Transmission

[Jim Keaty]

I recently had my Transmission serviced and the mechanic said that I had some clutch mud at the bottom of my pan. I have not experienced any slippage that I know of and my mechanic said it seems to be working properly. Should I change the transmission now or just wait until it starts slipping?

When I do change the transmission is it recommended to upgrade to a 4 speed 4L60E?

[Waipio Rim]

Read this thread before committing to a trans swap:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=75774

It is not for the faint of heart.

[SpletKay06]

A little clutch mud is normal it doesn't mean that anything is wrong. Just change the fluid every 30-40k and you should be good. Now if the fluid is burnt and really dark then you have an issue.

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by Jim Keaty

I recently had my Transmission serviced and the mechanic said that I had some clutch mud at the bottom of my pan. I have not experienced any slippage that I know of and my mechanic said it seems to be working properly. Should I change the transmission now or just wait until it starts slipping?

When I do change the transmission is it recommended to upgrade to a 4 speed 4L60E?

Jim, if you do decide to upgrade you would want to use the 4L80e. The 4L80e is what GM used in the P30 chassis.

I've installed a 4L80e in my Argosy but have not had a chance to drive it yet. One of the differences between my install and Mel's is I've installed a GM throttle body system instead of using a stand-a-lone controller.

Installation of a 4L80e is not a simple task. The major mechanical issue is the transmission mount. It needs to be moved rearwards which in some models is not easy to do.

If your TH475 is in good working order I don't know that I'd recommend changing. If it's in need of a rebuild then a 4L80e is something to consider.

Brad

[Isuzusweet]

Okay, since we're talking tranny swaps....4L80e or Allison?

Which will be easier; which will be better; which will cost more?

A PO took my 475 into an Allison dealer at 60k miles and supposedly they hot rodded the tranny? I had the fluid replaced at 75k (just in case). Maybe the cheapest alternative?

Another question. How do overdrives like Gear Vendors affect transmission longevity, as the tranny maybe constantly running at the low end of its range? I know you can lug an engine, can you lug a transmission?

Cheers
Tony

[Smartstream]

Not being an expert I can only express my opinion. As mentioned above you can do swaps. They can be a fun challenge and great frustration to get them to function properly. To some that is a great form of entertainment and has value. Any savings or gain on cost per mile basis may or may not justify the time and money investment but add in the entertainment and satisfaction value and is all worthwhile.

Keeping your existing trans and maintaining and repairing as needed may be the cheapest route especially considering the miles driven. My 280 has about 185,000 miles on it and I would guess that is on the high side compared to many of the mohos here on the forum.

As to the Gear Vendors I have one and I love it. It isn't cheap and there no way on dollar per mile basis to justify it's cost. That being said the comfort level improvement over listening to the Isuzu roar going down the highway more than justifies the cost.

As far as I understand the thing that harms a transmission is heat. To expose the trans to heavier loads you must add additional cooling capacity. I don't think the GV adds much to heat level so I can't imagine it would have much effect on the longevity of the trans. Again the comfort level gain is well worth it.

[Jim Keaty]

Hey Dan,
When you say comfort level are you talking about the noise level will be less?

[kyote]

Originally Posted by Smartstream

As far as I understand the thing that harms a transmission is heat. To expose the trans to heavier loads you must add additional cooling capacity. I don't think the GV adds much to heat level so I can't imagine it would have much effect on the longevity of the trans. Again the comfort level gain is well worth it.

FWIW, I have the 81 Isuzu motor, the Tranny that goes with it, and the GV installed by the PO, and he told me he toad a Jeep regularly.

The Tranny pan seal was leaking, so I replaced it and the filter. As far as I could tell, the filter was original. The odometer reads 23k (probably 123k). There a was very small amount of silt in the pan, but I wouldn't call it mud. However, because of the leak, the PO kept putting in more fluid. It was being flushed constantly, so maybe this removed the mud.

[cwf]

Jim, glad you are enjoying!

The debris (mud) is normal...on Having not seen or smellthe fluid change, I can only surmise my comment.

Having changes tranny fluid and filter in many different car/truck, I look for uniform "wear material. I have also seen it in Motorcycles.. What I look for is consistency and smell. No larger size particles (metal shavings) and not burnt. The filter should not have the unusual particles embedded.

So, if no strange noises, just change fluid and move on.

Upgrading tranny by professionals is ideal. Always add additional cooling... The better the best.

There is a retired GM tranny engineer on another forum. He gives very good info. Please contact via message if you want to read up what he has to say.

[Smartstream]

Originally Posted by Jim Keaty

Hey Dan,
When you say comfort level are you talking about the noise level will be less?

Yes primarily noise. It drops the rpm from 3000 to about 2400 at 62 or 63 mph. That old Isuzu can really roar when it's turning that fast. Also you are not as on edge waiting for something to happen with the engine dialed back a bit. The entire experience is just more relaxed.

[Isuzusweet]

Originally Posted by kyote

FWIW, I have the 81 Isuzu motor, the Tranny that goes with it, and the GV installed by the PO, and he told me he toad a Jeep regularly.

Everybody, he did it on purposed; toad a toad , (I think thats what they call JEEPs), not that I tow myself, but I did buy a new motorcycle trailer, so that would be toad a byke?

I'm very glad my Isuzu doesn't come with a transvestite though, the motor is loud enough as it is.

Yes, people it's a slow day; I've been up on my hot steel roof fixing popped nails and sealing before winter hits and my brain is fried.

Cheers
Tony

[Hittenstiehl]

Isuzu I think spell check got you.😙