I am in the middle of replacing the 4L60E transmission in my '99 Silverado. Upon removal of the trans from the truck, I see that the dowel pins are installed into the transmission case and not the engine block. Is that normal procedure now? I am used to having the dowel pins installed into the engine block.

Three or four months after I purchased the truck in August 2004, I had to have the transmission rebuilt (the one that I am removing). I had a warranty, so the dealership had a local Aamco do the rebuild. Would they have put the dowel pins in the transmission case? Heck, they didn't bother to reinstall one of the top three bolts either ( the one next to the top bolt on the passenger-side).

Either way is fine with me. Whichever one works the best. I was just surprised to see them done that way.

 

It doesn't matter I suppose if it's in the trans or the engine block, but you can just take a screwdriver and punch that dowel out of the trans and then put it in the engine block

 

Thanks! That's what I figured. I bet the guy at Aamco did that

 

IIRC one of mine was in the block and the other was in the trans and mine is stock.

 

They belong in the engine block. I think what happens is the aluminum corrodes and holds on to them over a period of time. When you remove the trans they just pull out. Knock them out and wire wheel them if you can. Or use some sand paper to lightly sand/clean them up a bit. Then reinstall them in the engine.

The one bolt that is missing might be normal. Some of the LS1 engines have a dead hole there. Literally there is not a hole nor the threads. Take a look while you have the trans out to see if this is the case. I call that the one o'clock bolt hole.

 

Gotta meet the quota.

 

Sorry for the delay in thanking you Vince! You are absolutely right about the dead hole on the block. My truck has the 4.8L in it, so that would be the case for the 5.3L as well since they share the same block.

I did exactly as you suggested for the dowel pins too, and everything worked out fine. I just got the truck back on the road tonight. It's nice having second, fourth & reverse again! That not being able to back up crap sucked really bad...I really had to plan my route & parking scenario if I took the truck out.

Scott

 

No problem Scott I help when I have time! Without reverse, 2nd and 4th I'm guessing you had a stripped out sunshell. Good to hear your are back in action! Vince