dasburb
Newbie
Hi everyone--I read the sticky about transmission compatibility, and I'd like to ask for input about what to do, what it'll cost me, and what the problems might be. Apologies in advance for a long post and thank you if you're reading it.
Background: I love my suburban, I take it everywhere (40+ states and counting), and I'd like to get it to 500k miles. Some people **** after lamborghinis, ferraris, and g-wagens, but I already own my favorite car ever. It has a 3-4 shift stutter and it's starting to be stressful to drive anywhere that isn't as rural as Nevada. I'm fairly certain that this is something going off in the transmission and it's really stressing me out.
background on the car: 97' with one-piece sunshell, and a floor/manual 4x4 t-case (I'm not sure if the t-case type matters here)
I'm trying to determine a course of action and want to lay out my options (and get input)
1. The obvious:
Put in a rebuilt transmission from Monster transmission/somewhere 'new'
the problem/worry with #1
It's going to cost me $2-3k, I've heard bad reviews from monster, and I'm kinda kicking the can a bit.
2. acquire another 4L60e from another gmt400
This would actually be ideal, but it's hard to find another '97. I've read in the sticky that a 96' is also a direct swap, and that I apparently only need a ground added to use a later 4L60e
the worry with #2
Is this definitively the case? will a 99' 4l60 just bolt right up and (provided I figure out how to add a ground) run smoothly? If this is the case my life is much easier. I could really use some confirmation here and if so I'll find a whole parts car. At the risk of sounding silly (but to be extra careful): will one from a Tahoe/Yukon or a Silverado/Sierra work too?
3. the 4L80 swap
people talk about how bulletproof the 4L80 is, but it sounds like there's a lot more work involved (including driveshaft swaps) and potentially failing CA's authoritarian inspections (damn them).
the worry with #3
I'm less daunted by the technical aspect of this but am more concerned around efficiency and functionality. I often repeat a line about how GM engineers spent $2B designing things to be the way they were and am concerned it will create stresses on other components of the car.
4. a manual swap
I have hesitations about manuals as this is the car I often will be driving after very long hikes/bike rides/days in the sun, and I've had leg cramps before when driving. I feel like this may be better for the car, but the 'mindlessness' is actually some of the appeal. I also know that this would (theoretically) be the longest-lasting fix.
the worry with #4
I feel like it's a whole can of worms and I haven't done a ton of research into it. I'm also not sure where the best resources for this are (much less the nv3500/4500)
ty if you took the time to read this and reply
Background: I love my suburban, I take it everywhere (40+ states and counting), and I'd like to get it to 500k miles. Some people **** after lamborghinis, ferraris, and g-wagens, but I already own my favorite car ever. It has a 3-4 shift stutter and it's starting to be stressful to drive anywhere that isn't as rural as Nevada. I'm fairly certain that this is something going off in the transmission and it's really stressing me out.
background on the car: 97' with one-piece sunshell, and a floor/manual 4x4 t-case (I'm not sure if the t-case type matters here)
I'm trying to determine a course of action and want to lay out my options (and get input)
1. The obvious:
Put in a rebuilt transmission from Monster transmission/somewhere 'new'
the problem/worry with #1
It's going to cost me $2-3k, I've heard bad reviews from monster, and I'm kinda kicking the can a bit.
2. acquire another 4L60e from another gmt400
This would actually be ideal, but it's hard to find another '97. I've read in the sticky that a 96' is also a direct swap, and that I apparently only need a ground added to use a later 4L60e
the worry with #2
Is this definitively the case? will a 99' 4l60 just bolt right up and (provided I figure out how to add a ground) run smoothly? If this is the case my life is much easier. I could really use some confirmation here and if so I'll find a whole parts car. At the risk of sounding silly (but to be extra careful): will one from a Tahoe/Yukon or a Silverado/Sierra work too?
3. the 4L80 swap
people talk about how bulletproof the 4L80 is, but it sounds like there's a lot more work involved (including driveshaft swaps) and potentially failing CA's authoritarian inspections (damn them).
the worry with #3
I'm less daunted by the technical aspect of this but am more concerned around efficiency and functionality. I often repeat a line about how GM engineers spent $2B designing things to be the way they were and am concerned it will create stresses on other components of the car.
4. a manual swap
I have hesitations about manuals as this is the car I often will be driving after very long hikes/bike rides/days in the sun, and I've had leg cramps before when driving. I feel like this may be better for the car, but the 'mindlessness' is actually some of the appeal. I also know that this would (theoretically) be the longest-lasting fix.
the worry with #4
I feel like it's a whole can of worms and I haven't done a ton of research into it. I'm also not sure where the best resources for this are (much less the nv3500/4500)
ty if you took the time to read this and reply
