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What transmission is 4L60E?

The 4L60E is a widely used automatic transmission found in a variety of General Motors vehicles, including trucks, SUVs, and some passenger cars. This transmission has been a staple in the GM lineup for decades, known for its reliability and versatility.

What is the 4L60E Transmission?

The 4L60E is a four-speed, electronically controlled automatic transmission that was first introduced in 1993. It is a successor to the earlier 4L60 transmission, with several key improvements and upgrades. The "4L" in the name refers to the four forward gears, while the "60" indicates the transmission's maximum torque capacity of 360 lb-ft. The "E" stands for "electronic," as this transmission features advanced electronic controls and sensors.

Key Features of the 4L60E

Four Forward Gears: The 4L60E has four forward gear ratios, providing a wide range of gear options for optimal performance and fuel efficiency.

Electronic Controls: The transmission is electronically controlled, with various sensors and solenoids that monitor and adjust the shifting process for smooth and responsive operation.

Torque Capacity: The 4L60E is designed to handle up to 360 lb-ft of torque, making it suitable for a wide range of vehicle applications, including trucks and SUVs.

Adaptability: The 4L60E can adapt to different driving conditions and styles, adjusting its shifting patterns to provide the best performance and fuel economy.

The 4L60E transmission has been a reliable and durable choice for GM vehicles, known for its ability to withstand heavy-duty use and provide consistent performance over the long term.

Applications of the 4L60E

The 4L60E transmission has been used in a wide range of GM vehicles, including:

Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickup trucks

Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon SUVs

Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Yukon XL full-size SUVs

Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird sports cars

Cadillac Escalade luxury SUV

The 4L60E has been a popular choice for these vehicles due to its combination of power, efficiency, and reliability, making it a versatile transmission that can handle a variety of driving conditions and applications.

What is the difference between 4L60E and 4L80E?

The main differences are that the 4L80E is a heavier, stronger transmission designed for high-torque applications, while the 4L60E is lighter and more efficient, suited for lighter duty vehicles. The 4L80E is a physically larger transmission with a different, more rectangular pan and is often found in heavy-duty trucks, while the 4L60E is commonly used in cars and light-duty trucks.
This video explains the differences between the 4L60E and 4L80E transmissions: 58sSpeedway MotorsYouTube · May 15, 2025

Feature	4L60E	4L80E
Size and Weight	Smaller and lighter (approx. 150 lbs)	Larger and heavier (approx. 236 lbs)
Torque Capacity	Lower (used in lighter vehicles)	Higher (used in heavy-duty trucks)
Durability	Less durable in high-stress applications without upgrades	More durable and better suited for high loads and power
Gear Ratios	Higher first gear ratio (3.059:1) for better acceleration in lighter vehicles	Lower first gear ratio (2.48:1) for greater low-end torque and hauling
Identification	Rectangular pan with 16 bolts; vehicle speed sensor on the tail shaft	Larger, oblong pan with 17 bolts; vehicle speed sensor on the transmission itself
Applications	Light-duty cars, SUVs, and trucks	Heavy-duty trucks, vans, and high-performance vehicles

How do I tell if I have a 4L60E or 4L65E?

You can tell if you have a 4L65E or 4L60E by checking the bell housing for a top bolt hole, as the 4L65E has one and the 4L60E does not. Other indicators include the input shaft (300mm in 4L65E vs. 298mm in 4L60E) and the presence of stronger internal components like the five-pinion planetaries in the 4L65E.

You can watch this video to learn how to identify the 4L65E and 4L60E by checking the bell housing: 22sMonster TransmissionYouTube · Jun 13, 2023
Visual and physical checks

Bell housing bolt hole: Look at the top of the bell housing where it bolts to the engine. The 4L65E will have an extra bolt hole at the top, while the 4L60E will not.
Input shaft: The 4L65E has a 300mm input shaft and a unique converter, whereas the 4L60E uses a 298mm input shaft. You cannot interchange the torque converters between the two.

Internal component differences

Planetary gearsets: The 4L65E is built with a stronger five-pinion planetary gearset, while many 4L60Es use a four-pinion set.
Clutches and hard parts: The 4L65E also features upgraded internal components like a stronger 3-4 clutch pack and other hard parts.

How to verify

Check the transmission tag: The tag on the case may have information about the year, engine, and transmission type, but it can sometimes be missing or unreadable.
Use the vehicle's VIN: The most reliable method is to provide the vehicle's VIN to a GM dealership to get the exact transmission information, especially if visual checks are inconclusive.

Is a 4L60 the same as a 4L60E?

No, the 4L60 and 4L60E are not the same; the main difference is that the 4L60 uses a vacuum-controlled shift, while the 4L60E uses electronic controls. The 4L60E is the electronically controlled version of the 4L60, which was originally a rebranded 700R4 that was renamed for the new GM naming convention.

This video demonstrates the difference between the 4L60 and 4L60E transmissions: 50sPrecision TransmissionYouTube · Nov 1, 2020
Key differences

Feature	4L60	4L60E
Control	Vacuum-controlled shift	Electronically shift controlled
Throttle	Uses a physical TV (throttle valve) cable to the throttle body	No TV cable, uses a throttle position sensor
Wiring	Has a small electrical connector for torque converter lock-up	Has a large electrical connector on the passenger side with multiple pins for electronic control
Introduction	Renamed from 700R4 in 1990, produced until 1993/1994	Introduced in 1993 for trucks and 1994 for cars

Is 4L60 and 700R4 the same transmission?

Yes, the 700R4 and 4L60 are the same transmission, with the 4L60 being the new name for the 700R4 given in 1990 to comply with GM's new naming convention. The key difference to be aware of is that early models were mechanically controlled (700R4/4L60), while later models became electronically controlled (4L60E) starting around 1993.

This video explains the evolution of the 700R4 to 4L60 and 4L60E transmissions: 46sSpeedway MotorsYouTube · May 7, 2025
700R4 vs. 4L60 (Non-E)

Same Transmission: The 700R4 was renamed the 4L60, which is a mechanically controlled, four-speed automatic transmission.
Mechanical Control: It uses a throttle valve (TV) cable for shifting control, which is also sometimes called a "kick-down" cable.

This video shows how to identify the difference between a 4L60E and a 700R4: 49sMonster TransmissionYouTube · Feb 25, 2015
4L60 vs. 4L60E (Electronic)

Electronic Control: The 4L60E is the electronically controlled version that replaced the non-E 4L60.
No TV Cable: It does not use a TV cable; instead, it relies on an electronic control unit (ECU).
Connector: You can often tell the difference by the presence of a four-pin case connector on the 4L60E, whereas the 700R4/4L60 has a governor cover and uses the TV cable.

You can watch this video to learn about the internal differences between 700R4 and 4L60E transmissions: 55sNick's TransmissionsYouTube · Apr 6, 2023
How to tell the difference:

TV Cable: If the transmission has a TV cable, it is a 700R4 or an early 4L60.
Case Connector: If it has a four-pin electrical connector, it is an electronically controlled 4L60E.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.