Decoding a 4L60E
 

Hello:

I was wondering if you could help me to identify this transmission since I am confused by what I see on it. I was planning to put this in my 2001 suburban with a bad 4L60E.
I got this transmission on CL, and supposedly was rebuild about 8,000 mile ago in but has changed hands between few family members. It was listed at 2002 model in a Tahoe. I am looking at this as an educational experience since I just paid $300 for it and I though I may just use it as core.
So, the tag is missing of course but this is the number on the case": 8KCD115(OR S)L and other numbers which I assume are serial numbers. So, please correct me when I am wrong, based on the number, this is either a 1998 or 2008 tranny behind a 5.3 vortec. It cannot be a 2008 because the two piece case doesn't have the top bolt hole (right?) but it does have a deeper pan which I think came after 2000 model years. It also has green wiring harness connector and I believe the wiring connector changed to black after 2005, so it cannot be a 2008. From the other hand, did 5.3 vortec was offered in 1998? I thought they offered 5.3 vortec starting in 1999.
So, what model year is this? Can I use it in my 2001 suburban with 5.3? Is this a tranny which was just changed/modified?
Thanks

Re: Decoding a 4L60E
 

It's a '98 model 298mm 4L60E, It will not swap for a 300mm unit found behind a LSx engine without modifications which are many because the overall length of the unit is different.

You "could" swap the Input Drum, Pump Stator, Bellhousing & Torque Converter with 300mm parts & make it work......But Why?

Re: Decoding a 4L60E
 

Thanks for the info. The question the "KCD" letters. Aren't they indicate this tranny was behind a 5.3 vortec? Was 5.3 offered in 1998?

Re: Decoding a 4L60E
 

I don't think the LS engines made it into trucks until 1999. That transmission was probably behind an L31 Vortec 5.7 engine.

Re: Decoding a 4L60E
 

I have a 4l60 behind my 1997 L31

Re: Decoding a 4L60E
 

No truck 4L60's behind LS's until 1999. You could get Camaro/corvette 4L60's with LS's in 1998 though.

Re: Decoding a 4L60E
 

Don't put much faith in those Broadcast Codes, They only mean something on the assembly line. But this one seems correct....It's from behind a 4.3L/5.0L/5.7L in a 4WD fullsize GMT400 Pick-up/SUV.

The bottom line is.....That's a 298mm unit & will not work behind a LSx engine without modifications.

Re: Decoding a 4L60E
 

Well, if this tranny has only 8000 mile on rebuild and if just swapping the input drum and front pump is all needed to make this work on my 2001 5.3, I may attempt that. I have a 300 mm input drum and I see the pump assembly go for $150 online. total of $500 investment beats the $1900 rebuild price in my area. I know the green wiring connection are the same but does actual wiring and everything else is the same?
Thanks

Re: Decoding a 4L60E
 

Slightly off-topic but if a 298mm won’t work on an LS engine, is it true that a 300mm won’t work on a non-LS engine? I’m speaking of purely bolt in and no internal swap mods.

Re: Decoding a 4L60E
 

Bellhousing, Converter, Pump, & Input Drum need to be swapped, Everything else is the same.

Make sure the Boost Valve is .472"

Re: Decoding a 4L60E
 

It will not as the Input Shaft is too long as is the extended Pilot on the Converter.

Re: Decoding a 4L60E
 

I agree;
It's a '98 model 298mm 4L60E
Lack of the top bolt, in the bell-housing, is the clue.
They can be retrofitted to the LS motor with a crankshaft spacer.
However, you would still have the "it's 3/4" shorter that the one you will be removing.
Maybe the drive lines will accept this amount? Not sure about the rear mount either. And don't forget the dip sicks are different because of the different bell-housing depth/length.
Likely a transmission shop will give you something for the core? Difficult to say. However ,you will be opening a can of worms installing it. I don't recommend it. Unless you are out of options. I.E. Money.