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Hey Everyone,
Starting a similar thread to the one available for the 700R4 but dedicated to the 4L60E as countless GM cars, trucks and SUVs were fitted w/them from 1993-2013/14 and often retro-swapped into Squarebodies. Posted below is my teardown and inspection video that covers everything you need to check for as well as a link to my 4L60E playlist that covers valve body disassembly and reassembly, full rebuild, and related topical videos. I included a complete parts and machining procedures list as well so folks have a comprehensive view of everything that needs to go into these transmissions for a proper overhaul. Lastly, I have included some tech resources and information for those that want to rebuild their own 4L60/65/70E transmission. Most of the 4L60E parts (apart from valve body, pump and electrical components) also apply to the 700R4, for those that have an older vehicle so equipped.
I'll edit to add and update content as I go; will bump the thread if a whole bunch of updates are made.
Production Run: 1993-2014
Variants, Years and Applications:
- 4L60E (1993-2014) - Non HD/HP makes/models
- 4L65E (2001-2006) - HD-HP makes/models including Escalades, Corvettes, GTOs, Denalis, some Pick-ups
- 4L70E (2007-2013) - HD-HP makes/models including Escalades, Corvettes, GTOs, Denalis, some Pick-ups
Predecessor Transmission: 700R4, 4L60 (4L60=700R4 using GM's updated naming convention which was introduced in 1990)
Follow-on Transmission: 6L45, 6L50, 6L80
Fluid Capacities (Factory and B&M Deep Pan)
Factory shallow pan (93-97): 11-12 quarts
Factory deep pan (1998+): 12-13 quarts
Corvette:
Gear Ratios
Identifying Year of Production
Identifying the year of production is important for a variety of reasons including fitment and compatibility for swaps, internal hard part replacement, computer calibration and programming and others. GM provides two methods for determining what year and application a given 4L60E was manufactured. The first is the large date stamp sticker on the raised rectangular embossment on the passenger side of the case, below the cooler line area. It contains a 4-character alpha-numeric code that informs the year and application of the vehicle. The second method is looking on the bottom, rear of the case at the extension housing/case mating area for the same 4-character alpha-numeric code laser-engraved onto the bottom. Note that some 4L60Es do not have this engraving as it may not have been a standardized practice until later model years.
Retro-Swap Information
4L60E Teardown and Inspection
4L60E Rebuild Step by Step
High Performance Build-Up
Valve Body Tips and Mods for Performance
4L60E Playlist
Tech Resources
GM Technician's Guide (mostly diagrams)
4L60E Limp Mode Diagnostics
DTC P1870 TSB
TSB for Harsh 3-2 downshift (note: this condition is normal in the 4L60E and 700R4)
Electrical/Electronic Troubleshooting
The diagram below contains continuity and voltage specs as well as pin designations for troubleshooting limp mode and other electrical conditions via a DVOM (Multimeter)
How to Buy a Used 4L60E
Vintages, Changes and Interchange Information
Parts and Machining Services for Overhaul
Starting a similar thread to the one available for the 700R4 but dedicated to the 4L60E as countless GM cars, trucks and SUVs were fitted w/them from 1993-2013/14 and often retro-swapped into Squarebodies. Posted below is my teardown and inspection video that covers everything you need to check for as well as a link to my 4L60E playlist that covers valve body disassembly and reassembly, full rebuild, and related topical videos. I included a complete parts and machining procedures list as well so folks have a comprehensive view of everything that needs to go into these transmissions for a proper overhaul. Lastly, I have included some tech resources and information for those that want to rebuild their own 4L60/65/70E transmission. Most of the 4L60E parts (apart from valve body, pump and electrical components) also apply to the 700R4, for those that have an older vehicle so equipped.
I'll edit to add and update content as I go; will bump the thread if a whole bunch of updates are made.
