What transmission does a 4.3 V-6 have?
The short answer is that there isn’t a single transmission used behind the GM 4.3-liter V-6. Over its long production run, the engine was paired with several different transmissions depending on year, model, and market. The most common automatic pairing in light-duty GM trucks and SUVs is a four-speed automatic, but older models used different four-speed units and some configurations offered manual options. For a specific vehicle, the exact transmission must be verified from the VIN, RPO codes, or the owner’s manual.
Historical pairings: four-speed automatics dominate the era
From the early 1990s into the 2000s, the 4.3L V6 was most often matched with GM’s four-speed automatic transmissions. Below are the primary options you’re likely to encounter in typical GM trucks and sport-utility vehicles.
- Hydramatic 4L60-E (the electronic four-speed automatic) — the workhorse behind most 4.3L V6 applications from the mid-1990s onward
- Hydramatic 4L60 (pre-electronic predecessor to the 4L60-E, commonly referred to as 700-R4 in earlier generations) — found on earlier 4.3L setups
- 4L80-E (a heavier-duty four-speed automatic) — used in heavier-duty configurations and some vans
Note: Specific models and years may differ. The above reflects typical GM light-truck applications; always check the exact designation for a given vehicle.
Manual transmissions and unique setups
Some 4.3L V6 configurations offered manual transmissions, though they are less common in modern GM trucks. Depending on the model and market, you might encounter:
- 5-speed manual transmissions in certain S-series trucks and vans
- Regional or specialty manual options on older configurations
As with automatics, the exact setup depends on the year and trim. If a manual is present, the transmission code will be listed on the door jamb sticker or in the owner’s manual.
Modern considerations: what to expect on newer GM vans and trucks
In newer GM products that still use the 4.3L V6, the transmission lineup has evolved toward more electronically controlled units and, in some markets, different gear counts. The precise pairing for any given vehicle is best verified by checking the VIN, RPO code, and the official documentation for that model year and trim.
How to identify your transmission
To determine the exact transmission in a 4.3L V6 vehicle, you can:
- Check the vehicle identification number (VIN) plate for the RPO code that indicates the transmission
- Review the owner's manual or a factory window sticker
- Inspect the transmission pan or casting code, or consult a dealership or repair shop for confirmation
Conclusion: The 4.3L V6 is a versatile GM engine that has been mated to multiple transmissions across its lifespan. The precise pairing depends on model year, application, and market, so verification is essential.
Summary
There is no single transmission attached to the 4.3 V-6. The engine has most commonly been paired with GM’s four-speed automatics, notably the 4L60-E, with older models using the predecessor 700-R4 and some heavy-duty setups using the 4L80-E. Manual options existed in select configurations, though they are not widespread in modern GM trucks. For any given vehicle, confirm the exact transmission via the VIN/RPO codes or the owner’s manual.
