just above the oil filter to make sure it wasn't the leak? I know they have been known to leak.

 

[Draenor]

The 80 will have a lower 1st gear. It will help get you moving a bit faster. You could also just get FLT to build the 60 up. Depends on how much you going to beat the trans up.

 

[JennaBear]

The 80e will have a taller 1st gear, which will hurt you off idle. I would recommend a build 60e with new gears and TC. Should get your big tires going better.

 

[bubbatrucklover]

I would think you can just have the 4L60E rebuilt to perform like you want. A quick Google search seems to show that. That way you wouldn't have to change anything and know the tranny is built to your specs.

Have you to make sure it wasn't the leak? I know they have been known to leak.

Yeah the google search is where I started and it seemed that building the 60 up seemed about the way to go just wasn't sure if there was something I was missing.

No I didn't. I didn't even know it existed. Thanks that would be better then the other.

DEFINITELY going to check that out.

 

[bubbatrucklover]

The 80 will have a lower 1st gear. It will help get you moving a bit faster. You could also just get FLT to build the 60 up. Depends on how much you going to beat the trans up.

The 80e will have a taller 1st gear, which will hurt you off idle. I would recommend a build 60e with new gears and TC. Should get your big tires going better.

Thanks to both of you. Probably will never beat the tranny up as bad as some. Just want to make sure I have MORE then enough.

I was leaning towards "build what you got" but, like I said I didn't want to settle for it if the 80 was better in the long run. I would like to have the core and just have someone build it up as time and money allow but, I'll probably end up setting aside the $ and find someone who can do it in a day with plenty of notice.