Questions Questions Questions

**jayturk99** · 08-05-2009, 10:50 AM

Hi forum,
I am new to the GMTruckClub, I recently bought a 1996 Chevy C1500. I thought it would be a nice little project to undertake. The issues I am having with this truck are mounting. It will need a transmission, I am trying to decide if I want to try and tackle that myself. The wipers do not work, the a/c needs recharge, hopefully that's the case, tailgate will not drop down. Some of these may sound rather simple, but they are starting to give me the blues. It is a 6 cyliinder with the 4L60E trans, it that the only trans that will go with this truck? Should I just yank the 6 cyl and drop an 8 cyl in since I have to do the trans. Any inputis appreciated, thanks.

**retired2001** · 08-05-2009, 01:09 PM

Welcome to the site! That is about the only tranny, unless you want to go with a manual (auto is electronicly controled). My son's '89 V6 has 320,000 miles (getting weak), so they will last. Now would probably be the best time to go to a V8, if you need more power.

**spottweld** · 08-05-2009, 09:52 PM

first off your six cylinderwill be a 4.3 and they are a very good motor, the 4.3 is a 350 minus two center cylinders. It has the same pistons same stroke, main and rod bearings. There is a lot of aftermarket support, chaec out summit or jegs. Now as to your trans You'd be bestg to have a pro do it or buy a new one if you can, there are quite a few tools that you need to do a complete overhaul. also the 4l60 is a good trans so stick with it. It is essentially the same as a 700r4. Your tailgate should have an access panel on the inside, take it off and pull on the rods and it should pop open. Good luck with your ride and remember don't listen to the naysayers the 4.3 is a great engine.

**vncj96** · 08-05-2009, 10:00 PM

But on the other hand, a vortec 350 will drop with out any problems, just get a the computer from the motor. Being its a 96 it MUST be a vortec 350 though as this was the first year of the full voretc change over.

**2ToNe04** · 08-05-2009, 11:22 PM

4l60e sux balls.

nuffs said

**Jimmiee** · 08-06-2009, 05:01 PM

On any OBDII GM the engine and automatic transmission are matched and are called the Powertrain. The PCM uses the engine sensors along with the transmission sensors to shift the transmission. That being said you must keep the engine and trans together as a unit. If you swap anything else the PCM won't like it and turn on the check engine light. So your best bet is to stick with what you have or if you change to a V8 make sure to get the transmission and PCM from that same truck. Since it's a 96 you are pretty much stuck with that year as it's a transition year from OBDI and all by itself.

**Z07** · 08-06-2009, 11:21 PM

This is a known issue with 90's GM trucks. Google "gm truck wiper module" and you will see the PC board inside the module is commonly assembled with cold solders. Two fixes are to re-solder the components or simply replace the board. They go for $20 on eBay new.

**jayturk99** · 08-07-2009, 07:36 AM

Thanks for all of the assistance, I would probably keep the 4.3, seems very powerful for a 6.

**heavy chevy** · 08-07-2009, 12:34 PM

it really would not cost you that much to do a engine and tranny swap at the same time. I will tell you this if you think you might want more one day you need to go ahead and put the v8 in there it is a lot cheaper to go and get the power train then do one item at a time. There are a lot of good wrecking yards out there that will sell them as a unit and it is cheaper if you break the engine and tranny up and do it over time it could cost you 1000 dollars more. I bought my vortec 350 for 300 bucks at the wrecking yard 200 bucks on parts to overhaul it to my standards. And a little tlc from me I had a great engine. 4l60 is a great tranny also. Dont get my wrong 4.3 is a good motor but i dont hold a candle to the 350. It is a product of the 350.