4L80E Concerns?

TR185 · Aug 30, 2016

New GMT 400 owner here and I have a few questions/concerns.

First and foremost, I have a fear of automatic transmissions because they can be fine one day and down to he next so I guess that's where most of my concerns are coming from.

My truck has the 5.7 (350) with the 4L80E transmission with a 4.10 ratio in the rearend. Where should I notice my transmission shifting? Under light acceleration, all my shifts feel nice and smooth, but it seems like the first two come quick, then there is a little more wait for the third, but it isn't over revving or slipping, then I always feel it hit fourth, then what? Maybe I'm just paranoid, I've heard a lot of good about the 4L80E but I'm a little concerned. Thanks for the help.

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Chewy1576 · Aug 30, 2016

The 4L80E is a pretty stout transmission. With 4.10 gears, I imagine you could run through first and second gears pretty quickly if you're really getting on it. The PCM will firm up the shift depending on how aggressive you're accelerating also. As long as it's not slipping or shifting overly aggressive, I say all is normal and keep driving it.

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Biggershaft96 · Aug 30, 2016

TR185 said:
New GMT 400 owner here and I have a few questions/concerns.

First and foremost, I have a fear of automatic transmissions because they can be fine one day and down to he next so I guess that's where most of my concerns are coming from.

My truck has the 5.7 (350) with the 4L80E transmission with a 4.10 ratio in the rearend. Where should I notice my transmission shifting? Under light acceleration, all my shifts feel nice and smooth, but it seems like the first two come quick, then there is a little more wait for the third, but it isn't over revving or slipping, then I always feel it hit fourth, then what? Maybe I'm just paranoid, I've heard a lot of good about the 4L80E but I'm a little concerned. Thanks for the help.

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Gm's auto transmissions are actually pretty good at letting you know when theyre about to crap out. My first one started shifting really hard through first and second until it warmed up some. It eventually started slipping and just goes down hill from there

Justin S · Aug 30, 2016

Time for an NV4500 swap!!

TR185 · Aug 30, 2016

Justin S said:
Time for an NV4500 swap!!

I'd maybe do that, but I don't think there's much wrong with it. I'm just being paranoid.

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Jrgunn5150 · Aug 30, 2016

TR185 said:
New GMT 400 owner here and I have a few questions/concerns.

First and foremost, I have a fear of automatic transmissions because they can be fine one day and down to he next so I guess that's where most of my concerns are coming from.

My truck has the 5.7 (350) with the 4L80E transmission with a 4.10 ratio in the rearend. Where should I notice my transmission shifting? Under light acceleration, all my shifts feel nice and smooth, but it seems like the first two come quick, then there is a little more wait for the third, but it isn't over revving or slipping, then I always feel it hit fourth, then what? Maybe I'm just paranoid, I've heard a lot of good about the 4L80E but I'm a little concerned. Thanks for the help.

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Ok, have you owned this long? Do you have a maintenance record? What's the fluid look like either way?

When a 4L80E shifts hard, you'll know it, trust me lol. Mine was shifting hard enough that I was sure something would break. The big weak link on them is the converter clutch.

TR185 · Aug 31, 2016

Jrgunn5150 said:
Ok, have you owned this long? Do you have a maintenance record? What's the fluid look like either way?

When a 4L80E shifts hard, you'll know it, trust me lol. Mine was shifting hard enough that I was sure something would break. The big weak link on them is the converter clutch.

I just bought it, but I know the previous owner on a personal level. He's owned the truck for about a year and he bought it from the original owner. The truck has been meticulously maintained. Transmission fluid looks and smells great. It has 116,*** miles on it.

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mistaake · Aug 31, 2016

small block and 4L80E - I think that's pretty much the unbeatably most reliable combo you can get! Enjoy your new-to-you truck

gothicsera · Sep 1, 2016

The 2-3 shift on a 4l80 is often softer than the others, even on a "built" transmission.

I'd say yours sounds 100% normal. And behind a small block is likely to last almost forever!

If the fluid is good and clean then don't worry about it. Change it at your next service, and have at it

dannymcd · Sep 1, 2016

I have the 4I80e behind a vortec 7400 in my 97 suburban, the guy i bought it from had the tranny reworked at 173k i bought it with 188k, and looking at the rebuild write-up it didn't need much work to begin with. he said as soon as he noticed a change he took it in because given the miles he assumed it was about time and being the original owner I'd bet he'd be the first to notice a shifting change. if you're getting clunky shifts when you're light on the throttle I'd be concerned and look into having it serviced, but other than that it's just a slow shifting GM trans, luckily they're actually pretty durable.

4L80E Concerns?

TR185

Newbie

Chewy1576

I'm Awesome

Biggershaft96

Cant Getrite

Justin S

Truck Hoarder

TR185

Newbie

Jrgunn5150

Enjoying tomorrow's success today

TR185

Newbie

mistaake

Real Name: Michael

gothicsera

OBS Enthusiast

dannymcd

Newbie

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