Newbie looking for first rig (Rig acquired, now it's a build thread!)

Martinjmpr

Martinjmpr

Wiffleball Batter
If you end up with a 1500, whether it's a GMT400 or 800, it's wise to budget in a transmission rebuild as it will likely need one sooner or later. Better safe than sorry (says the guy who blew 2 of them towing relatively light trailers through the Rocky Mountains.)
 
J

Jacobm

Active member
xjchad said:
Thanks Martin,
What does a trans rebuild typically cost?
Can the 4l80e be swapped in place of the 4l60e?
Click to expand...

4L60E's can be rebuilt for $1500-2500 depending on the reputation of the shop. A 4L80E can be swapped but I think it'd probably cost more than just budgeting for another rebuild after 100k more miles. The 4L80E is physically larger, has different electrical brains/connectors, and possibly would require modification to the transfer case. 3/4 ton Suburbans are available and much stouter, but cost more. That said I bought mine for $4500 a year ago, with 127k miles. It needed about $2000 of work but was perfectly driveable off the lot. Depending on your timeline, it can be worth shopping for a deal. Or try to negotiate a discount if you can find one with a blown trans already.
 
X

xjchad

Member
That's great info guys, thank you!

I keep finding rigs that get sold quickly, before I even get a chance to see them LOL!

Hopefully going to look at one tonight though.
1997 1500 with 129k miles on it. It was a airport vehicle. Interior looks nice and miles are really low! According to the owner, the airports take good care of them and they are serviced regularly.

We'll see..........
 
Martinjmpr

Martinjmpr

Wiffleball Batter
xjchad said:
Thanks Martin,
What does a trans rebuild typically cost?
Can the 4l80e be swapped in place of the 4l60e?
Click to expand...

I've done one "rebuild" at a local transmission shop that cost $2000, and a full remanufactured warranty replacement which was $3500. Might be worth it to shop around as rebuilding a 4L60 is a pretty common thing and lots of shops do it.

Replace with a 4L80? Well, with enough money, time and effort, anything is possible. The 4L80 is physically longer than the 4L60 so replacing a 4L60 with a 4L80 means moving the transfer case back, shortening the rear driveshaft and lengthening the front. It seems to me that if you're going to spend that much money, why not just look for a 2500 in the first place? GMT800 2500 Suburbans are not nearly as common as 1500s (I'd estimate there is 1 2500 for every 20 1500's available on the market) but they are out there. IN the GMT400 models, 2500's are a little easier to find, probably more like 1 in 10.
 
X

xjchad

Member
Martinjmpr said:
I've done one "rebuild" at a local transmission shop that cost $2000, and a full remanufactured warranty replacement which was $3500. Might be worth it to shop around as rebuilding a 4L60 is a pretty common thing and lots of shops do it.

Replace with a 4L80? Well, with enough money, time and effort, anything is possible. The 4L80 is physically longer than the 4L60 so replacing a 4L60 with a 4L80 means moving the transfer case back, shortening the rear driveshaft and lengthening the front. It seems to me that if you're going to spend that much money, why not just look for a 2500 in the first place? GMT800 2500 Suburbans are not nearly as common as 1500s (I'd estimate there is 1 2500 for every 20 1500's available on the market) but they are out there. IN the GMT400 models, 2500's are a little easier to find, probably more like 1 in 10.
Click to expand...

Thanks Martin!
 
D

Deleted member 9101

Guest
Any competent shop can beef up the 4L60 to make it sttonger when they rebuild it.
 
Smileyshaun

Smileyshaun

Observer
Whatever one you look at look at the trans fluid when it’s dead cold and after it’s warmed up , look for any small tiny specks of black , also the fluid should be red . If it looks super fresh and clean like it’s just been changed be extra cautious , smell the fluid if it smells at all burnt even if it’s clean pay attention to how it shifts . To hard or to soft are signs it’s on it’s way out . But like others have said a good competent shop can rebuild one for around 2K beefed up and ready to go.
If you’re going to be taking a lot of people you will appreciate the extra suspension on a three-quarter ton on top of all the other parts that are way stronger than a half ton.
 
E

ExplorerTom

Explorer
xjchad said:
My only question is, will an Expedition be large enough? I was under the impression that the Expedition was the size of the Tahoe and the Excursion was the size of the Suburban.
Click to expand...

Correct. But in your initial post, you posted a Tahoe. So if you can squeeze 8 people in a Tahoe you can squeeze 8 people in an Expedition.

If you hop in over to Ford, you can put all that “transmission rebuild” talk behind you. Don’t you think there’s something wrong with looking to purchase a “new” GM and already thinking about a transmission rebuild?

A 6.8L (gas V10) Excursion is a pretty good buy. Run away from a 5.4 Excursion. And either of the diesel Excursions are just silly priced. The V10 motor is used in a butt load of motorhomes and RVs. Pretty solid reputation.
 
C

Chuck1

Active member
Yep buy the v10 or get a truck with a 4L80, why buy something that needs upgrades right away.

GM, needs an LS and 4L80

Some people want a 1995 with an 4l60 and lead acid house battery's, plus a film camera, and VHS so you can stop at blockbusters to rent movies.
 
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