Hi, im new to these posts but cantnot seem to get any proper answers from ANY local machanics about my 1996 chevy Express 2WD Van. The trans went out the other day and I was wondering if anybody knows of a way to swap out the old 3 speed, I think its a 40L60 0or 80 model number? To an newer 6 speed or ???? Something to give this 305 engine some help on the hills? Thanks for any responses, appreciate you taking the time to respond if you know of anything like this?

 

The '4' in 4L60 means it's a 4-speed automatic transmission. I have a 5.3L engine with this transmission, and I have no complaints about hill climbing.

Is yours a 1/2, 3/4, 1 ton? Are you towing or hauling a lot of weight? What is your axle ratio?

The modern 6+ speed trannies use more data and electronics, so I would guess it requires a new computer, which means you'd have to swap an engine too. That requires more sensors etc. What you're talking about sounds like rabbit hole I wouldn't go down.

I would instead make sure the engine is running efficiently, and swap the axle if required.

 

Hi mountainmanjoe, and thanks for taking the time to respond. Yes, its a 3 speed with overdrive i guess (Drive,, 3,2,1)?? Anyway, its aan Express 1500 so 1/2 ton. The 305 is really just efficiant enough to lug the vanitself (7K pounds) up any significant grade. But when im towing my Harley n stuff, bags, etc) in my box trailer, it lags up the hills bad or even an big inclince like there are our west and through the south here. Yea tho, I think you are right about the rabbit hole .... maybe i'll just repair the exsisting trans and change out the 3:43 gears to higher ratio in order to keep the RPM going when im peddlling up hilll ... wont have as much top end, but Im not going 90 now am I (hahah).

Again, thanks for the input Bro !! Saty Safe

 

4th gear (overdrive) is a speed as well, with it's own ratio.

My 1500 weighs 6200lbs empty. I have 3:43 gears.

Does your van have a tow/haul switch?

 

I am fairly new to Chevys, but my understanding is that 4L60 is a very common and reasonably reliable transmission. While, as Joe points out, swapping it out with a newer trans is not a viable option (although anything is possible with enough $$), finding a new, rebuilt, custom, etc. 4L60 should be very do-able and not like solving the Rubik's Cube. What are local mechanics recommending?

 

Ok, yea that makes sense ... local trans mechanics are saying it s pin or something in the trans ... trans starts out fine in 1st, shifts nice to second, then will not shift any more to other gears ... or just slips bad ?????

 

no tow / haul switch, thats what i wanted a trans that has that !!! can the current trans be converted for that ???

 

no it's a function in the computer.

 

ok, thanks so much for your prompt responses ... really helps bro!