Expected transmission life span

[EfiniMotorsport]

Does anyone have a ball park idea on the expected life span of the 4L65 tranny? I'm at 108k and a buddy of mine that rebuilds transmissions says it's usually about 100-110k. I don't know if that's the life span of the ones he sees or if that's about all they last.

 

[M1Gunner]

I’m at 125k and runnin strong. Beat the piss out of it and am also runnin 37’s with 5.13 gears on the original tranny.

 

[Doubeleive]

I straight broke mine at least 3 times, I recommend not flooring it like your trying to escape the depths of hell with a pitbull nipping at your ass constantly. I think the first time it was in the 90k range, put a factory one in it lasted for just over the year warranty broke it, had it rebuilt cheap it didn't last even a year again broke it, I also broke the rear end 3 times, transfer case twice. finally put a eaton Detroit in the rear end then I just ate the bearings up but it didn't break again, got a transfer case from powertrain products it was good no problems, had the transmission rebuilt right but I still blew the manifold seal after that is lasted a couple years and I broke it again and it would just roll in park. since then I've calmed down a bit all that stuff cost's money lol, now I just break tools and buy a warranty it's cheaper.

 

[adventurenali92]

I my factory 4L65E died at 86k. Was a sad day.... had it rebuilt by a shop that is pretty decent. In February around 95k on the odometer, a valve failed and wouldn’t allow me to manually downshift from drive to third, and so on. He replaced the valve and refilled fluid under my trans warranty, and it’s been fine since. I’m now just over 106 on the clock and it runs great. It really all depends on how you keep your transmission maintained. After losing mine so early I watch my fluid like a howl. Always making sure the right level amount is in the trans and will have it serviced regularly. If you keep your trans maintained you can probably get it to last longer.

 

[6speedblazer]

i always used to joke that the 60e family seemed to either die at 90-110k or they would last just about forever.

 

[Doubeleive]

yes-what he said above, have it serviced regularly, I do mine once a year like clock work seems to be working out in my favor so far

 

[zraffz]

I'd be a bit more optimistic than most with them... 150-200k is when just about every one dies.

 

[rockola1971]

All depends on what the SUV is used for. 4L60E/4L65E dont last long being used to plow. Towing will speed up their death also. There are things that can be done to help for being used as towing. Tranny cooler, change fluid regularly, oversized tranny pan, watch the temps and keep them down, never tow in 4th especially when doing hills/mountains.
Average joe use and they should last around 120k give or take. Abuse them and youll be like the guy above that has it in the shop sucking out the contents of his wallet every other month.
They can be rebuilt substantially stronger than factory for a minimal amount of cashola.

 

[Doubeleive]

ya my case is a rather extreme example, I abused mine severely, I was even told no one had ever seen a broken transmission like mine was and this was coming from people that worked on them for several decades. I had my license suspended/revoked 3 times back to back during that time it took me 2 years to get it back so mine was easily in the 1 percent of what CAN happen, and yes it does nothing but eat your wallet doing that.

 

[EfiniMotorsport]

Those responses don't fill me with much hope. On the plus side I can get a rebuild/upgrade for a little over $1k. My buddy does all the rebuild at a tranny shop so I just pull it, bring it to him and he usually gives it back to me in a day or two. He upgrades the weaker parts anyway and will beef it up from there if I want.