Production Run: 1993-2014
Variants, Years and Applications:
- 4L60E (1993-2014) - Non HD/HP makes/models
- 4L65E (2001-2006) - HD-HP makes/models including Escalades, Corvettes, GTOs, Denalis, some Pick-ups
- 4L70E (2007-2013) - HD-HP makes/models including Escalades, Corvettes, GTOs, Denalis, some Pick-ups
Predecessor Transmission: 700R4, 4L60 (4L60=700R4 using GM's updated naming convention which was introduced in 1990)
Follow-on Transmission: 6L45, 6L50, 6L80
Fluid Capacities (Factory and B&M Deep Pan)
Factory shallow pan (93-97): 11-12 quarts
Factory deep pan (1998+): 12-13 quarts
Corvette:
Gear Ratios
You must be registered for see images attach
Identifying Year of Production
Identifying the year of production is important for a variety of reasons including fitment and compatibility for swaps, internal hard part replacement, computer calibration and programming and others. GM provides two methods for determining what year and application a given 4L60E was manufactured. The first is the large date stamp sticker on the raised rectangular embossment on the passenger side of the case, below the cooler line area. It contains a 4-character alpha-numeric code that informs the year and application of the vehicle. The second method is looking on the bottom, rear of the case at the extension housing/case mating area for the same 4-character alpha-numeric code laser-engraved onto the bottom. Note that some 4L60Es do not have this engraving as it may not have been a standardized practice until later model years.
You must be registered for see images attach
You must be registered for see images attach
Retro-Swap Information
- Driveline and cross member alterations are almost always required; exhaust mods may be required
- Any 4L60E dipstick and tube will work - DO NOT use pre-existing dipstick and tube or inaccurate readings may result
- Command and control can be via factory ECM/Harness retro or aftermarket stand-alone controller, including:
- TCI EZ-TCU GM Overdrive Transmission Controller Kit ($1050.00 as of 1/30/24)
- Complete list of TCI Controller components and accessories can be found here
- MSD Atomic 2760 Stand-alone Controller ($875 as of 1/30/24)
- MS3 LS 24X Plug and Play Gold Box ($1225.00 as of 1/30/24)
- Factory ECM and Harness assembly from appropriate year, make and model vehicle
- TCI EZ-TCU GM Overdrive Transmission Controller Kit ($1050.00 as of 1/30/24)
You must be registered for see images attach
4L60E Teardown and Inspection
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4L60E Rebuild Step by Step
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High Performance Build-Up
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Valve Body Tips and Mods for Performance
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4L60E Playlist
Tech Resources
GM Technician's Guide (mostly diagrams)
4L60E Limp Mode Diagnostics
DTC P1870 TSB
TSB for Harsh 3-2 downshift (note: this condition is normal in the 4L60E and 700R4)
Electrical/Electronic Troubleshooting
The diagram below contains continuity and voltage specs as well as pin designations for troubleshooting limp mode and other electrical conditions via a DVOM (Multimeter)
You must be registered for see images attach
How to Buy a Used 4L60E
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Vintages, Changes and Interchange Information
| Vintage | Components | Interchange Information | Additional Context |
| 1992-1994 |
| 1992-1994 units will interchange as an assembly into any vehicles manufactured during these years 1995 and 1996-1997: Components at left will have to be swapped for compatible components for those years/vintages if needing to convert to a 95 or 96-97 application |
Valve body castings have provision for PWM solenoid however no PWM solenoid is installed for 1992-1994 |
| 1995 |
| Not interchangeable with any other year without swapping the following parts w/year-applicable ones:
| Pulse Width Modulation was introduced as a new TCC apply strategy for all 4L60E transmissions starting in 1995. In 1996, key changes to the PWM were made and further changes were made in 2001+ and in both cases, updates were made to the valve body, separator plate and separator plate gaskets. |
| 1996-1997 |
| Will not interchange with any prior years without swapping components listed at left with counterparts that are compatible with the target vintage (i.e. 92-94 or 95) May swap in place of a two-piece case so long as the engine is a 1st or 2nd generation small block or big block - WILL NOT swap in behind a Generation 3 small block (LS1, 5.3, 6.0, etc) | In 1996, GM introduced the manual lever position sensor and changed the impedance of the 3-2 control solenoid to 18-21 ohms, which mirrors that of shift solenoids A and B PWM Solenoid remained unchanged (9-11 ohms) Threaded ports were added on either side of the selector to accommodate the manual lever position sensor - these threaded ports ARE NOT found on 1992-1995 cases ** It’s recommended to mechanically convert the PWM regulated apply circuit in the valve body to an ‘on-off’ circuit - this is accomplished by blocking the inboard valve from moving ** DTC P1870 will store if/when this valve wears sufficiently and late, harsh 1-2 shifts will often be observed |
