Posted by jdemaris on August 11, 2010 at 06:07:37 from (67.142.130.22):
I just lost 3rd and 4th gear in my Chevy Blazer diesel mini-motor home. I drove 120 miles home in 2nd gear which was not easy. Had to stop about every 15 miles to let the engine cool down. Tne normally 2 hour trip took 6 hours, but we made it.
I was always nervous about having the OEM 700R4 in there anyway, but now I'm trying to decide what to do.
I'm well aware of all the changes and improvements to the 700R4 or 4L60E over the years. I'm also aware of the many ads that sell "extreme built" transmissions and torque converters for over $2000 that hold up "to anything."
My problem now is . . . how much is hype? I don't personally know anybody that has actually used one of these upgraded transmissions, used it heavy, and had it last for a long time. Most claims I see are related to racing, not long-term, over-the-road heavy use.
My 1986 Blazer weighs 7000 lbs. Has 4WD, 3.08 axles, and a turbocharged 6.2 diesel that probably puts out around 200 horse and and 300 lbs. of torque. Most of our driving is up and down mountain roads, i.e. very little flat-easy driving. I baby it and do not use 4th/OD when climbing hills. The trans in it was supposedly rebuilt 30,000 miles ago, but only lasted 1000 miles on this rig (when it became a small motorhome).
I have several TH-400 transmissions around, all setup for 6.2 diesels. I'm confident the TH-400 is fine for this rig, but . . . it lacks a creeper low gear, lacks overdrive, and lacks any converter lock-up. So, I'd rather have the 700R4 if I thought it was able to hold-up.
By the way, I also know about the the "converted" TH-400 that led to the 4L80E with lock-up and OD. I just don't want to deal with the extra changes, expense, computer controls, etc. That is out of the question.
I figure my most reasonable options are, upgrade the 700R4, or use a TH-400, or . . . install a manual trans. On the latter, I have several New Process four-speed manuals with overdrive already setup for the 6.2 diesel. But they are light-duty setups and not any stronger the the NV3500 five-speeds that GM later used. They are rated for a GVW of under 5000 lbs. and engine torque of 300 lbs. max.
I also have several good working and newer 700R4s in mini-school bus 1991 4WD diesel Suburbans. But again, newer yes - but good for HD use - I doubt it.
My preference is to stay with automatic since there is limited room in front for a gear-shift coming out of the floor. That because we have a bench seat where three passengers ride. 6 year-old kid rides in the middle and his legs just barely allow gear shifing now (in my Dodge diesel).
From GM, the heaviest rated 4L60 is listed for a max engine torque of 360 lbs. The 4L65 is rated a max engine torque of 400 lbs. Max GVW of 8600 lbs. but . . . can't say I've seen a GM truck that heavy with that trans.
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