Slipping 1997 4L60E?

Question

I have a 97 Chevy Suberban 1500, 5.7l, 4L60E. 230,000 miles, as far as I know orriginal trans. Last week while driving to work I noticed that the 1-2 shift didn't feel right. Further down the trip I noticed that I had slippage when stoped and went to start. Fluid level was good. Slight burnt smell. When I got home I changed fluid and filter. What I would consider a normal amount of metal power in the bottom of the pan. Fluid change has not helped the problem. I have no malfunction indicator light (MIL) so I don't believe there are any codes stored. I can put my foot on the brake and come to about 1500 rpm and feel 1st gear engage. Trans still seems to be weak in 2nd, 3rd and OD seems to work fine. I have a price from GM of $2,200 to do a replacement. Is there anything else I can try before I shell out this much money?

Answer 1

Nope. My 1995 ate up 2 transmissions in a row. I had the 3rd one built at Performance Transmissions in Santee California. Since then I have beat the poor truck (it is used as an off road chase truck in Baja) with no problems.

230,000 miles is great!

Check around at local shops for a rebuild!

Answer 2

Well you were able to get 230k out of the transmission. I wouldn't feel too bad about spending $2200 to have that transmission replaced.

You said it is slipping in first gear and has poor shift scheduling from 1-2, I am willing to bet your direct clutches have worn or the piston seal is leaking past. In either case, this is something that is going to get progressively worse.

Unfortunately there is nothing you can do at this point. Please don't go for any tricks like adding "Trick Shift" or some other kind of additive. They don't work.

$2200 is a lot of money, but in retrospect that simply means the transmission has cost you $200 a year over the life of the truck. Not too shabby.

Answer 3

other than having a non dealer rebuild it.. nope.. it is time for a rebuild with it... it isn't gonna get better, if fact will get worse.