trans kaput at 70k

[Stugguls]

Hi , I am new to this forum.

I just rebuilt the trans in my,00, Isuzu,a gm 4L30e.This is the first one of these I have done. I have done plenty of other GM transmissions.

I could find no shift kits or upgrades for this trans?

It is a goofey design with engineering problems or just plain price cutting shortcuts? The segments have no dowel pins to hold them catpive, so movement can occor between them, and cause pressure drops, as the gaskets between the segments work and wear causing pressure drops.

The drive( 3rd) clutch pack was also installed loose from the factory. There are also two shift dampening components in the pack one of which I removed and replaced with a friction and a plate to try to stiffen the shift into drive. This helped but I think I should have removed both of them as the shift is still a little soft , but much improved .

The trans was fairly easy to rebuild and the parts were cheap less than $200 including oil. I did not re-bearing the trans, or replace the torque converter as none of this is necessary at 70k. Dealer cost for the trans replacment is about 4k and most trans shops want 2-3.5k.

The r&r time was longer and tougher than I expected . The first one is always tough...JB

[rodeo02]

Congrats on doing your own AT work! I dunno anyone who can do a DIY rebuild on them, only r/r the whole thing. The 4L30E are not the longest lasting AT around, but ~150K miles is not uncommon. Word is they are a revamped old Chevy chevette 3L30 3spd with the OD assembly and electronics added! 20-30K ATF swaps help them to last above 100K.

G/luck
Joel

[Stugguls]

Originally Posted by rodeo02

Congrats on doing your own AT work! I dunno anyone who can do a DIY rebuild on them, only r/r the whole thing. The 4L30E are not the longest lasting AT around, but ~150K miles is not uncommon. Word is they are a revamped old Chevy chevette 3L30 3spd with the OD assembly and electronics added! 20-30K ATF swaps help them to last above 100K.

G/luck
Joel

Never worked on a chevette, sounds vega like, worked on plenty of those junk piles, another gm experiment on the public.

It is really too bad that Isuzu's were fitted with inferior components from gm which just amplifies the other problems ( engine) etc. They are really a good solid car, but because of the problems, do not live up to jap standards, and guess what, some models no longer sold here because of that?

I really like the uncluttered Isuzu engine compartment and access to most components though.

Try changing the spark plugs on a 5.0L Ford explorer and you will really appreciate the tidy and accessable Isuzu engine...JB

[rodeo02]

Originally Posted by Stugguls

Try changing the spark plugs on a 5.0L Ford explorer and you will really appreciate the tidy and accessable Isuzu engine...JB

Hehheee.. I've been there. No fun! My windstar is a *Joy* to work on as well . I hear you about the GM thing. isuzu USA was a GM/delphi (real-world) testing grounds for years. Sad thing is- the 3.2/3.5L engines are 100% isuzu from start to finish. Isusu is a bit more versed in making diesels. IMHO- they've never done a great job with gasoline engines for the North American market anyways.

Joel