Just to expand on the Allison vs 4L80 thought: Duramax and 8.1 in the trucks got the Allison. Suburbans/vans/Av's etc with those engines got the 4L80E. Yes even the D-max units. Allisons were found only in trucks, and in ALL trucks with the D-max and big block.
I'm going right now to look at a gearhead friend-owned '04 Chevy Express 5.3 auto AWD doors both sides.
Maybe the insurance check will buy it+tax+tags and I'll drive it 'til I throw down for a new Ford Transit diesel 130" low top in a couple years...
Vigo
UberDork
10/8/13 12:45 p.m.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAa7Dsq15Oc
HiTempguy wrote:
Get a 4L60E properly rebuilt (about $1500 including labor by anyone), and you'll be able to tow for the next 200,000kms. I tow 7000lbs through the mountains with my 1993 GMC 1500 (200,000miles) with a rebuilt tranny meant for towing. No problems whatsoever.
Maybe if I knew a proper transmission guy. The track record of the tranny rebuilders around here is abysmal.
Does anyone know anything about the 4L65E? It's a bit too new for me to have any experience with them, good tranny for towing a smaller enclosed car trailer?
Vigo
UberDork
10/10/13 3:55 a.m.
It's basically a 4l60 with factory upgrades. I consider them significantly better than an original un-rebuilt 4l60 but not really any better than a well-rebuilt 4l60 with some of its failure points addressed.