Transmissions Transfer Case and Differentials

Don't forget about the sub-pages at the bottom/side.

Astro/Safari vans were available early on with either the 700r4 4 speed automatic, a 4 speed manual, or the t5 5 speed manual transmissions. This lasted through 89 when they stopped offering the manual transmission. In 94 they moved to electronic controls of the automatic with the 4L60E.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turbo-Hydramatic

TH700r4 until they renamed it to 4l60 in 1990, but it's the same transmission. Then in 93 they changed to the 4l60e when it went to electronic controls, installed in 94 A/S vans. 98? Bolt on bellhousing.

Slip yoke leaking, replace the transmission output shaft o-ring https://amzn.to/2Vpjwe0 goes with this yoke sleeve https://amzn.to/2Dv5bCC Just a reference, don't buy it there Like ~$1-2 at the dealer.

3 most common problems on the 4l60e by transmissionbench

Repair information for TH700r4 and 4l60(e) links:

• • http://b-ok.org /book/851748/2b1a8f

  • http://www.uscars.biz/uscars/extras-documents/ATRA_GM_4L60-4L60E_(700R4)_Rebuild_Procedures.pdf

  • https://thepiratebay.org /torrent/3524949/GM_TH700-R4_Automatic_transmission_repair_video

  • http://www.grail-ss.com/GRAIL%20Website%20Files/4L60ETechGuide.pdf

  • http://www.gmtruckclub.com/forum/threads/look-here-trouble-code-p1870-for-harsh-1-2-shifts.54475/

  • More reading: http://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/wiki/General_Motors_transmissions

  • http://www.hotrod.com/articles/spotters-guide-turbo-hydramatic-transmissions/

TV(Throttle Valve) cable adjustment:

The throttle valve cable is kind of like a throttle position sensor for the transmission. It has an effect on pressure, shift points and kickdown.

It is extremely important to keep the TV cable properly adjusted. If not properly adjusted, it will increase wear, decrease performance, and eventually burn out your transmission. (Looks like another 'New Google Sites' victim, the below image is animated but Google Sites is blocking it)

• With the engine off, press the D shaped button and slide the cable housing toward the firewall as far as it will go and then release the button.

• Open the throttle to the wide open position, you will hear the cable housing ratchet as it slides through. When you release the throttle, ensure smooth operation of the cable with no binding.

• This is the factory setting, but may be too high and you may want to adjust the throttle pressure to get proper shift points.

  • Small adjustments can often make a big difference. Move the cable housing a small amount, 1 click(2mm) at a time, then test.

  • To raise throttle pressure/shift points, and make kickdown more responsive, move the cable housing away from the throttle linkage.

  • To lower throttle pressure/shift points, and make kickdown less responsive, move the cable housing towards the throttle linkage.

Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF):

ATF is a base oil with red dye and specific additives added to that base to create certain advantages required for proper operation in our automatic transmissions. We have moved beyond using engine oil in our ATs a long time ago, don't do it.

Do not use engine oil in your transmission, use DEXRON III

Base oil chart:

What AT fluid should I use in my van?

For our vans it's pretty simple, use Dexron III from a new sealed container as it is backwards compatible you use it on all of our automatic transmissions. The only time to concern yourself would be if you are pulling out some really old stock, then it will matter what year you put it in for various reasons.

Without going into crazy details, if you want the original performance use the same type of fluid that was originally used in your transmission when available. These specifications can be found in the maintenance section of your owners manual.

Original fluids:

-1989 Dexron IId

1990-1993 (before electronic trans controls)Dexron IIe

1994-1997 (4l60e) Dexron III(f)

1998-2004 (4l60e) Dexron III(g)

2005 Dexron III(h)

Well what about Dexron VI(j)?

Dexron VI(j) is backward compatible with Dexron III, and GM doesn't license Dexron III ATF anymore, so this is your goto fill.

Don't use Dexron III(k) in any automatic transmission, it's only for manual transmissions.(FU GM for unnecessarily making things completely confusing!)

How often should I change my AT Fluid and filter?

This varies by the transmission, fluid, and usage conditions. Refer to your owners manual :)

Generally GM recommends 15,000miles under severe usage, aka most usage(city driving, hilly terrain, high speed driving, trailer towing etc).

50,000miles under *normal usage*, carrying passengers on paved roads at legal speeds without city driving, long enough to allow compete warmup, etc.

If you are using Dexron VI, then the TSB #04-07-30-037D(attached below) says 50,000 for severe usage and 100,000miles under ideal usage.

Deep or shallow transmission filter on my 4l60e?

The pan determines which transmission filter you use, don't mix them up. There is a 1/2" difference in height between the shallow and deep filter tube heights.

• Shallow pan(93-97?) has a flat bottom - shallow filter tube sits 4" high when sitting flat

• Deep pan(98-up) has a stepped bottom - deep filter tube sits 4.5" high when sitting flat

4l60e Range Chart

4l60e Side Section

4l60e Components

4l60e Common Hydraulic Functions

4l60e TCC Apply

4l60e TCC Release

Torque Converter Flow(general overview)