Yodatruck

I'm acquiring a chev 350 engine and a 4L80E tranny out of a 2wd 1993 truck. I'm trying to figure out how to make it a 4wd setup of course. Is it as simply as slapping on a t-case? If so what t-case is acceptable? Any help or thoughts would be much appreciated. Thanks!

P.S. I'm plannning on putting i in either my '85 P/U or my 83.

apalmer1

Yeah you should be able to get a tcase on the transmission as long as the tail housing is removable. I would switch the transmission from the 4L80E to a V6 style TH350 though because its much more of a PITA to set up a 4L60E, and then run an NP205 T-case if possible, or get an adapter and use a toyota T-case.

ToyRunner1

Just convert the transmission to a 4wd model by changing the tail cone assembly. You might have to have a shop do that. What transfer case are you planning on running? If you want to run a Toyota case, you can probably add the adapter at the same time you have the trans converted. I run a 23 spline Toyota case with no problems. I would keep the 4L60 over a TH350 for the lower first gear as well as the O/D. I converted my 700R4 to non-computer controlled, but that was due to running a different engine and ECU. You should be fine as long as you are running the right ECU for the trans.

Yodatruck

i don't' know what t-case I'm gonna use. if I just need an adapter to hook it up to my stock Toyota case then I'll probably do that, if I can find an adapter. Is advanced adapters the best place to go to look for these? I'm getting the computer with the engine and tranny so I'm not terribly worried about it being computer controlled, unless there are going to be issues with it going from 2wd to 4wd.

How does one go about changing the tail cone assembly? just pull one off of a junkyard 4wd tranny and switch it with the 2wd? Just trying to figure it out before I get myself into too much trouble.

ToyRunner1

I used Advance Adapters, but I believe there are others out there. I'm not sure what all has to be done to switch the tail cones, but the AA adapter for the Toyota transfercase replaces the rear output shaft. That requires taking the tranny apart, so that was why I said you might have to have a shop do it. There shouldn't be any issues going from 2wd to 4wd as far as the ECU is concerned.

Yodatruck

I'm looking at AA and don't see any adapter for a 4L80E transmission to the RF1A t-case that I am pretty sure I have. There is an adapter for a 4L60, will the same adapter work?

toy power

if i remember correctly, the tailshaft for a 4wd 4L80E is a lot shorter and has a different spline count than the 2wd part. I don't think it is as simple as just changing the tailshaft housing. and to change the tailshaft, the whole thing must come apart. Thats the first thing that goes in when you build one. I may be wrong; find this out before you go any further.

ToyRunner1

Sorry, I didn't see that it was a 4L80. I thought I read 4L60. I definitely wouldn't go to a TH350 then. The 4L80E is the equivalent of a 4 speed TH400 I believe. Much stronger. I would give AA a call. That or call a reputable 4wd shop and ask them.

apalmer1

Yea i said 4L60 the first time, i thought i went back and edited it to say 4L80 but i guess not... I suppose if you have the entire PCM and your using the same engine/trans combo the 4L80 would be fine. let me see if i can dig something up on Ondemand5 to help you with the trans info

apalmer1

unfortunately thats all i could find that might be of any use right now, my iexplorer is horribly useless and ondemand5 doesnt work with firefox.

Thats the 93 4L80E 2wd output shaft.

Adam F

You'll need a 4wd output shaft and tailhousing to covert it over to 4wd.

I think the 4L60 and 4l80 are different trannies and parts wont swap over.

bcumbie

the 4L80 is a much bigger trans and yes you have to put a 4wd output shaft and adapter to make it a 4wd trans. I would suggest running a 700r4 (no electronics except a lock-up switch) Or a TH350 no electronics at all just vaccum modulator. But like I stated if you run any of these 2wd th350,700r4,4L60,4L80 then you will need to tear the trans down and replace the output shaft with a 4wd output. (I just so happen to build these trans at work.)
But yea my vote is the 700R4 if that is an option. Oh and yea the 4L60 and 4L80 are totally diff. trans and parts will not interchange. the 4L80E did replace the Th400 the 80E is a 4spd with overdrive. The 700R4 replaced the TH350 and the 4l60E replaced the 700R4.


The AA adpater for the 4L60E will work with the 700R4 also.

Yodatruck

Thanks for the help guys. It turns out I'm not getting the 4l80e trans anyway though. The guy I was talking to sold it out from under me. I guess he didn't think I was really interested even though I was calling him to try to get his address to come pick it up. Oh, well. He may still have the engine though, wish he'd return my calls.

3stgstocker

im putting an ls1 turbo 350 with chevy trans case in my 84. i got the motor mounts from downey but they didnt come with directions i got directions for how to put leaf springs on with motor mounts. does anybody have these mounts with pics installed or have a copy of directions thanks

z71bg1690

try northwestoffroad.com they have the one i need in am doing a 5.2 swap with a 4l60-e and toyota transfer case advance didnt have the adapter but northwest did

derrik86

run the 4l80 its stronger and better than the 4l60. yes it is hard for wiring but it isnt hard either... i have a 03 4.3 with a 4l60E and a 208 C... depending what your bolt pattern is on the back of the trans aa has all the stuff u need.. make sure whatever u chose to do put the VSS in front of the tcase.. i made the mistake of putting it in the tail shaft housing on my 208c and it has shifting problems in low range..