Trans shop recommends rebuild of my 4L60E. Seeking input.

[billy bee]

I have 1996 K1500 XCSB (3-door) with 125k miles on it. It's been a great truck, but about a year ago, I got an engine code P1780. Cleared it and it ran fine for 6 months. Now it shows that code occasionally when it is hot and at times does not appear to lock up in O/D. A reputable trans shop in San Luis Obispo, CA confirmed my seat-of-the-pants diagnosis--it does not lock in O/D when hot. He is recommending a complete rebuild for $2400. He said I could get away with replacing a few parts for about $1300, but I would then probably need 3-4 clutches eventually and a few other goodies (sprag and TC) so I might be best to just do a complete overhaul now.

Does this seem reasonable?

Thanks,
Bill

 

[Justin S]

If you can't do the work yourself, then yes.

 

[SAATR]

I recognize that prices vary from place to place, but "a few items" for $1300 seems a bit steep. I would think that would include the converter. In these parts, reputable trans shops get $1300 for a full rebuild on a 4L60e, including installation. I would price a couple of other shops and see what the spread is on pricing. If that's the going rate in the area, then so be it. Sounds like he may be doing a Transgo HD2 kit, or equivalent, for the $1300. That should solve the P1870, but he is correct on eventually needing a rebuild. With the 3-4 clutch, it's just a matter of time with a 4L60e.

Be sure to ask for a breakdown on parts and labor on whatever quotes you get, including what their labor rate is. I could see the 2300 if they are getting $100+ per hour. Locally, it's closer to $70 to $80 per hour.

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[Jrgunn5150]

You could always have someone swap in a known good unit. 2400 for a stock rebuild seems steep to me, and seems like alot of money to spend on one of these trucks. Not that that stops me lol.

 

[billy bee]

Wow. Fast replies around here. Thanks!! I have attached a picture of the truck below.

@Jrgunn5150: You nailed my only hesitation, really. It not the price of a rebuild, which he said would include some valuable upgrades over a stock rebuild. But the idea of spending $2400 on a $3000 truck...sheesh. It has low miles, has spent its entire life in the south west, and runs great, save for burning a little oil. And I have this truck all set up with my camper shell. So, it's worth more to me as it serves as a great camper, off-roader, and tow vehicle.

@SAATR: I live in a place where everything is expensive. So, yes, I bet the trans shop is on the high side. I will get a quote and compare prices to a shop in Santa Maria or Paso Robles (both bigger nearby towns) and see what we got.

@Justin S: I could do the R&R myself, but not the rebuild. So, I am at the mercy of a repair shop for that. Although, I guess I could purchase a reman. Anybody known for making good remans?

Thanks for the help.

Bill

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[Jrgunn5150]

Wow. Fast replies around here. Thanks!!

@Jrgunn5150: You nailed my only hesitation, really. It not the price of a rebuild, which he said would include some valuable upgrades over a stock rebuild. But the idea of spending $2400 on a $3000 truck...sheesh. It has low miles, has spent its entire life in the south west, and runs great, save for burning a little oil. And I have this truck all set up with my camper shell. So, it's worth more to me as it serves as a great camper, off-roader, and tow vehicle.


Thanks for the help.

Bill

Think of it like I do, it's cheaper than a truck payment.

As far as who, i can only say who not to, which is Monster Transmissions. They advertise heavily, so their name comes up quick, but I had a horrible experience with them, and I'm not the only one. Jeg's offer's 4l60's now, the TCI I replaced my Monster with was less than 2400.

 

[jkeaton]

Mine lost OD like that. I tried a filter and fluid change, a few days later I lost 2nd. $2100 later I basically got a new transmission. Sun shell was broken, coil packs burned up, etc. it was worth it to me because I'm keeping the truck.

 

[Justin S]

I'd be the same way, I wouldn't trust myself to rebuild it, but have no problem with the actual R&R of the trans. If you want to do all the hard labor yourself and just bring the transmission to a shop to get rebuilt, I bet that would significantly drop your costs, a full rebuild would only be a few hundred bucks.

 

[SAATR]

Wow. Fast replies around here. Thanks!! I have attached a picture of the truck below.

@Jrgunn5150: You nailed my only hesitation, really. It not the price of a rebuild, which he said would include some valuable upgrades over a stock rebuild. But the idea of spending $2400 on a $3000 truck...sheesh. It has low miles, has spent its entire life in the south west, and runs great, save for burning a little oil. And I have this truck all set up with my camper shell. So, it's worth more to me as it serves as a great camper, off-roader, and tow vehicle.

@SAATR: I live in a place where everything is expensive. So, yes, I bet the trans shop is on the high side. I will get a quote and compare prices to a shop in Santa Maria or Paso Robles (both bigger nearby towns) and see what we got.

@Justin S: I could do the R&R myself, but not the rebuild. So, I am at the mercy of a repair shop for that. Although, I guess I could purchase a reman. Anybody known for making good remans?

Thanks for the help.

Bill

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Jasper is fairly well known for a quality reman trans. May be worth a look. I would replace the radiator and replace the existing aux cooler or install one if it isn't already equipped. Upside to a local rebuilder is that they handle everything if something goes south. With a reman, you're on the hook for fluids and the R&R.

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[df2x4]

My 4L60E rebuild cost me around $2600, but it was far from stock. Like others have mentioned, I'd like a breakdown of what internals you're getting for $2400.