4l80e questions!!

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sal09

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Want to get this started next week and trying to get all my info right! One big question are there 2 different bell housings for the 4l80e?? Read there’s earlier years and change them to the LS style housing. If so can I use the LS style in my truck (96 c1500 5.7) and add an adapter? I plan on LS swapping next year. Do I just order the TQ and flexplate for a c2500 and just bolt it right on? Sounds like I answered my own question but I’m just footing my i and crossing my t’s...


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RDF1

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The bolt patterns are the same. The main difference is the newer ones for the LS engines are missing one bolt hole about 1 o'clock.

Either version bolts up no issues. Just won't use that one hole cause its not there.

And yes you need a flexplate from the 2500 and the 4l80e torque converter. BU52 I think it's called.
I get mine from Whatever it Takes Transmission.

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sal09

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Thanks bro!! I appreciate it ! If I get the older style housing, with out the extra bolt hole for the LS, is going to be a problem when I LS swap it??


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RDF1

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Thanks bro!! I appreciate it ! If I get the older style housing, with out the extra bolt hole for the LS, is going to be a problem when I LS swap it??


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Nope. I only run 4 bolts in the bellhousings so none of that bothered me LOL...
But no issues

One on each side above and below the dowel pins.


Don't forget if the 4L80E case has the separated ( front and rear) cooler lines, the rear fitting is a special one that has a ~1.5" tube made onto it. It's a extension piece that supplies fluid to the rear planetaries and such.



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sal09

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Can I get that at the junkyard and If not, is there a part number so that I can order


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RDF1

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Just look at the transmission when you get it.
Post a pic or something

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sal09

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Alright should be ordering it tomorrow


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JayMB

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I just want to add to this that the length of the hub on the torque converter for a 4L80 got longer sometime in 1999. The earlier ones are about 2 & 1/16 and the later ones are more like 2 & 5/8". My 1999 Suburban 2500 came stock with the 5.7L L31 350, the "LS style" bellhousing 4L80E, and the longer converter hub. I got my converter from Jake's Performance in Texas and they knew what I needed based on the date tag on the transmission. Just wanted to let you know that the converters did change at one point.
 

RDF1

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I just want to add to this that the length of the hub on the torque converter for a 4L80 got longer sometime in 1999. The earlier ones are about 2 & 1/16 and the later ones are more like 2 & 5/8". My 1999 Suburban 2500 came stock with the 5.7L L31 350, the "LS style" bellhousing 4L80E, and the longer converter hub. I got my converter from Jake's Performance in Texas and they knew what I needed based on the date tag on the transmission. Just wanted to let you know that the converters did change at one point.
That's good to know!
I've always used the BU52 with a LS and LS flexplate. Dunno what you would need with the older stuff.

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JayMB

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Just to clarify, I'm talking about the "pump drive" hub on the side of the converter that sticks into the transmission. There were a few internal changes to the 4L80e for '99 to beef it up a bit. Wider bands and something else (minor differences in the rebuild kit).

The hard part is that since a lot of folks assume that '98 was the last year for the OBS and 5.7L Gen1 small block, they assume that any converter for a 4L80e & a 350 will fit that combo in any year. That's not true. The converter for a '99 or later 4L80 with a SBC is different from the earlier years.

Jake's Performance are experts on the 4L80 and Jake was a good guy to deal with when I needed parts for mine. Good luck!
 
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