| 1993-2000 | Separator plate gaskets | Interchangeable between all years at left Identified by the lack of striping on both gaskets | PWM-specific ports and orifices on the separator plate changed starting in 2001 to coincide with some other minor PWM-related hardware changes (see below for details) |
| 1996-2003 | Manual Lever Position Sensor (first design) | Will interchange between all years at left | First design uses two connectors to communicate range position - one for Park and one for Neutral. Use a heat gun or hair dryer to melt the dielectric grease so that the MLPS can be removed from the pig-tail connectors w/out damaging the connectors or sensor If this sensors fails, vehicle will not crank or start - try shifting into Neutral if in Park - it may start if only the ‘Park’ channel has failed |
| 2004-L2008 | Manual Lever Position Sensor (second design) | Will interchange between all years at left but WILL NOT interchange with vehicles manufactured for model years 1992-2003 | Second design uses one electrical connector instead of two, integrating Park and Neutral into one channel for data comms w/the PCM |
| 2001-2006 | Separator plate gaskets | Interchangeable between all years at left Identified by white striping on both gaskets | GM updated the separator plate with new ports/orifice designs starting in 2001 - this coincided with a redesigned valve train in the TCC regulator valve (valve body) |
| 1998-2006 |
| Interchangeable across all years with the caveat that F-body or Corvette specific parts will need to be installed on transmissions that did not already have them if installing into an F Body (Camaro or Firebird) or a Corvette | 300mm pump stator and redesigned input shaft introduced in 1998 to support migration to LS/Gen 3 small block in Corvettes and F-bodies All other 4L60E equipped vehicles followed suit in late 2000 |
| 2006-2008 |
| WILL NOT retro or prospectively install into any other model year vehicles First years of separator plates w/bonded gaskets Some units will have a traditional separator plate where gaskets can be replaced separately Use orange-striped separator plate gaskets | GM introduced the turbine shaft speed sensor in mid-2006 which resulted in design changes to the input shaft, pump stator and pump cover. ** Failure to install a pump with a matching input shaft or pump not compatible with a turbine speed sensor into a 4L60E-equipped vehicle that originally came w/one will result in no upshift from first gear CAUTION! - A limited amount of input shaft/drum assemblies were manufactured as provisioned for the reluctor gear however no gear was cast into these shafts and mated to pumps with stators provisioned for the input shaft reluctor gear - DO NOT install these into transmissions that originally did not come w/turbine speed sensors as the feed holes between the stator and input shaft will be mis-aligned (mostly applies to L2006) |
| L2008+ |
| Will interchange with any subsequent year however not backwards-compatible with 2008-1992 *** 2008 4L60/65/70E transmissions not updated to take the internal mode switch (e.g. still have the older pressure switch manifold assembly and external MLPS installed) are compatible with any year vehicle L2006-2008 regardless if that vehicle’s original transmission came with a turbine speed sensor | In 2009, GM introduced the Internal Mode Switch to take the place of the pressure switch manifold assembly and manual lever position sensor. The IMS is installed onto the selector shaft between the case wall and rooster comb - pan must be removed to access and R/R the IMS. If IMS fails, vehicle will not crank or start |
Parts and Machining Services for Overhaul
| 4L60E Parts | GM Part Number (If applicable) | Notes | |
| Paper and rubber kit | This kit is also referred to as an 'overhaul kit' | ||
| Clutch module | Raybestos or Borg Warner - factory level module comes with high energy 3-4 frictions Alto High Energy w/Power Pack 8-clutch 3-4 stack Raybestos Stage One with Power Pack 8 clutch 3-4 stack Alto Red Eagle module with 8-clutch 3-4 stack; with or without Kolene steels | ||
| 3-4 clutch steel module | Kolene steels recommended for very heavy duty or high performance/race | ||
| Borg Warner high energy 2-4 band | Alto wide band is a good upgrade - reverse input drum must be new or resurfaced Kevlar band should be used for serious heavy duty or high performance/race | ||
| Corvette 2nd gear servo (093) | Good upgrade for all GM medium duty cars, trucks and SUVs | ||
| Complete bushing kit | Use Sonnax pump body bushing in the pump body and rear direct drum bushing location in HD/HP builds; Use Sonnax coated rear pump stator bushing in same | ||
