4l60e with 195k Need Advice

The 2004 Tahoe is getting a reman engine at 194K along with all the usual hose, belt, misc updates. I plan to do the precautionary pump rub fix on the transfer case and check components for wear, replace seals etc..

So that leaves the transmission which I now have sitting on the work bench. It has always ran great, no slippage, just a minor rear seal leak at the T.C noticed when separating the T.C. It has received regular 4 qt fluid exchanges and 3 new filters over the years. Pan is surprisingly clean for the mileage.

So my question is:
1. Do I reinstall it and possibly get another 50k.
2. Take it to a shop for a rebuild $$$$.
3. Spend $$$ and a few weeks doing it myself. I have watched several tutorials and believe I have the tools and skills to do the work. But, I'm not an experienced transmission technician really don't want to R&R again
4. Other Ideas, experiences, welcome

Reinstall and get a decent core to rebuild and keep till this one quits

I think having the trans rebuilt is out of the question since Warranty could be an issue with me doing the installation. There is always the question of the owner doing something wrong , not flushing the lines, cooler, low oil level ...

If and when it goes, having a shop do all the work takes all that out of the equation.

firsthere said:

The 2004 Tahoe is getting a reman engine at 194K along with all the usual hose, belt, misc updates. I plan to do the precautionary pump rub fix on the transfer case and check components for wear, replace seals etc..

So that leaves the transmission which I now have sitting on the work bench. It has always ran great, no slippage, just a minor rear seal leak at the T.C noticed when separating the T.C. It has received regular 4 qt fluid exchanges and 3 new filters over the years. Pan is surprisingly clean for the mileage.

So my question is:
1. Do I reinstall it and possibly get another 50k.
2. Take it to a shop for a rebuild $$$$.
3. Spend $$$ and a few weeks doing it myself. I have watched several tutorials and believe I have the tools and skills to do the work. But, I'm not an experienced transmission technician really don't want to R&R again
4. Other Ideas, experiences, welcome

Click to expand...

Is the motor going to be a stock rebuilt? If so I'd leave it be. If you're doing a few upgrades, a rebuild wouldn't be a bad idea.

I have a 2000 Yukon with 268000 miles on it & still running strong. Keep doing fluid & filter changes & will keep on going.

The engine will be stock, and drivin by an old man so guess we will keep the original trans and see what happens later on down the road.

firsthere said:

I think having the trans rebuilt is out of the question since Warranty could be an issue with me doing the installation. There is always the question of the owner doing something wrong , not flushing the lines, cooler, low oil level ...

If and when it goes, having a shop do all the work takes all that out of the equation.

Click to expand...

Rebuild the trans yourself, refer to my 4L60e information thread for guidance, resources, video instruction, parts lists and more. Doing so, you'll remove a major area of uncertainty and acquire a skill that will last you the rest of your life.

If you plan on paying someone to remove and rebuild then put it back in now and get what mileage you can out of it. Gonna cost you the same now or later (minus inflation).
If you want to rebuild it yourself then do it now.
Me personally, transmissions are magic and I don't want to learn how they work. I had someone (trustworthy) build one for me and I installed it, went without a hitch. 2nd time I paid someone to do it all as laying on my back for hours at a time isn't as fun as it was when I was younger.
It's a time+money+energy equation.

I dont recommend you learn on your tranny if you have to have it for transportation. Now if its a spare vehicle that can be down then go for it. I also dont recommend your first build be without someone there that is experienced in that model. Its nice to have someone doublecheck your work and correct you BEFORE you stick in the vehicle and frag it. It would suck to cut a seal, forget a seal, install something in the wrong place, etc and then completely burn up the new kit you just put in. Rebuild kits arent super cheap unless you are getting them wholesale. Tranny rebuilding is an art and its an art that is a continuously learning experience, especially for the 4L60E's over all the upgrades theyve gone through over the years. Its easy to miss doing an update that you arent aware exists and there lies the experience. The man I first started learning from at his shop had been building since the late 1960's! He was a good PATIENT teacher....even when I was hungover!