safari transmission

[safari sufferer]

I've been told I need a new transmission...no 2nd and 4th gears, no reverse, etc.
Whats better, a reconditioned tranny or rebuild my existing tranny? Have had both offers...$2200 - $2300.
Is this a common problem...2001 Safari, 4.3, 6 cylinder, rear wheel drive, 220k odometer.
Thanks

[old_master]

Does the Service Engine Soon light work? If so, is it on when the engine is running? If it's on, what codes are stored? It might be an inoperative solenoid in the transmission.

[safari sufferer]

yes the light is working.
the light wasn't on when it was running earlier, but i will check out and get back to you. thanks!

if it is in the transmission, is it a big job to fix?

[brcidd]

Last time I needed a tranny I did an internet search- found one with 86k on it for $350 at a boneyard- it was a piece of cake to replace- plug and play- took only an afternoon- was pulling my trailer the next day...so I highly recommend used parts for the money- you can't beat it- especially if you supply your own labor....

I just looked yours up-- saw a bunch under 100k- and at about $450 .....all wheel drive would be harder to replace

[safari sufferer]

Interesting! Where did you see these trannies?

I have climbed under the van and noticed how the engiine and transmission is exposed and accessible.

Thanks

[Blue Bowtie]

All you need is a reaction sun shell - $180 total repair cost:

http://www.wwdsltd.com/4L60/4L60ERepairs.html

[kidneystone]

I posted this in another thread but it pertains to you also..


Primary Valve body needs to be drilled and honed to avoid this happening
again.. There was a service bulletin on this tranny that not many
tranny shops look into and if not done the tranny will build up
serious line pressure and do this all over again. The computer detects
a build up of line pressure do to the orifice is to small for the needle
to pass the correct line pressure. The computer will see this as a problem
and build more line pressure to avoid the slip which in turns burns the clutch.

This problem is always the second gear clutch failing. My bet before this
happened you probably noticed a harder shift to second.

This is a very common problem that GM decided was not enough for a recall.. (stupid)
After the tranny is rebuilt correctly you shouldn't have a problem again. Just a shame
that GM waited till 2003 to recognise there was a problem with the 4l60e

[safari sufferer]

Thanks for that.

Come to think of it, it did shift strangely from first to second for a few weeks before.

So does it sound like a tranny rebuild to you?

Greg

[kidneystone]

Originally Posted by safari sufferer

Thanks for that.

Come to think of it, it did shift strangely from first to second for a few weeks before.

So does it sound like a tranny rebuild to you?

Greg

You are welcome. The bands most likely are worn severly, so yes a rebuild
is due.

[Blue Bowtie]

Originally Posted by kidneystone

You are welcome. The bands most likely are worn severly, so yes a rebuild
is due.

FWIW, there is only ONE band in a 4L60.

[kidneystone]

Originally Posted by Blue Bowtie

FWIW, there is only ONE band in a 4L60.

You are correct, my brain is not funtioning.

[Blue Bowtie]

That's O.K. January 8th is the ONLY day my brain IS functioning right, and then only with adequate caffeine, and then only in Leap Years...

I'm still betting he's going to find a problem at the hub of the reaction sun shell once the trans is torn down.

[kidneystone]

Originally Posted by Blue Bowtie

That's O.K. January 8th is the ONLY day my brain IS functioning right, and then only with adequate caffeine, and then only in Leap Years...

I'm still betting he's going to find a problem at the hub of the reaction sun shell once the trans is torn down.

More than likely. Heck when that line pressure goes up and puts all
that extra strain it tears the hell out of stuff.