| Sonnax wide rear sun gear bushing | Recommended for all rebuilds as the factory rear sun gear bushing likes to walk out on higher mileage units; mandatory for high performance | ||
| Hardened and heat treated sun gear reaction shell | Standard heat treated shell is fine for factory or mild performance; anything beyond that should receive the Sonnax Smart Shell | ||
| Forward thrust bearing | Replace if end play is excessive when trans comes in for overhaul | ||
| 3-4 clutch apply plate and backing plate | Not mandatory but often required due to severe 3-4 clutch burn up; GM 4L65 apply and backing plate can be used with the 4L65-spec clutch stack - custom thicknesses are available in the aftermarket as well | ||
| Borg Warner input sprag clutch (29 element) | Use 400 grit sand paper to reintroduce cross-hatching on outer race-sprag surface; retro to all 700R4s | ||
| Aluminum 3-4 accumulator piston | All years take a large hole piston | ||
| Aluminum 1-2 accumulator piston | Some very early 4L60Es have a large hole piston; most have small hole | ||
| Borg Warner low roller one way clutch assembly | This one-way clutch is only holding in first gear thus doesn't fail often | ||
| All solenoids (EPC, shift solenoids A&B, 3-2 control solenoid (93-08), pressure switch manifold assembly (93-08), wiring harness | Use OEM or Rostra only! | ||
| Manual lever position sensor: Dual connector: 1996-2003 | single connector: 2004-2008 | GM/AC Delco or Rostra Good time to replace this as if it fails, you won't be able to start your vehicle | ||
| Internal mode switch (2009+) | GM/AC Delco only! Good time to replace this as if it fails, you won't be able to start your vehicle | ||
| Turbine (input) speed sensor (L2006+) | GM/AC Delco only!; consult dealership parts dept to confirm if yours has a turbine speed sensor Must replace this on all overhauls when equipped - you cannot replace this sensor when the trans in the vehicle! | ||
| Sonnax LB4L60E boost valve kit | Install in place of worn out factory boost valve and sleeve | ||
| Machining Services | |||
| Pump body and cover resurfacing and milling (pump body only) | Provide machinist your pump rotor and slide - these are selective and clearance must be as follows: - Rotor to pump body deck: .0015-.0025 - Slide to pump body deck: .002-.003 | ||
| Reverse Input Drum | Check for warped surface (most are warped when they come in) - resurface to restore to as-new condition | ||
| Fitzall separator plate repair kit | Will service multiple separator plates (1-2 check ball usually wears and needs a repair sleeve from the kit) | ||
| Sonnax TCC Regulator valve kit (oversized) | Requires tool, base and support fixture to hold valve body as well as Sonnax bore reamer kit Use either Fitzall drop in valve for applicable year range (95-2000, 2001-2006); this valve converts the TCC apply strategy to an on-off from a PWM (pulse width modulation) Cannot be done for any vehicles with VVT or active cylinder management as the PWM must be working properly | ||
| Sonnax oversized actuator feed limit (AFL) valve kit | Requires tool, base and support fixture to hold valve body as well as Sonnax bore reamer kit Worn AFL valves / valve bores will cause a myrid of symptoms and failures thus all valve bodies must be tested | ||
| Corrective & Performance Upgrade Options (list not exhaustive) | |||
| Shift Kit (basic) | Transgo SK4L60E | Superior Technologies 4L60E | ||
| Shift Kit (performance) | Transgo HD2 | Sonnax Surecure Kit (preferred) | ||
| Transgo unbreakable pump rings (5500 RPM+) | |||
| Transgo high rate forward drum return spring kit | |||
| GM OEM five pinion front and rear planetary carrier assemblies | can be good used or rebuilt by a competent machinist | ||
| Sonnax Smart Shell | Best sun gear reaction shell on the market | ||
| Sonnax Hi Performance Pack |
| Contains all 4L60E upgrades including valves, pinless accumulators, shims, Torlon check balls and more. | |
| 4L65E Input drum assembly | Induction hardened input shaft | ||
| 4L65E 3-4 clutch pack kit (7 frictions and six steels, apply plate and HD backing plate) | High energy clutch material | ||
| 4L70E Reaction shaft | Induction hardened splines | ||
| Sonnax Smart Tech Input Drum | Expensive but as close to bulletproof as you can get for these transmissions | ||
| Sonnax input drum reinforcement kit | Reinforces factory input drum for high RPM and power levels below 550 HP | ||
| Raybestos Blue Plate friction module | Full race only | ||
| Alto High Energy or Raybestos ZPG or Stage One friction module | Great all around street/strip | ||
| Sonnax Super hold servo assemblies (2nd and/or 4th gear) | A must for heavy towing and/or hauling as well as street/strip - race | ||
| CK Performance Billet pump rotor | Great for racing and other 5500+ RPM uses |
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