Decisions decisions. 4l80e or 4l65e?

[chris85]

Help me decide which direction I want to go.

I have a 2wd 4l80e that I got with my 6.0. I have the adapter to mate to my 241(mechanical speedo), and I also lucked out and have the long splines output shaft. Mileage is a bit of a mystery so a rebuild is most likely going to be needed ($1400). The good thing about the 2wd is the speedo is located on the trans, I won't have to fool around with any VSS stuff.

BUT

I have to change the 241 input to 32 spline and move my crossmember. And now I'm just thinking about size, weight and parasitic loss associated with the 80.

OR

I can buy a "new" rebuilt 4l65e for $1750 (heavy duty) or $2500 (extreme duty) and includes a trans cooler and a Hayden cooking pan. Bolts right to my transfer case, no moving of the crossmember, but I have to go through trying to find VSS.

 

[ashman]

I can buy a "new" rebuilt 4l65e for $1750 (heavy duty) or $2500 (extreme duty) and includes a trans cooler and a Hayden cooking pan. Bolts right to my transfer case, no moving of the crossmember, but I have to go through trying to find VSS.

What's this going into? I went 4l60e mostly for size concerns. AFA the VSS goes, I have an adapter I'm not using if you're interested.

 

[chris85]

What's this going into? I went 4l60e mostly for size concerns. AFA the VSS goes, I have an adapter I'm not using if you're interested.

89 Jimmy, lq4/D60/14bolt/Detroit/38s. That first gear ratio of the 4l60/65 would be nice too.

 

[chris85]

Also, If I decide against the 4l80, what is it worth? I think I've seen them around here for $700-$800.

 

[skunked]

Also, If I decide against the 4l80, what is it worth? I think I've seen them around here for $700-$800.

I see them listed at that price and more all the time. @GWeakland620 can tell you what he sells them for.

 

[GWeakland620]

Average price we sell them for is $900-$1000, good deal or buddy deals are the $700-$800 range.

 

[chris85]

Average price we sell them for is $900-$1000, good deal or buddy deals are the $700-$800 range.

That's making buying the "new" trans look pretty good. I would be spending about the same amount of money.

 

[GWeakland620]

My vote would be for the 4L60E rebuild. Then make some of your money back by selling the 80E.

 

[Babaganoosh]

4l60e and np241 is a poor man's double the first gear is fun for launching with a 6.0

 

[chris85]

My vote would be for the 4L60E rebuild. Then make some of your money back by selling the 80E.

Yeah I'm starting to lean this way. I think it'll be an easier swap in the long run.

 

[skunked]

what diff ratio are you going to run?

 

[chris85]

Anyone need a 4l80e??? I know where one is for sale

 

[chris85]

4:56

 

[skunked]

you should be waaaay deeper with a 60E on 38's IMO.

 

[Babaganoosh]

I have 35s with a 4l60e and 4.56s and I like it

 

[ashman]

I have 35s with a 4l60e and 4.56s and I like it

I have the same combo... with 4.88's

 

[Babaganoosh]

I have the same combo... with 4.88's

I figured with anything I'll down size on tire not up so 4.56s was perfect.

 

[chris85]

you should be waaaay deeper with a 60E on 38's IMO.

Let me rephrase. 38s were just what I had planned. Nothing has been purchased yet, but I don't want to go smaller than a 37 either.

 

[skunked]

Let me rephrase. 38s were just what I had planned. Nothing has been purchased yet, but I don't want to go smaller than a 37 either.

you'll be wanting gears if that's the case. Make sure you factor in a good trans cooler.

 

[ashman]

You'll be ok with the 4.56's, but you'll probably want to go deeper eventually. I used my 6.0/4l60/241 combo with 3.73's and 35" tires for awhile and it was "fine". I'm really happy I went to 4.88's, but it wasn't like it was undrivable or something. Did plenty of wheeling around Moab too.