97 C1500 4L60e trans questions

v8318cid · Jan 31, 2011

A general question for those of you who are familiar with the C1500 trucks, or more specifically, the 4L60e transmission. Has anyone had any issues with changing the transmission fluid in these vehicles? I have one that has almost 337000 miles on the clock (approximately 260k on the trans) and am considering changing the fluid as a general maintenance item, but want to know if it could set off problems. I don't drive it much since it tends to be a gas hog, not to mention having several other problems so its not a big deal if it breaks. Fluid is dark, as expected with the mileage, but does not appear to have any real problems yet. Shifts are somewhat soft, and the torque lockup doesn't engage until about 51 mph (normal?), but so far so good otherwise. Any opinions would be welcome. Thanks.

4.0B2 · Jan 31, 2011

you sound like you've had better luck with yours than i have with mine...
i'd say change it. and yeah the torque lockup is about 46 mph on mine with 3.42(i hate them) gears in the axle.

what do you mean soft shifts? like to soft? or just good and smooth.

alwaysFlOoReD · Jan 31, 2011

My opinion.... if changing the fluid screws up the tranny, it was going anyway.

Richard

v8318cid · Feb 2, 2011

I could just be used to my '10 Ranger which has firm shifts (only 6k miles so not even broken in yet). However, the shifts between gears when under a normal load don't always have a kick to them. Kind of a 'if I must' without quite being hesitant to shift. I wish I could say those were my miles. I bought the truck from a relative who did a lot of OTR driving, usually hauling a trailer. Granted, it still runs tough otherwise.

Josh40601 · Feb 8, 2011

My 4l60 has soft shifts in 3rd and 4th, but 2nd hits pretty hard.

As far as the 3.42 gears in the axles, i can understand hating them on a wheeling rig, but for DDing or towing, thats not bad. The 700 series transmissions have a stupid low 1st gear, and a rather low OD ratio. (I can't remember off the top of my head what the OD ratio is)

I'd say with 260k on the ticker, you are a lucky man. I rarely see them go that far. Usually between 100k and 150k they start to crap out. sounds like yours is starting to weaken, but not to the point of breakage. I say change the fluid and filter. Maybe add an additive when you change the fluids.

projectnitemare · Feb 8, 2011

like said earlier if it is running fine with no real issues then a fluid change would be ok. If it dies then yes it was on its way out. A good reason not to change fluid on a poorly functioning trans is the new fluid is going to loosen up the sludge already in there and usually cause you more problems. If the milage is true there is no shame in what you have.

Matt

v8318cid · Jun 24, 2011

Hate it when I lose track of previous posts.. Anyway, thanks for the input. Still running strong, and seems to get stronger everyday. Throwing off some of the effects from sitting too long I guess...

97 C1500 4L60e trans questions

v8318cid

15+ Year Member

4.0B2

15+ Year Member

alwaysFlOoReD

Forum Staff Member

v8318cid

15+ Year Member

Josh40601

15+ Year Member

projectnitemare

15+ Year Member

v8318cid

15+ Year Member

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