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4L60E is a transmission mostly found in Chevy and GMC trucks. 4L60Es are 4-speed automatics with electronically-controlled shifts. The 4 means 4 forward gears, L for longitudinally-mounted, 60 for maximum torque rating of 600 ft·lb, and E for electronic shift control. 4L60Es came out in the early 1990s and were used until 2003 when 4L80Es became the new standard.
4L60Es can be found in many Chevy and GMC trucks from 1992 to 2003 including the 1500, 2500, 3500, Tahoe, Suburban, Blazer, Yukon, Sierra, and Silverado. Many 4×4 trucks will also have 4L60Es. If you’re not
Numerous other vehicles utilize this transmission which is why it can be relatively easy to find used transmissions that are still in excellent shape. Moreover, it also makes it convenient to find skilled transmission builders that can supply a remanufactured unit or rebuild your current transmission.
What is the 4I60e transmission?
For the past years, the 4I60e has proved to be an efficient transmission in plenty of daily-occurring applications. Furthermore, it’s also capable of handling adequate power, especially when it’s built right.
The 4I60e transmission’s designation mainly hinges on its specifications, notably: a four-speed overdrive, longitudinally located, automatic shift transmission (including neutral gear), and 6000 lbs. More than that, it’s also controlled electronically, though this transmission still utilizes factory service for trucks weighing up to 8600 lbs.
Now, this transmission is being extensively considered as among the best renditions of the most exemplary automatic overdrive transmissions ever created.
The conception of the 4I60e resulted from GM’s desire for fuel-efficient means of powering its vehicles after the unfortunate 1970s fuel shortages. Due to the 1980’s recession and rising fuel costs, auto sales were severely affected.
Created in 1992, this transmission was initially designed for engines with longitudinal configurations. It is also considered an electronically-driven improvement of the 1982 Turbo-Hydramatic 700R4.
It was not long after that the 4I60e finally replaced the three-speed TH350, making room for more applications, functionality, and adaptability. To date, the 4I60e four-speed transmission remains one of the most versatile and longest-lasting transmissions that General Motors (GM) has produced.
The strength that 4I60e offers have made it remarkable for many consumers alike. Due to its remarkability, it has cemented its position as a darling of the aftermarket for transmission building.
Its capability for impressive power transmissions from trucks and performance car applications has also made it distinguishable from other transmissions.
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Benefits of 4160e Transmission
Chevrolet vehicles between 1993 and 1998 have been extensively using the 4I60e transmission. Because of this, more and more consumers have also been using the aftermarket systems so that they can retrofit their respective vehicles with this kind of transmission.
The reason is that many benefits come with using such a model, especially regarding the gas mileage, performance, and overdrive.
With 4I60e transmissions, the breadth of power is commendable. You’ll be impressed by how you can have total power due to its monster unit. In fact, it’s specifically designed to handle a horsepower up to 650.
This kind of performance overdrive is top-notch and makes an excellent choice for your truck or vehicle.
Moreover, the overdrive 4I60e transmission can also serve as a low-cost retrofit and factory replacement. You’ll also discover that its first gear has a low 3.06 ratio, which is approximately 20% times lower than other transmission models.
Another perk that comes with this transmission is that its overdrive gear offers you about 40% improvement in terms of gas mileage. Compared to three-speed automatic shift models, this makes a better and far more ideal option. The overdrive is suitable for individuals who are considering overdrive conversions for restoring muscle cars since they have the option to add overdrive.
In this respect, you can benefit from having better gas mileage, particularly in car restorations. You’d want to make the most out of your budget, especially when you consider the fluctuating prices of gas today.
Its drive train will also be helpful for vehicle restorations since it helps you save more on gas while effectively handling even more. Its 3.06 firs-gear ratio makes it have significant leverage over other models.
Stronger 4I60e transmissions in your vehicle significantly add more durability, firmer shifts, and even additional towing capacity in some cases.
What does a transmission do?
Before we get to conclude this article, I thought it would be a great idea to help those that don’t know, understand what a transmission is, and does.
A transmission is a device that helps to transfer power from the engine to the wheels of a vehicle. transmissions come in many different types and sizes, but they all have one common goal: to provide the right amount of power to the wheels at the right time. One way that transmissions do this is by using gears.
Gears help to change the speed and torque of the transmission, which lets the transmission work with different types of engines. For example, a transmission with more gears can work with a higher-powered engine, while a transmission with fewer gears is better suited for a lower-powered engine.
Another way that transmissions vary is by using different types of clutches. Some transmissions use a clutch to engage and disengage the transmission from the engine, while others use a torque converter.
The clutch lets the driver control when the transmission is engaged, while the torque converter helps to smooth out the power transfer between the engine and transmission.
While a manual transmission is the most well-known type of transmission that uses a clutch, there are also automatically shifted manual transmissions as well. This includes the more commonly used dual-clutch transmission.
For the sake of this article, the 4L60E is your standard automatic transmission that does not utilize a clutch of any kind.
Conclusion
The 4I60e transmission’s benefits are apparent in its wide range of usability, quality, and sheer strength.
Because of this, there’s no doubt how it’s considered one of the most respectable and widely used transmissions currently, especially in trucks. More than that, this transmission also makes for an excellent alternative option for trucks and Jeeps because of its exceptional capabilities.
