We're getting rid of our Suburban. It's spit out its 3rd transmission now, second one to go in the last 2 months. My uncle has been looking around and saw a pair of full size blazer's or something with 350's and 4-speed automatic transmissions. Is this the same transmission (4l60) that has been kicking out of our Suburban? If it isn't, then does it share the horrible valvebody and other transmission troubles that other Chevy Blazer's have?

The reason I ask all this is because I need information to throw at him to get him to back away from it. I told him to look into the Expeditions...but if he finds a blazer that fits the bill he'll go for it. If I can show him that the transmission behind the 350 is going to be unreliable, then maybe I can convince him to steer clear. This is in a 95 or 96 vehicle we're talking .

I was confused just because...I didn't know there was a blazer offered with a 1500 chassis and a 350. *shrugs* Still, can I tell him honestly that the transmission will be trouble as well, or might we end up with another Chevy? Our price range is 7500-12500 right now I think.

His other option was getting a 2000 or so Ranger for economy purposes. If the Chevy tranny checks out to be ok, then I'll have to push for economy and get him to get the Ranger. ^_^

Thanks guys...hope I can steer him to a Ford!

 

the trannys past the 700, post 92, basically are garbage, If you want one to hold that's where you go, but not sure about all the problems doing so. I have heard many horror stories on the 4l60 and 80. not interested in finding out. The Ford autos have trouble too, so ask around about them also before making your selection. My inlaw's have 2 Expeditions total, and are dealing with trans troubles, and beyond warranty. Hasn't shut them down yet, but will probably later.

 

the trannys past the 700, post 92, basically are garbage, If you want one to hold that's where you go, back to a 700. but not sure about all the problems doing so. I have heard many horror stories on the 4L60 and 80. not interested in finding out. The Ford autos have trouble too, so ask around about them also before making your selection. My inlaw's have 2 Expeditions total, and are dealing with trans troubles, and beyond warranty. Hasn't shut them down yet, but will probably later.

 

Well..we're getting the truck. It's actually a Tahoe. Based off the 1500 chassis just like the Suburban we had. Extended out back, leather all throughout - pretty much loaded for 10k. It's actually pretty nice. It's sporting a Vortec 350 and a 4L60E. It has decent acceleration, and the transmission still has a great feel. I'm going to make my uncle drop an auxiliary transmission cooler up front as well as - if I can convince him - an inline heatsink style cooler as well. Keep that temperature down, give it as easy a time as we can. The Tahoe is quite a bit lighter then the bumbling 'burban so that will help. It's also got duals on it already, which sound pretty nice. They're nothing cackly, just a nice rumble.

No Expeditions around to even look at. All the lots had were Dodge fullsizes, Ford Rangers, Chevy Blazers, and then just an assortment of cars. Amazing...and just shows what people aren't necessarily satisfied with. Not happy with their full size Dodges, or their small rangers, or the midsized suv from Chevy. There was a BEAUTIFUL 02 F350 Triton V10 SC LB with a bit of a lift and nice tires...I fell in love.

Thanks Fellro for your comments, at least somebody was kind enough to stop and drop their bit for me.

Btw...our tranny shop said that the E4OD is the strongest of the fullsize automatics behind Gas engines - which I was hoping I could get my uncle to bite onto. 4L80's aren't bad...but I just hope this 4L60E is better then its mechanical brother.

Maybe I'll get to learn to work on cars cause of this Chevy ^_^