K1500 4l80e swap

Hey guys, I've been unable to find definitive answers to any of my questions regarding this swap.

I have a 1997 Suburban K1500 I want to swap a 4l80e into. What all would I need, and which trans years are compatible?

My compatibility concerns are:

1. Will it bolt directly in? (I've got the flex plate and torque converter covered)

2. Can my factory electronics run it after I re pin the connector?

3. Will I have to shorten the Drive shaft or can I buy one from a K2500 Suburban?

4. Which years would be the best to install. (in terms of reliability)

5. Which years would be the easiest to install if all years are compatible?

6. Since they're easier to find, would it be a hassle to convert a 2WD 4l80 instead of searching for a 4WD?

I believe that's every question or concern I have, and I would be really grateful for some solid answers. Thank y'all in advance!

KELLION said:

Hey guys, I've been unable to find definitive answers to any of my questions regarding this swap.

I have a 1997 Suburban K1500 I want to swap a 4l80e into. What all would I need, and which trans years are compatible?

My compatibility concerns are:

1. Will it bolt directly in? (I've got the flex plate and torque converter covered)

2. Can my factory electronics run it after I re pin the connector?

3. Will I have to shorten the Drive shaft or can I buy one from a K2500 Suburban?

4. Which years would be the best to install. (in terms of reliability)

5. Which years would be the easiest to install if all years are compatible?

6. Since they're easier to find, would it be a hassle to convert a 2WD 4l80 instead of searching for a 4WD?

I believe that's every question or concern I have, and I would be really grateful for some solid answers. Thank y'all in advance!

Click to expand...

Are you still looking for answers to the above or did you get what you need?

NickTransmissions said:

Are you still looking for answers to the above or did you get what you need?

Click to expand...

No luck yet

KELLION said:

No luck yet

Click to expand...

Ok...I put my thoughts below for each question - let me know if you need more info or have follow up ?s

KELLION said:

Hey guys, I've been unable to find definitive answers to any of my questions regarding this swap.

I have a 1997 Suburban K1500 I want to swap a 4l80e into. What all would I need, and which trans years are compatible?

My compatibility concerns are:

1. Will it bolt directly in? (I've got the flex plate and torque converter covered)

Click to expand...

All years 4L80E will work though I'd stick to 1997+ (center lube return design)

KELLION said:

2. Can my factory electronics run it after I re pin the connector?

Click to expand...

You can segment swap the PCM - anyone w/HP Tuners or equivalent programming experience can help, assuming you don't already have this aspect of the swap covered

KELLION said:

3. Will I have to shorten the Drive shaft or can I buy one from a K2500 Suburban?

Click to expand...

You will need to cut and rebalance the driveline - most DL shops can do this for $150-$200 or so.

KELLION said:

4. Which years would be the best to install. (in terms of reliability)

Click to expand...

I'd stay away from anything 1991-1994 given those have some idiosyncrasies...Again, 97+ are going to be your best bet...

KELLION said:

5. Which years would be the easiest to install if all years are compatible?

Click to expand...

Same for all years - the 97+ center lube will simply require different cooler lines than the 1991-1996 4L80Es

KELLION said:

6. Since they're easier to find, would it be a hassle to convert a 2WD 4l80 instead of searching for a 4WD?

Click to expand...

You'll need to tear the transmission completely apart down to the bare case, swap the output shaft for a 4WD version, replace the pinhole seal in the rear of the case with the 4X4 cup plug and install the correct 4WD extension housing for your T-case

I will add that, if you're thinking of purchasing a used 4L80E as opposed to having one rebuilt (or rebuilding it yourself), check out my 'How to Buy a Used 4L80E' for some tips and pointers for inspecting before you purchase:

Additionally, I'd replace the wiring harness and electronics along with the filter proactively before installing it...Gives you an opportunity to drop the pan and see what problems may be present that escaped your initial inspection (hopefully none - ask the seller permission to remove the pan before purchasing, worst they can say is 'no).

KELLION said:

I believe that's every question or concern I have, and I would be really grateful for some solid answers. Thank y'all in advance!

Click to expand...

You're welcome.

I think @NickTransmissions pretty much summed all up.

An additional complication is your transfer case. You either have to swap the input shaft of your transfer case to the larger spline of the 4L80e, or get a transfer case that was already mated to a 4L80e. What TC do you have?

strutaeng said:

I think @NickTransmissions pretty much summed all up.

An additional complication is your transfer case. You either have to swap the input shaft of your transfer case to the larger spline of the 4L80e, or get a transfer case that was already mated to a 4L80e. What TC do you have?

Click to expand...

There's also 27-spline 4L80 4WD output shafts available in the aftermarket but he'd have to rebuild the 4L80E to install it.