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03 4l80e

ak diesel driver

ak diesel driver

6.5 driver
Messages
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Location
alaska
So I found an 03 tranny (needs to be rebuilt) I've heard 99 and newer have all the upgrades. Will this fit my 96?
 
Yes. Just use the correct converter and you may have to extend the return cooler line(cant remember when they moved it to the back) there is a steel extension line available.
 
There isn't much you can do to improve a 4L80E unless you want to build a "race" unit.

A box to override the TCC lockup is the best improvement out there.

There are a couple updated parts depending on the year - but not many.

Best thing to do is repair the TCC lockup valve bore as it wears out and leaks. Results in TCC slippage. They make a kit for this.

Some trans shops do a little magic to improve lube oil flow. Not clear on what.
 
I'm mostly looking for the updated hard parts. Solid input shaft being one of them. I was at a tranny shop the other day and by looking at parts there were quite a few 99+ only parts.
 
Will bolt right in but will require the cooler adapter line as 97 was when they went to the rear luber case. 99 also received some other internal improvements that included a wider band and heavy duty anchors in the case. The circuit that wears in the valve body is the actuator feed limit valve and it supplys oil pressure to pretty much all of the shift solonoids and is known to drop pressure in lock-up. The TRANSGO kit also address's the lube flow and requires disassembly to do the full HD2 kit, so while it's out you might as well do it as it is said to help with low speed torque converter coupling.
 
so the only diff btween the gas and diesels is the tc. no valve body changes? And I'd planned on the full hd2 kit
 
ak diesel driver said:
so the only diff between the gas and diesels is the tc. no valve body changes? And I'd planned on the full hd2 kit
Click to expand...
Right. Internally, the gas/diesel trannies are identical. Same clutch packs, hard parts, etc. The torque converter and the computer/chip setup determine how the tranny will operate - 'gas mode' or 'diesel mode'. If you can spare the change, get the Automatic Transmission Service Group (ATSG) repair manual for the 4L80E-series trannies. Great diagrams, clear instructions, well worth the money and the time. The last section in the manual covers all the updates thru the years. It shows side-by-side illustrations so you can actually see the differences, lists part numbers for the components or kit, and tells you whether the parts can be individually updated or if they need to be installed as part of a multi-component kit. You can buy ATSG manuals at most trans overhaul shops, or you can purchase them directly from ATSG (http://www.atsgmiami.com/). For the same money, you can download a digital manual. Digital has the advantage of being able to download the section you need for the task at hand. And when the pages get dirty, you throw 'em away! :D

Nuther thought - Sonnax (http://www.sonnax.com/) has built a rock-solid reputation for improving transmission components, especially valve body stuff. They offer kits to repair/improve individual components, or you can buy a reconditioned valve body that incorporates all the cool stuff. Their webpage is a great source for tech info and ideas.
 
Is there any difference in the transmissions electrically going from when a TCM was used, an OBDI PCM, or OBDII PCM? Or are the tranny parts the same electrically and the controller is only difference?
 
buddy said:
Is there any difference in the transmissions electrically going from when a TCM was used, an OBDI PCM, or OBDII PCM? Or are the tranny parts the same electrically and the controller is only difference?
Click to expand...

93 to 94 is the split year, they changed the force control solenoid to a higher frequency and separator plate/valve body to match. The 91-93 valve body/separator plate can be modded to except the 94up solenoid and is preferred/better solenoid.

The 91-93 TCM operated the force control solenoid at a lower frequency than the 94 up TCM and PCM did. 91-93 also used a different plug on the trans. Electrically this the only difference through the years.
 
WarWagon said:
There isn't much you can do to improve a 4L80E unless you want to build a "race" unit.

A box to override the TCC lockup is the best improvement out there.

There are a couple updated parts depending on the year - but not many.

Best thing to do is repair the TCC lockup valve bore as it wears out and leaks. Results in TCC slippage. They make a kit for this.

Some trans shops do a little magic to improve lube oil flow. Not clear on what.
Click to expand...

I believe I have a problem with the TC lockup valve in my truck, what is the kit you are talking about, is it something that I can install myself or would it have to go to a tranny shop to be installed.
 
pitsingerk said:
I believe I have a problem with the TC lockup valve in my truck, what is the kit you are talking about, is it something that I can install myself or would it have to go to a tranny shop to be installed.
Click to expand...
If you're interested in repairiing the valve body itself, go here:

http://www.sonnax.com/part_summary.php?id=3624&pl=3

You can see the parts that come with the kit (updated/improved regulator valve) and you can read the instructions (PDF document) and decide for yourself if this is something you want to mess with.
 
Well after doing some more research I discovered that one of the updates for the 03 tranny is straight cut gears which are much stronger. The newer tranny uses a diff torque convertor which is shaped differently where it engages into the pump, and also has a hardened piece which engages the pump where the older ones don't. Right now I'm waiting for the rebuild video and book to become available, 1-2 wks. What I'm looking at for parts now is. Rebuild kit $581.05, Transgo hd2 shift kit $137.97, billet torque convertor $299.00, Video/manual $42.00. If anyone has some other suggestions on upgrades let me know.
 
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