The 4L80E transmission was produced in October 1963 by General motors for longitudinal engine configurations. This transmission is a revamped version of the Turbo-Hydramatic TH400, which is why it does not come as a surprise that it features most of the internal components of the TH 400.
Despite having similar parts and the same strength reputably known for the TH400, the 4L80E transmission takes it one step further to feature a lockup torque converter, overdrive gear, and advanced electronic controls.
We’ve outlined a detailed overview of the 4L80E transmission, its specifications, and what makes it popular in the current year, given that it has been a decade already since its production was discontinued.
THE 4L80E TRANSMISSION
The term 4L80E denotes 4-Speed (4), Longitudinally mounted (L), 8000 lbs. vehicle weights for (80), and electronically controlled transmission (E). The ‘E’ means it requires an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) for control and firmness to enable its functionality.
Also, the 4L80E performance transmission was designed for cars up to 16,500 lbs GVWR with towing capacity up to 22,000 LBS, and whose engine is up to 440 ft. lbs. (597 N·m) of torque. Some cars that used the 4L80E transmission include Chevrolet/GMC pickups, commercial vehicles, and vans.
It was also adopted in Rolls Royce and Bentley vehicles. Specifically, you could find this transmission in GM trucks such as Silverado, Sierra, Suburban, the Hummer H1.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE 4L80E
The 4L80E was developed from the TH400, a heavy-duty automatic transmission that neither had a lockup torque converter nor an overdrive. Hence, there was a need for a heavy-duty automatic transmission with an overdrive to be built.
As such, GM took several internal components and designs from the TH400 to build a new transmission it named the 4L80E. Similarly, about 75 percent of the 4L80E’s internal parts could be interchanged in the TH400.
4L80E Features Adopted From the TH400
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- The 4L80E came with a die-cast aluminum case.
- The rear tailhousing and bellhousing bolt pattern, as well as the flexplate of the TH400, was maintained in the 4L80E.
- The 4L80E featured a large 32 spline output shaft (even though much stronger) in its various 2wd and 4wd applications.
4L80E vs. TH400
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- The 4L80E featured an overdrive fourth gear which required an extra gearset as well as a longer (1-1/2″) case.
- The transmission uses electronics to control shift points.
- The 4L80E transmission is 4 inches longer than the TH400.
- The rear tailhousing bolt indexing bore diameter was changed on the 4L80E.
- The 4L80E featured an integrated bellhousing instead of a removable bellhousing of the 4L60E transmission.
Despite these changes and the adoption of features prevalent in older models of the GM automatic transmission, the 4L80E had its problems. Nevertheless, updates were made throughout its production cycle, which has created a more revamped version of the transmission.
4L80E SPECS & RATIOS
Specifications
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- Length: 26.4″
- Weight: 236 lbs dry
- Max Torque: 450nm +/-
- Fluid Type: DEXRON VI
- Gears: 3 + 1 Overdrive 30%
- Fluid Capacity: 13.5 Quarts
- Pan Gasket/Bolt Pattern: 17 bolt
Gear Ratios
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- First: 2.48
- Second: 1.48
- Third: 1.00
- Fourth: 0.75
Parts List
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- Abbott ERA
- B&M Holeshot
- PCS valve body
- Abbott Cable-X
- Hughes lockup
- Monster Street Rage
- 4L80E extension housing
- Crossmember ’69 Camaro
- Crossmember ’66 Chevelle
- TCI Saturday Night Special
4L80E TRANSMISSION TECHNOLOGY
The 4L80E transmission relies on electronic controls from the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). A driver has the option to select shift maps depending on the action such as towing they want to execute.
There is a portion of the PCM’s strategy for shift stabilization, which helps to reduce hunting. On the other hand, a PWM lockup solenoid controls the 4L80E torque converter (in factory mode), and it helps to provide a smooth lockup execution.
Speed Sensing
Two-speed sensors can be found on the 4L80E transmission, and these sensors serve as a turbine input speed and output speed, respectively. The input speed sensor is used to monitor input speeds, which are compared with the engine speed and output shaft sensor speed.
The data obtained is used to adjust the shift speeds depending on the conditions that are instantly detected. It is also worthy to note that there are different placements of the speed signal, and it depends on the year in which the transmission was launched.
For instance, 1991 – 1996 4L80E’s have a speed sensor that is located at the driver’s side rear portion of the case. On the other hand, the 1997 and later 4wd applications may lack the rear sensor.
4L80E TRANSMISSION APPLICATIONS
The 4L80E was designed to be used in the duty range of the 4L60E and the Allison series transmissions – these were transmissions the TH400 had already found use cases in. On the other hand, the 4L80E became more popular in Big Block gas and diesel engines given that Allison transmissions were used in medium-duty class (4000 series) trucks.
Some vehicles which the 4L80E were used include:
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- Chevy Avalanche
- Chevy C2500 HD
- Chevy C3500 HD
- Chevy Express 2500
- Chevy Express 3500
- Chevy Express 4500
- Chevy K2500 Suburban
- Chevy Silverado 2500 HD
- Chevy Silverado 3500 HD
- GMC Savanna 2500
- GMC Savanna 3500
- GMC Sierra 2500 HD
- GMC Sierra 3500 HD
4L80E TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS
The 4L80E transmission problems include the following:
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- Erratic shifting: The 4L80E had shifting problems as a result of a failed throttle position sensor or input/output speed sensor.
- Overheating: Transmission fluid helps to remove heat generated from the moving internal components in the transmission. On the other hand, if a heavy load is hauled or towed and the radiator cooler can’t cool the ATF properly, it could lead to overheating of the 4L80E. Consequently, the clutches, valve body, seals, etc can get damaged.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The 4l80E is a big and heavy transmission that has come a long way from years ago due to upgrades. Despite these upgrades, it was built with the durability of the TH400 and a Fourth overdrive gear. As such, it is still a strong contender with modern transmissions – it can also offer better performance if it is rebuilt with the most reliable parts.
Car enthusiasts love it and hold it in high esteem, which was once the case of the TH400. These aside, you too can also take advantage of this transmission to enjoy the experience of the 90s.
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