After doing the conversion form the 4L60E to the 4L80E in my 4x4 this is what I found.

The 1st gear really does make a big difference. Going from 3.06 in the 60E to a 2.48 in the 80E is definately an eye opener. The truck isn't bad at part throttle driving but for my mods it could be better. WOT from a dead stop is pretty damned sluggish even with a 3000 stall. The driveability of the unit is great and it's quite amusing to see how long 1st gear stretches out before it shifts out. Freeway speed I am a tad bit high in RPM than with the 4L60E due to the slightly higher 4th gear ratio in the 80E.

For guys that are doing RCSB high HP build ups I think this is great. The lower first gear will make for easier launches you won't whip through 1st gear too quickly. On bigger trucks you really should think about what you want out of the truck. If I wanted torquey stop light to stop light warrior then I would need a much bigger stall and smaller cam to make this trans work really well. Glad I'm more of a freeway bandito.. LOL

In essense, you really will feel the difference with the swap. 1st gear with in a 60E with a 3000 stall wont feel like 1st gear in an 80E with a 3000 stall. Duh! We all knew that in theory but I'm just tellin' ya that's how it really is.

Anyway, just wanted to give my thoughts on the conversion.

 

Sounds good... i'm contantly looking for one @ a good price, bc its only a matter of time before my 60e goes kaboom.

All my dad's work vans has the 80e and its a really tough tranny. The vans weigh in at around 8800lbs (its a carpet cleaning truck with a full interior truck mount, 50 gal fresh water tank, and 100 gal steel dump tank and has 3 hose reels). With all that weight as a DD, all the vans are in tip top shape as far as a strong tranny goes.

 

Congrats on the completion!

Can we get some more info on your Xfer case setup?

 

I see you have a PI3200 in your other truck. Any particular reason you went with a PI3000 this time?

 

I'm surprised you didn't mention how much nicer those ranges are during shifts. First to second especially. When the 60 makes the motor fall flat going into second the 80 makes for less RPM and power loss after the shift. Personally, I much prefer the close ratios of the 80 but wish it had a wider range with 5 gears. That's kind of why I built my truck the way it is with the GV OD and 4.56:1 rear.

 

That's what i meant about the driveability of the trans and the shifting overall. Very smooth. It's funny that I actually almost can't wait for 2nd gear to hit because it just pulls harder.

I used a stock HD T-Case as well. I'm not sure how Rick did the wiring though. I know he bought an adapter cabl;e for the trans and had to switch some pins around but he lost me because he was getting some weird info at first. LOL

 

Thanks for the info, this makes me feel a little better. If any of you know my situation, I blew my 60E and was either wanting to swap a t-56 or a 80E. I was not wanting it cause of the power robbing and the dreaded first gear. But I kind of got lucky, I will swapping everything 5.3 an the 60E out with a 6.0 and the 80E. I have 3.73 right now, but I was thinking that some 4.10 would offset that first gear a little and wake up the 1,2 shifts.

I totally agree with the first gear sometimes that 3.06 is just a little to much right off the line, I always had trouble hooking the bastard. But we shall wait and see what the results are soon.

 

damn i cant wait... this project is gonna be sweet!!!

 

For sure man.. In your truck the high 1st gear will help alot and it wont be so noticable with your light weight.

I think i can solve some of my problem with a simple swap to 4.10 gears. With my 29" race wheels it would be like having 4.56s with my 32" wheels.

 

Somebody out there is making a lower gear ratio 1st gear setup for the 80E. Cant remember who though.

I'm pretty sure the new ratio was 2.75:1 1st (with a 1.52:1 2nd). I think I saw pricing in the $500 range.

That's vs the stock 2.48:1 1st of the 80E, or the 3.06 1st of the 60E.

For those guys with heavy trucks, that might be a good compromise between not enough gear (80E) and too much gear (60E).

'Dreamin'