No Reverse after tow

**douglange** · 05-07-2009, 05:10 AM

Although this may be answered in another post, I didn't find it. It is now "Oh-dark-thirty" and I need to find an answer ASAP...

'99 5.7L 1500 push button 4wd Silverado 'burb

Towed to shop. Not sure if it was front lift or rear lift. Picked it up today. No reverse, just loud whine. Reverse worked when last driven with no sign of issues. There has been a different whine noise (shaft retainer bearing?) all winter but transmission worked smoothly with no problems. Would an improper tow trash the tranny in less than 15 miles? What questions should I ask the tow truck operator to insure he towed properly? How do I ask questions carefully since he is a friend and we play in a jazz group together?

Tow was due to an injector wire insulation being rubbed bare causing electrical short. New style injectors were installed about 2-3 years ago, which may be why the wire wasn't properly secured.

This is my first post, looks like a great forum. After looking at newer Suburbans, I'd rather keep what I have. This forum will be very helpful as I upgrade and maintain my 'burbs.

**douglange** · 05-07-2009, 05:56 AM

I should add that I've taken it over the Alcan twice pulling a 28' TT with the family. I think it's twice with the 99 burb. I know it was twice with the '92 and once with the '87 burbs, so it is twice with this Suburban pulling the TT.

With almost 150K, the tranny may have been near the end, I don't know. I was careful about running in OD only on the flat interstate connected to the trailer, which was OK'ed by a mechanic after he checked the tranny and rear differential setup.

**TrailLeadr** · 05-07-2009, 04:19 PM

2nd gear and reverse share the same steels and clutches.
Does it feel off or have any noticeable slip in second gear when driving it?

If the tranny has a fair amount of miles towing then it's likely that the transmission just needs to be rebuilt, and it was coincidence that it happened after the tow to the shop.

**douglange** · 05-09-2009, 04:29 AM

After talking to a few people, they've all said the same thing. I took it to a local shop. After a short test drive, the tech said it was the sunshell. For rebuilds for this transmission, they always install an upgraded sunshell and shiftpack. Mine for only $1995, unless other parts need replacing. It also includes a one year, 12,000 mile warranty. This doesn't sound like much of a bargain.

If I go this route, what else should be upgraded to make the transmission perform better when towing a trailer?

**Jimmiee** · 05-09-2009, 08:53 AM

Originally Posted by douglange

After talking to a few people, they've all said the same thing. I took it to a local shop. After a short test drive, the tech said it was the sunshell. For rebuilds for this transmission, they always install an upgraded sunshell and shiftpack. Mine for only $1995, unless other parts need replacing. It also includes a one year, 12,000 mile warranty. This doesn't sound like much of a bargain.

If I go this route, what else should be upgraded to make the transmission perform better when towing a trailer?

If the sun shell breaks you loose 2nd, 4th and reverse. The new GM replacement sun shell is fine. Don't let them sell you an aftermarket "beast" sun shell because they have problems of their own. I would call several transmission shops and ask for an estimate. Some shops won't do this and will sell you an overhaul you don't necessarily need. $1995 is way too much money for this repair IMO

I would replace the sun shell, front and rear seals, and a new filter. If your trans was working OK then this ai all you need. You could opt for a TransGo shift kit and a Corvette Servo if you want the snappy shifts but it's necessary.

**RADO_4U2NV** · 05-09-2009, 11:10 AM

Originally Posted by douglange

After talking to a few people, they've all said the same thing. I took it to a local shop. After a short test drive, the tech said it was the sunshell. For rebuilds for this transmission, they always install an upgraded sunshell and shiftpack. Mine for only $1995, unless other parts need replacing. It also includes a one year, 12,000 mile warranty. This doesn't sound like much of a bargain.

If I go this route, what else should be upgraded to make the transmission perform better when towing a trailer?

Yes I agree with the post above me. That price is way to high. And that is not my opinion, I can get a built trans that will handle 700 hp for that price. Check out this site.

http://www.transmissioncenter.net/4l60e.htm#Level 3

**douglange** · 05-10-2009, 08:25 AM

I agree the price tag is very high for what I get.

I've never done tranny work. Is it difficult or just time consuming? I know clean is important as well as reading the directions more than once. Are there a large number of specialty tools required? Is it tough to pull the tranny without the truck being on a lift? The last time I pulled a tranny, it was to replace the clutch on my Datsun 510 many years ago. I laid on the floor with the transmission on my chest and just threw up into place. Not so with a 4L60e.

I've read much about on the issues of the 4L60e. Most of the time, my wife taxis kids one place to the other with our 99 Burb. It's easy to get about 15-18 mpg. However, under load with 6 kids, 5500+ lb. travel trailer and mountains, what can I do with this tranny to suit my needs? Besides adding performance parts, should I adjust the gearing or consider reprogramming the computer when I'm towing?

I could be looking at the wrong end of the powertrain. Maybe I should be looking at how to get more performance from the engine.

I am also considering taking the 92 burb to the level that I would want to travel in it on a 10,000 mile trip on the Alcan. It is a K2500 with a 5.7L - 4L80e. However, the interior comfort is spartan compared to the '99 burb. The '92 sucks more gas and never sees anything better than 15mpg.

Actually, is there a way to get the best of both? Good mpg and power when needed?

**RADO_4U2NV** · 05-10-2009, 10:20 AM

Tranny work is not as hard as people think. You just have to take your time and pay attention to what you are doing. There is only one specialty tool required for a complete rebuild. That is the low/reverse clutch spring compressor. Some auto parts stores will rent this tool out. It is not to hard to change the trans. If you have a friend to help nad two jacks you can pull the trans. If you can turn a few wrenches you can rebuild the trans yourself. I will post a link where I buy all my tranny parts. They have some good items. And even a video for you to show how to rebuild your trans. http://www.transmissioncenter.net/4l60e.htm

If you have any questions about what items you need let me know and I will get you a list of the ones you could use for pulling.

Yes the 4L60E is the weakest link in the GM drivetrain. I have had mine out 3 times and I have rebuilt mine 2 times. End of this year I am ging to the 4L80E much stronger trans. However I am running close to 500 HP through mine. As for performance I would just recommend you get a performance tune. Many companies are out there (probly not many in Alaska). But there are some that do mail order tunes. I will send you a link to a place you can find alot more info.