Transmission Rebuild Problem 97 GMC

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

OBS Oregon

I'm Awesome
Joined
Jan 13, 2022
Messages
113
Reaction score
173
Location
Eugene OR
1997 GMC Sierra 4x4 - 5.7 with 4L60e 133000 miles.
Trans started slipping, no Reverse and 3rd and 4th gears went out. Would not drive past 25-30 miles per hour. Sent to reputable trans shop with 30years experience. They rebuilt the trans with Corvett 2-4 servo, high energy 2-4 bands, pump bushings, etc..... I got the truck back and within one hour the trans started shipping and would not drive past 25-30 miles per hour. They took the truck back, rebuilt it again and guess what. Same thing. I'm now on my 3rd rebuild and its still breaks down (wont go over 25-30 mph) within a few miles on the highway. [trans always works like it should when it comes back from the shop, but doesn't last very long] Even the owner is baffled. Yes first reaction is go somewhere else, but not an option at this point. Rebuilds are covered under the warranty. Does anyone have any ideas what it could be that causes the transmission to fail so fast?? Is there an upgrade transmisison? No off roading or hauling heavy loads. Old man street driving only.
 

stutaeng

I'm Awesome
Joined
Aug 7, 2019
Messages
3,410
Reaction score
4,348
Location
Dallas, TX
Man! I'm sorry to hear that.

Well, it's pretty obvious something is being missed. I'd say keep taking it back. The guy is losing time and money, so he will get it right soon.

1997 I think one of those transition years for the 4L60e, so perhaps he's got some newer parts from his rebuild kit? Those small, subtle differences on the internal parts will cause big problems and headaches.
 

Jesse_Wenting

Old Thread Reviver
Joined
Feb 5, 2020
Messages
340
Reaction score
394
Location
Kingston, Ontario
1997 I think one of those transition years for the 4L60e
Not to jack this thread but do you know what changes were made between 97 and 98 units? I rebuilt my 98 last year and being my first time I did a few things I'd like to go back and address (eg. stripping a few bell-housing bolts). I grabbed a 97 unit a few weeks ago as I was under the impression that the only big difference was the TC clutch material
 

Ryno3

Newbie
Joined
Mar 1, 2022
Messages
12
Reaction score
8
Location
Nebraska
Had one do almost the same thing, took it to a different rebuild shop that was highly recommended by local independent mechanics and he found a hairline crack in the case that was causing pressure loss that was causing the bands to slip.
 

stutaeng

I'm Awesome
Joined
Aug 7, 2019
Messages
3,410
Reaction score
4,348
Location
Dallas, TX
Not to jack this thread but do you know what changes were made between 97 and 98 units? I rebuilt my 98 last year and being my first time I did a few things I'd like to go back and address (eg. stripping a few bell-housing bolts). I grabbed a 97 unit a few weeks ago as I was under the impression that the only big difference was the TC clutch material
Sorry, I don't know the specifics. Maybe watch some videos and see what they say:
xc_hide_links_from_guests_guests_error_hide_media
xc_hide_links_from_guests_guests_error_hide_media
 

OBS Oregon

I'm Awesome
Joined
Jan 13, 2022
Messages
113
Reaction score
173
Location
Eugene OR
Thanks for the video's.. The shop did report that the trans was previously changed out and the one they (previous owner) put in was from an earlier year. [?] He (trans shop) did have a correct transmission for my vehicle in the shop, so he swapped it out and gave me the correct year. But when I drove it, the same problem occured. Shop will be picking it up in the morning. Learning what could be the problem will no doubt help others down the road. This is what's great about this forum!
 

OBS Oregon

I'm Awesome
Joined
Jan 13, 2022
Messages
113
Reaction score
173
Location
Eugene OR
Had one do almost the same thing, took it to a different rebuild shop that was highly recommended by local independent mechanics and he found a hairline crack in the case that was causing pressure loss that was causing the bands to slip.
New / different housing so hairline crack is unlikely. However, I didn't inspect it so I will mention it during our next conversation. Thanks....
 

RichLo

E I E I O
Joined
Jan 6, 2015
Messages
3,618
Reaction score
5,540
Location
Wisconsin
At that point, you gotta have a pinched coolant line or very clogged trans cooler.
 
Top