The 4L60E (and similar 4L65E) is a series of automatic transmissions from General Motors. Designed for longitudinal engine configurations, the series includes 4 forward gears and 1 reverse gear. The 4L60E is the electronically-commanded evolution of the 4L60, which in it of itself is an evolution of the Turbo-Hydramatic 700R4, originally produced in 1982.

The 4L60E and 4L65E are built at Toledo Transmission in Toledo, Ohio and have also been built at Romulus Transmission in Romulus, Michigan and Ramos Arizpe, Mexico.

The two transmissions cannot be differentiated from the outside. The 4L65E shares the same exterior parts but have stronger internals such as 5-pinion planets compared to 4 in the 4L60E. 4L60E uses a 6.5-inch depth bell with 6 bolts for non gen 3 LS applications and a 7-inch depth bell with 7 bolts for LS applications. The 4L65E/70E uses a 7-inch depth bell and 7 bolts.

They also have different input shafts and torque converters. 4L60E's uses a 298mm input shaft for non LS and a 300mm input shaft for LS applications. 4L65E/4L70E uses a 300mm input shaft and converter designed for LS applications only.

Gear ratios: 1234R3.0591.6251.0000.6962.294

4L60 and 4L60-E The TH700R4 was renamed "4L60" (RPO MD8) following the new General Motors naming convention when the electronic version, 4L60E (RPO M30), was phased in as the 4L60 was being phased out. This happened in 1993 for trucks, vans, and SUVs, and 1994 for rear wheel drive passenger cars. In 1996, a bolt-on bell housing was phased in (along with a six-bolt tailhousing) for S-10 Trucks and S-10 Blazers and beginning in 1998 for all other applications. Beginning in 1998 a new 300mm torque converter with improved higher-capacity internals, 300mm-style input shaft, and 300mm style pump was also introduced on models coupled to a Gen III Small Block. The 4L60E is rated to handle up to of torque. It weighs 133 pounds without transmission fluid.

The 4L60E family of transmissions use 2 shift solenoids, initially called Shift Solenoid A & Shift Solenoid B, later changed to comply with OBD-II (On Board Diagnostics revision 2) regulations to 1-2 Shift Solenoid & 2-3 Shift solenoid. By activating and deactivating the solenoids in a predetermined pattern by the PCM, 4 distinct gear ratios can be achieved. The last 4L60Es were only used in the 2013 GM half-ton vans and half-ton trucks equipped with the 4.3 and 4.8L engines, before being replaced by the 6L80E. The shift solenoid pattern, also sometimes referred to as solenoid firing order, is as follows;

Shift Solenoid Pattern 1-2 Solenoid 2-3 Solenoid 1st Gear On On 2nd Gear Off On 3rd Gear Off Off 4th Gear On Off

While controlled or partially controlled by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), third gear is used as a failsafe gear and default operating gear during unexpected conditions. Without computer control, the transmission will automatically hydraulically shift from first gear into second gear based on input shaft RPM. Second gear is recommended for starts on snow and ice, as the available torque is lowered thus preventing wheel slip. The police package (9C1) B-body cars featured a First Gear Block Out (FGBO) Plate on the transmission housing to prevent drivetrain damage.

Applications

Buick Rainier, 2004–2007 Buick Roadmaster, 1994–1996 Cadillac Escalade, 1999–2006 Cadillac Fleetwood, 1994–1996 Chevrolet Astro, 1993–2005 Chevrolet Avalanche, 2002–2008 Chevrolet S-10 Blazer, 1993–2005 Chevrolet Camaro, 1994–2002 Chevrolet Caprice, 1994–1996 Chevrolet Caprice, 1999–2006 Chevrolet Caprice, 2007–2010 Chevrolet C/K 1500/2500 (2500 with six-bolt axle pattern), 1993–1999 Chevrolet Colorado, 2004–2012 Chevrolet Corvette, 1994–2004 Chevrolet Express, 1996–2014 Chevrolet Impala SS, 1994–1996 Chevrolet S-10, 1993–2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 1999–2013 Chevrolet SSR, 2003–2006 Chevrolet Suburban 1500, 1993–2008 Chevrolet Tahoe, 1995–2010 Chevrolet TrailBlazer, 2002–2009 Chevrolet Van, 1993–1996 GMC Canyon, 2004–2012 GMC Envoy, 2003–2009 GMC Jimmy, 1993–2005 GMC Safari, 1993–2005 GMC Savana, 2003–2014 GMC Sierra 1500/2500 (2500 with six-bolt axle pattern), 1993–2013 GMC Sonoma, 1993–2004 GMC Suburban 1500, 1993–1999 GMC Yukon, 1992–2009 GMC Yukon XL 1500, 2000–2008 GMC Vandura, 1993–1996 Holden Commodore (VR, VS, VT, VX, VY, VZ, VE), 1993–2013 Holden Monaro, 2001–2006 Holden Caprice (VR, VS, WH, WK, WL and WM), 1994–2013 Hummer H3 Oldsmobile Bravada Pontiac Firebird, 1994–2002 Pontiac GTO, 2004 only Saab 9-7X, 2005–2009 Isuzu Ascender, 2003–2008

4L65E An updated 4L60E, the 4L65E (RPO M32), was phased in the 2001 model year when coupled behind the 6.0 Vortec. Five-pinion front and rear planetaries, along with an additional 3/4 clutch allowing 7 clutches in the input housing and induction hardened input shaft assembly, were improved to withstand up to of torque.

Applications: Cadillac Escalade Cadillac Escalade EXT Chevrolet Corvette, 2005 only Chevrolet Silverado SS GMC Sierra Denali GMC Yukon Denali Holden Commodore, VZ 6.0 only Holden Crewman, 2004 only Holden One Tonner, 2004 only HSV Clubsport VZ Hummer H2 Pontiac GTO, 2005–2006 (M32, 3.46:1 final drive)

See also List of GM transmissions

References