I am about to possibly buy a mini van for the 4.3 and computer, the guy also claims that it has a 4l60e tranny, is this a possibility?

My next question is can you convert a 4l60e to 4wd from 2wd? or am i better off just looking for a different tranny?

thanks
Chad

Of course it's possible to have a 4L60E in a van as this was the only tranny after 93 that the 4.3L was linked to. As far as changing from 4wd to 2wd, why? Just don't drive it in 4wd.:rolleyes: Other than swapping some internal componentry and removing the t-case, you will have to get your rrear driveshaft lengthend to make up for the extra room. Just buy a 2wd 4L60E, and have your driveline modified. Other than that, your good to go!

Originally posted by SASToy
As far as changing from 4wd to 2wd, why? Just don't drive it in 4wd.:rolleyes:

I think he meant the other ay around.

That's the same tranny used in S10's & 1/2 tons, so obviously you can put a transfer case on it.

I have a 4l60e 2wd model on the way, m y question is can you easily convert this tranny to have a t-case bolted to the bac k:rolleyes:

Uhm, he did say to 4wd from 2wd.

yes it can go from 2wd to 4wd. It involves removing the output shaft housing and changing the output shaft itself. I had a shop do this for me and it was roughly $225.

Originally posted by freds40
yes it can go from 2wd to 4wd. It involves removing the output shaft housing and changing the output shaft itself. I had a shop do this for me and it was roughly $225. thanks, do you happen to know what parts i need to find from another tranny etc. I am a junkyard shopper :D Or possibly a write up

Seems like you could sell the 2wd & pick up a 4wd & it would cost you little to nothing.:D

Originally posted by UP_ROKTOY

My next question is can you convert a 4l60e to 4wd from 2wd? or am i better off just looking for a different tranny?

thanks
Chad

Read carefully bubs, next time re-read your post before clicking submit. Get ol fellas like myself confused about whatcha sayin

For mine I was bolting it up to a th-350 so I used AA's kit. I believe all you need is the output from a 4wd for use with the t-case you are going to use.

Originally posted by CJ-Jeeper
Seems like you could sell the 2wd & pick up a 4wd & it would cost you little to nothing.:D

seems like the easy way to do this. instead of buying the parts off a 4wd tranny just buy the tranny and sell the 2wd.

I understand it's kind-of a bi**h to swap out that output shaft...but if the only reason you're swapping it is for a shorter shaft to go into the t-case, then why not just cut off the excess shaft with an angle grinder?,...or are the 2wd shafts not the same size/spline count?

Anyone ever done this personally? Seems to me you can pick up a 2wd 4L60E a heck of a lot cheaper.

and one more thing,...I noticed therer are different re-build kits depending on whether the trans is pre- or post '96. Anyone know what changed? Would my computer still recognize and shift a later year trans if I have a '96? Will my output shaft still "swap-in" for the 2wd output shaft?

and one more thing,...I noticed therer are different re-build kits depending on whether the trans is pre- or post '96. Anyone know what changed? Would my computer still recognize and shift a later year trans if I have a '96? Will my output shaft still "swap-in" for the 2wd output shaft?

Is the minivan by chance AWD? If so the tranny should already work in a 4wd. I though 93-96 was the same for the 4l60e and 97+ changed? :confused:

Also, don't use that tranny behind a V-8. It has less clutches in the 3-4 pack and won't stand up to the power of a v-8.

That's essentially what I mean, but do you know what the differences are between those years?

As for the v8 hp comment, I know guys are building 4L60E's to take to the track and running 'em behind some serious power. But what kind of improvements can be made relatively low buck? How's the performance of a shift kit, etc?

the early 4L60E's didnt have a pulsed widthed modulation(PWM) lock-up for the tcc. So the ecm/pcm needs to be matcher to the year of the trans. GM didn't spline the 2wd shaft all the way down to the back of the trans, so no, you cant just hack off the end of the shaft. Get a 4wd drive shaft, a trans shop will probally trade you 2wd drive shaft for it. Just remove the filter and lock up sol, remove the pump, pop the band loose, and lift the input shaft and drum assembly out. There is a sun gear in the front planetary next and the output snap ring is under that. Remove the snapring and remove the shaft. reassemble with 4wdr shaft. 2hrs work max if you've never done it. Dont remove the valvebody or anything.
HTH

I appreciate the help....definitely sounds like the voice of experience

You will also need the t-case adapter instead of the 2wdr tailhousing.

Yea, replacing the output shaft isn't hard, if you have some decent mechanical skills.

Is the minivan by chance AWD? If so the tranny should already work in a 4wd. I though 93-96 was the same for the 4l60e and 97+ changed? :confused:

Also, don't use that tranny behind a V-8. It has less clutches in the 3-4 pack and won't stand up to the power of a v-8.


Even if it didnt, thats something that can be taken care of with a rebuild he would likely have to do anyway with a used tranny. IF he is tearing it apart to swap the shaft he might as well do the clutches at the very least. I know taking a clutch disk out is something they did with 700R4's in the S-trucks in the earlier years, but I would be suprised if they did it in the Astro's with the 4l60E, those had a pretty hefty tow/hauling rating for their size from what I remember.

I pulled an engine and transmission out of a '92 Caprice Classic Police cruiser, for my new project. It's a 350 TBI, with a 4L60E transmission. So I guess it will stand up to the power of a V8. I've looked around myself, and you can find the shaft and tail housing online.