Ya, and only been to the track once. Zero towing on this one, mostly back & forth to work, and a few joy rides to show customers what FI can do for them. This one has been the crappiest one of all.

 

Okay, if I'm shopping for a used 80E core to get built, which ones (year, make, model, tags, whatever) are desirable, and which ones should I avoid? And why?

Thanks.

 

Well Roger that sucks major ***,

I know Exactley what you have been thru.

Its not the builders fault i will say, These 60e's in trucks setup like OURS DONT last, i dont care WHO builds it. Its just how it is.

I started with an RPM LVL5 with shafts first, it lasted about 600-700 miles, burned 3-4 clutches. Had it rebuilt, lasted 200 miles. Had it rebuilt again, 150 miles!

Then we thought maybe the case was bad so we took my stock trans, put all new hard parts in, all the tricks, etc etc. It lasted about 200 miles.

So I went thru 4 builds in roughly 1000 miles. 3-4 gear EVERY TIME.


Found a 2004 80E , My Awesome Trans Guy Mark rebuilt it, stock Borg warner clutches, HD2 shift kit, And It is AWESOME! Shifts when commanded every time, i love how it shifts. Its been awesome so far, ive been firm with it too, running at the track and on the street, its been flawless.

When ya look at the size of the internals vs. a 60e you'll see why it lasts.

Any way i would try to find a good core from say 2000 and up, one that came behind an LS engine, it will have the 12'oclock bolt hole.

Also the later model trans has different line locations for better lubeing. One line toward the front of bellhousing and one toward the back of the case, earlier 80'e s had both lines next to each other toward the bellhousing leading to poor lube properties.

PM me if i can help with your swap.

 

Dont be too worried about the gear ratio of the 80e. Remember they were made for towing so it won't be that bad. I was concerned about that too, but now I am glad I did the 80e swap early.

As said before, 99 up will have the top 12 o'clock bolt hole, and they are the better ones to get. Get a shift kit, and you will be happy. I set mine to firm, and have been very happy. I would suggest to start saving for the converter, because a good one will be 1k. I have a 3200 9.5", and love they way it feels. Most people will say it is too high of a stall, and too small, but it fits my driving style perfectly. I decided to do a good driveshaft when I did the tranny too.

 

since your a heavy 4x4 with good power i would suggest even a built unit and triple disc circle d (dare you to break it) converter...jake has a great price on his and he warranty's em....just sayin...

 

Dayummmm, sorry to hear that Roger, you break these things in no time!

If you do the 80E swap, keep us in the loop (with pics ), I might be headed that route once this guy craps out.

 

Here's what I know so far this morning......

No reverse, no second gear, no fourth gear. Trans is coming out as I type this.....

 

*** that sucks for sure. Sounds like is to have somebody else do you a trany.. I have priced out having 80's built by the 2 big guys on the right, seems to me it cost almost as much just to buy one from them rather then have it built..

 

My first builder is gonna crack it open for me. I wanna know what went wrong before I decide what I'm gonna do.

 

It's out, took about an hour & half. ****** thing ain't even dirty yet....