Just picked up a 4l80e for my 02. Transmission came out of a 2000 2500 and was supposedly rebuilt 80k ago. I was just going to throw a shift kit in it, filter, have it looked over and roll with it. What's the benefit of a shift kit besides firmer and quicker shifts? Anything I should look at in particular to make sure it's good?

 

Extra flow for the clutch to engage and also so they will disengage faster.. Extra flow helps cooling also.

Thats the only thing i could think of at the moment.. maybe vince can chime in.

 

Instead of the shift kit I think you would be better served with just getting it lived tuned, you can adjust the shift pressure and etc among other things.

 

Are you goin with boost or anything?
or just staying mostly stock?

wouldnt hurt just to throw it in the truck and later get a shift kit if you wanted to.


i put a HD2 in mine before i put it in and it was easy on the bench.
never hurts to be prepared

 

I'm not to worried about how hard it shifts. I'm sure I will get the line pressure bumped up a bit though. I've just read all these threads about people getting junk yard 80e's throwing shift kits in them and them lasting behind FI motors pretty well. Wasn't sure if the shift kit helped the longevity of the trans.
I would love to go FI down the road but for now it will be behind and bolted and cammed 5.3. Maybe a 6.0 depending on how long the 5.3 lasts.

 

Personally with 80k I would have it gone through before installing it. I have to admit I hear this story often of just installing a JY 80e and letting it ride. However I do hear of them failing shortly after and others do just fine. It really depends on how the unit was treated and obviously the miles. IMO its just a piece of mind thing for me and knowing how these things wear. Good luck with your swap and if you need anything let me know. HTH Vince

 

I've been running a bone stock 4l80e for over 2 years now behind a h/c 6.0. No problems at all, just tuning modifications. 0 torque management of course. Behind a 5.3, I don't see the stock 4l80 having any issues BUT, installing the shift kit couldn't hurt. i'll put one in mine someday.

 

I think I'll just go ahead and rebuild it. Better safe than sorry right? I've been trying to find a core to have rebuilt but I couldnt find anything for a reasonable price.

 

I hope your builder knows the hydraulics, otherwise get a Transgo-HD2 kit.