No second, fourth, reverse

[waitingforcolumbus]

Transmission automatically downshifted from fourth to third or second and there was a big clunk and lurch. Now it's missing second, fourth and reverse gears.
It's a '99 Silverado 5.3, 2wd, regular cab, short bed with 88,000 miles.
How bad is it?

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by waitingforcolumbus

Transmission automatically downshifted from fourth to third or second and there was a big clunk and lurch. Now it's missing second, fourth and reverse gears.
It's a '99 Silverado 5.3, 2wd, regular cab, short bed with 88,000 miles.
How bad is it?

Not Good.
Usually a busted sunsheel gear.
Transmission has to come out to be fixed or replaced.
They make a HD sun shell and gear setup .
Sometimes called the beast.

[transman618]

Definately the sun shell, a very common problem in the 4L60E's Heres a pic of the sun shell. Notice the hole on the top of the shell, this is where the collar broke off. Now, look at the sun gear, you can see the broken collar still attached to the splines. This is where they break. It is overhaul time.


transman

[zaac]

Thanks for the pic. Why did it break with so little miles? Do you drive your truck hard? Just curious.

[transman618]

This is a very weak point in these transmissions. Its very common for the sun shell to break. MT-2500 mentioned a new shell called "The beast" Thats an excellent replacement, I use them all the time. GM has also come out with a heavy duty shell. Other weak spots I find in these transmissions are the 3-4 clutches, TCC regulator valve, accumulator pistons amongst other things. This transmission can be built to be almost bullet proof. If you would like some ideas on what to do with it let me know and I can definately make some suggestions.


transman

[waitingforcolumbus]

Thanks for all your help. Snce you guys have put a name on the problem I did some looking and it's pretty common. My co-workers broke under warranty.
I'm not sure it wore out so mileage may not be a factor. It flat out snapped. It felt like I'd been hit by a car from behind.
If I had to guess it would be it's bad habit of not downshifting and then slamming down to a lower gear. The truck is stock.
Does anyone know a good shop in Pinellas County Florida?
I don't see a picture in your post "transman"
Thanks and Happy Thanksgiving.

[zaac]

Originally Posted by transman618

This is a very weak point in these transmissions. Its very common for the sun shell to break. MT-2500 mentioned a new shell called "The beast" Thats an excellent replacement, I use them all the time. GM has also come out with a heavy duty shell. Other weak spots I find in these transmissions are the 3-4 clutches, TCC regulator valve, accumulator pistons amongst other things. This transmission can be built to be almost bullet proof. If you would like some ideas on what to do with it let me know and I can definately make some suggestions.


transman

transman, my tranny is fine so far but I would still love to hear how I can beef it up when the time comes. I drive my truck very gentle so maybe it wouldn't be worth it to buy heavy parts. I dunno. I like to put as many miles on them as possible. Figure it's way cheaper to keep fixing than buy new.