blackandgold51
1/2 ton status
General Talk. Although I think the 4L80E may also have faults.
CK5
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In General What Is The Better Transmission Out The Two: TH400 Or 4L80E?
- Thread starter blackandgold51
- Start date
The TH400 has been around since 1964 or so,proven and reliable,no electronics to go sour...but no overdrive either,or lock up torque converter..
From what I've read and heard,the 480LE is basically a TH400 with overdrive and lock up converter,but they do not share many parts (if any)..lots of high performance buffs seem to like them a lot..
From what I've read and heard,the 480LE is basically a TH400 with overdrive and lock up converter,but they do not share many parts (if any)..lots of high performance buffs seem to like them a lot..
It would depend a lot on the intended use. Trail only: TH400. Trail & street use: 4l80e.
Also depends on how complex you want to get with the install. TH400 doesn't require much to run; kick down switch and vacuum. And cooling lines.
In addition to cooling lines, the 4l80e will need a controller which will need a throttle position sensor. Controllers aren't cheap. Also need to consider the shifter; does your column accommodate the OD position? The output speed sensor can be complicated if you're worried about accurate shifts when in 4Lo.
I would only mess with the 4l80e if you're doing a lot of highway driving.
Also depends on how complex you want to get with the install. TH400 doesn't require much to run; kick down switch and vacuum. And cooling lines.
In addition to cooling lines, the 4l80e will need a controller which will need a throttle position sensor. Controllers aren't cheap. Also need to consider the shifter; does your column accommodate the OD position? The output speed sensor can be complicated if you're worried about accurate shifts when in 4Lo.
I would only mess with the 4l80e if you're doing a lot of highway driving.
^^^ this with the exception that the 400 and 4L80E are much the same from the forward drum on back and many gear train and clutch components can interchange between the two. If you don't need overdrive the 400 is the go to trans for applications requiring strength.
Main difference is the the 4L80e is computer controlled where as the 400 is not. The 4L80e is based heavily off of the 400 it replaced. Gearing 1st to 3rd is the same.
Personally, I would rather have OD and a computer than deal with not having OD.
Personally, I would rather have OD and a computer than deal with not having OD.
Agree with the others. The 4L80e will cost more due the transmission controller required unless you want to go manual valve body but thats a pain to drive on the street.
I wanted OD since my gears suck on the highway so I went with 4L80e. Not digging the MVB so I had another one built using some high ends parts to handle some power. Parts were around 1000 plus labor, plus core.
1000hp 4L80e build:
https://www.hotrod.com/articles/rebuild-junkyard-transmission-hold-nearly-1000-hp/
If money is a concern and you don't mind NOT having OD, then stick with TH400
I wanted OD since my gears suck on the highway so I went with 4L80e. Not digging the MVB so I had another one built using some high ends parts to handle some power. Parts were around 1000 plus labor, plus core.
1000hp 4L80e build:
https://www.hotrod.com/articles/rebuild-junkyard-transmission-hold-nearly-1000-hp/
If money is a concern and you don't mind NOT having OD, then stick with TH400
Yes, the 4L80E uses many of the parts from the TH400(also called 3L80), and adds a 4th gear in front for OD (.75 gear, 25%)
The TH400 uses a vacuum modulator for pressure and a kickdown solenoid that runs off 12V.
The 4L80E uses electronics to control the shifting and trans pressure. You can wire it to shift itself manually for free by using the pressure switch manifold to control the solenoids. Then it behaves like full manual. The pressure defaults to full pressure so no need to hook that up.
Hipster (ATD) offers a full manual CNC valve body that does not require any electronics now.
In the end it depends on if you want OD or not. They can both be stronger than most other transmissions that would also fit in a car.(it's not an Allison)
The TH400 uses a vacuum modulator for pressure and a kickdown solenoid that runs off 12V.
The 4L80E uses electronics to control the shifting and trans pressure. You can wire it to shift itself manually for free by using the pressure switch manifold to control the solenoids. Then it behaves like full manual. The pressure defaults to full pressure so no need to hook that up.
Hipster (ATD) offers a full manual CNC valve body that does not require any electronics now.
In the end it depends on if you want OD or not. They can both be stronger than most other transmissions that would also fit in a car.(it's not an Allison)
I'm surprised you dont see too many Alison automatics in 4x4's ,seeing GM put some behind 8.1's in newer trucks ..pretty hard to wound one of those..I don't know much about them,if they have overdrive or lock up converters,I suppose the light truck versions do,the bigger truck ones probably don't..
I would not be bothered having to manually shift a 4L80e ,it would beat paying a lot to get a controller or try to make the original computer work in an older truck--it'd also be another reason no one else could drive it but me!....the shift linkage would probably wear out rapidly though--maybe the shifter shaft & seal on the transmission case too..
I would not be bothered having to manually shift a 4L80e ,it would beat paying a lot to get a controller or try to make the original computer work in an older truck--it'd also be another reason no one else could drive it but me!....the shift linkage would probably wear out rapidly though--maybe the shifter shaft & seal on the transmission case too..
It’s because they are huge and super expensive to get unless you get the wrecked truck
4L80e is kinda the first step child at this point. Most people want the 6 speed auto, and the 80 needs the controller, the factory FI computer (not desirable) or the “good” aftermarket FI which is not cheap.
They are a bit more affordable than the 6L-/- and others because of that
Before I got the 4l80e, I really wanted a 6l80 or 6l90. Then I saw what they cost. I figure the Allinson is the same story
I've seen a few Alison's with the T-case for $500 for sale on FB marketplace ,from rotted out 2000's trucks..
Doubt you'd find any that cheap at a salvage yard though..and the transfer case would be a drivers drop,useless for a square body..
Doubt you'd find any that cheap at a salvage yard though..and the transfer case would be a drivers drop,useless for a square body..
That part is easier to remedy, most guys have a good t case
When I looked at for a 6L85e It was $1500 and needing gone through, or $2500 with some kind of warranty
I’m sure our location is part of it. There’s a premium on 4x trucks here
So many 2000's GM pickups and Tahoes,Burbs rot away to the point they aren't safe or roadworthy getting scrapped up here,that many are just being crushed or shredded with nothing removed!..
You can find 5.3's and 6.0's up here for under $500 fairly often,with all the oem wiring and ECM from ones private parties are parting out..
4L80e 's are not uncommon here for $500 & up also..not at salvage yards though,just private sellers..since they have to stand behind used ones a certain time period,the salvage yards charge much more,and often want a core exchanged or they tack on another $100-$300 ..
You can find 5.3's and 6.0's up here for under $500 fairly often,with all the oem wiring and ECM from ones private parties are parting out..
4L80e 's are not uncommon here for $500 & up also..not at salvage yards though,just private sellers..since they have to stand behind used ones a certain time period,the salvage yards charge much more,and often want a core exchanged or they tack on another $100-$300 ..
