Description
The 4L60E is a four-speed automatic transmission produced by General Motors (GM) and is commonly found in a variety of GM vehicles, including cars, trucks, and SUVs. Known for its reliability and versatility, the 4L60E is one of the most widely used transmissions in GM’s lineup. Here’s a detailed product description:
4L60E Gearbox – Key Features:
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Design: The 4L60E is a fully electronic, overdrive, four-speed automatic transmission for rear-wheel-drive (RWD) and four-wheel-drive (4WD) applications. It features durable construction with aluminium alloy and steel components to ensure both strength and lightweight performance.
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Electronic Control: The transmission is controlled electronically via a Transmission Control Module (TCM), which adjusts shift points and timing for smoother shifts and optimized performance. This offers improved fuel efficiency and reduces transmission wear compared to older, purely mechanical systems.
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Gear Ratios:
- 1st Gear: 3.06:1
- 2nd Gear: 1.63:1
- 3rd Gear: 1.00:1
- 4th Gear: 0.70:1 (overdrive)
The 4L60E’s overdrive gear helps improve fuel economy at highway speeds by reducing engine RPMs, making it ideal for cruising on long trips.
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Torque Capacity: The 4L60E is rated for vehicles with up to 360 lb-ft of torque, which covers a wide range of light-duty vehicles, including full-size trucks, SUVs, and performance cars.
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Applications: Commonly found in GM vehicles such as the Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, Chevrolet Camaro, and various Buick and Pontiac models. It is used in both passenger cars and trucks, making it suitable for a variety of driving conditions, from city traffic to off-road excursions.
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Versatility: The 4L60E has proven itself as a flexible, high-performance transmission that works well for both stock vehicles and those with modifications. It can handle mild to moderate engine upgrades, and aftermarket parts are widely available to increase its strength for performance builds.
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Durability: With proper maintenance, the 4L60E transmission is built to last, providing consistent performance even under heavy loads or towing conditions. Regular fluid changes and attention to cooling systems can greatly extend its lifespan.
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Rebuildable: The 4L60E is a rebuildable transmission, allowing for cost-effective repairs and upgrades. Aftermarket kits, including stronger internal parts like shift kits, valve bodies, and torque converters, are available to modify the transmission to fit specific needs, whether it’s towing, off-roading, or high-performance driving.
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Easy Integration: Due to its popularity, the 4L60E is often swapped into older GM vehicles as an upgrade, providing modern transmission features (like overdrive and smoother shifting) to classic builds.