Hey guys, i doubt my stock 4L60E is gonna last all the much longer. I've already got a DTC on a tranny componant slipping on my Predator. Plus its been though about 70K miles of heavy towing "5K lb race car trailor". I dont tow with it anymore since its been lifted, but im wanting a stronger tranny so i can run a slight stall and put up with my abusive right foot.

What exactly has to be done with the transfer case and such when swapping it into a 4x4 with a 5.3L? Do you use the stock transfer case or does the HD trucks that use the 4L80E have a different one? Plus is there anything i have to do with the driveshafts on a 4x4? I've done a search guys, but i've only found info on 2wd trucks.

And when and if i do a 4L80E swap, do i need to start worrying about snapping axle's with 36x14.50's and 4.56 gears? I dont do any off roading, but im about to get some serious performance outta this truck. Im shooting for mid to low 14's in the 1/4 on 36x14.50's.

 

TTT......anyone?

 

All opinions aside, the 4L80-E will put less strain on the rear end because it does not have as deep of a first gear as the 4L60-E does, 2.48 vs. 3.06. The 80 also has more parasitic losses. Your truck WILL BE slower with the 80. Putting 4.56 gears in a 10-bolt is asking for trouble. Adding power to that practically guarantees a problem. A 4.56:1 pinion gear on an 8.6" rear end is tiny! Less simutaneous tooth contact is made with with higher-ratio ring and pinions vs. smaller ratio sets. All torque is being concentrated on a very small total contact area. If you like the lift and don't want to have to replace the entire rear end with something bigger, shelf the plans for increasing power.

 

here is some info on the tranny swap >> http://www.neufamily.org/4l80e/4l80swap.html

 

I'm pretty much already planning on doing a 9.5" SF conversion with 6 lug axel swap. Just going to go light on the foot until i'm ready to do it. I've pretty much decided im only going to finish my bolt on's right now anyway.

 

thanks for the link Parish......helped out alot!