4L60e Sun Shell

summit · 06-09-2009, 09:22 AM

Recently purchased a 2000 1500 5.3 4L60e (tow haul pkg) 99,820 km - excellent shape for the year. A bit of a risky purchase as it did haul a holiday trailer a bit. Not sure how large the trailer was.

I have some experience with gm tranys 89 G2500 van 230,000 km - 3 tranys 90 1500 5.0 418,000 km - 2 tranys. These trucks have the R400 so its a different beast but from reviewing the forums it appears gm still has not figured out how to build a strong trany (at least that they are willing to put in their 1/2 tons). From the info on this forum it appears the "Sun Shell" is the weak link in the 4L60e. This truck is in real nice shape with no indication of any problems. I am working on it before putting it on the road. All filters and fluids changed, brakes serviced (replaced rears) and anything else I can find that needs work.

Question is, can the "Sun Shell" be changed with the trany in the truck?
Is it worth doing without any indication of problems?
Is there a replacement that is stronger than the origional?

Thanks for the help.

hotrodpc · 06-09-2009, 09:34 AM

Nope, Nope and Yep !!! No, the trans has to come out, No, it is not feasible to change out until it breaks. And yes, Sonnax makes a upgraded stronger unit, reffered to as "The Beast" Usually about $70 or so.

summit · 06-09-2009, 09:50 AM

Thanks hotrodpc.

Guess I'll just change the fluid lots and keep my fingers crossed. Had a ***** of a time removing the drain plug from the pan. Solved with some heat and a impact driver, a screw driver type tool that turns when you hit it with a hammer. Bought this thing 30 yrs ago and its removed many a stubborn screw and bolt. Anyway like the idea of a drain plug on the tranny and was thinking of yearly fluid changes and bi yearly fluid and filter changes. Fingers crossed.

Thanks again for the info.

hotrodpc · 06-09-2009, 09:55 AM

Ahh yes, I have used one of those old antiquated type hit it with a hammer type jobs. The work most of the time believe it or not. You are not changing most of the fliud anyway, unless you pay for a complere flush job at a shop using the machine. Its not cheap either. If you want to do it, just plan on a flush job about every 50,000 miles regardelss of the amount of time and you will do the best that can be done.

bradrhale · 06-09-2009, 09:57 AM

dont make fun of those so called antiques. i own 2 and have ended up breaking one. have found that if you cant make the fastener come out, that will. great for removing TapCons.

summit · 06-09-2009, 10:10 AM

Ok one more quick question. I swear that Lucas tranny treatment has extended the life of the R400 in my k1500. What do you think about using it on the 4L60e as a preventative measure?

gmctrucks · 06-09-2009, 10:25 AM

I would add a Lucas the stuff is super and here is a list that might help you. Also while there check to see what else you can add to make it more heavy duty.

The Beast Sun Shell, Parts Accessories, Car Truck Parts - buy and sell on eBay Motors

eBay Store: Search results for CT POWERTRAIN PRODUCTS.

Sneakysportsman · 06-15-2009, 05:00 AM

On the trans fluid consider this, ALL engine manufatures reccomend that you do not use Synthetic oil in the first 50 hrs of an engines life. It works so well that rings will not seat. It has now become a standard in hydrostatic heavy duty trans, Tractors, dozers and so on. But there is only one factory recommended oil and that is Mobil 1.
I know it is expensive, however, non synthetic fluid as it gets hot it gets sticky thus eliminating friction in the clutch packs. Good for older trans. Bad for lubrication.

I just replaced the trans in my Z71. It just spit out a custom built one, the guy wouldn't warranty it. No-Problem. I bought a GM Goodwrench with about 28k on it and used the synthetic on it because I know from exp the true results and benifits.

I have a Kohler 26hp v twin that I picked up from one of my recent customers. It has over 2700hrs and when I pulled the oil pan, .003 play on the rods( factory build specs) still has a faint sign of the crosshatches in the cyls. I have serviced this motor since it was new 4yrs ago. It has run on synthetic oil for those 4yrs. Food for thought.

summit · 06-15-2009, 03:57 PM

Thanks sneaky, I'm also a big fan of synthetics. What do you think about royal purple? I believe they make a synthetic tranny fluid. Would you use the lucas with the synthetic fluid? I changed the fluid but was thinking of a second change since you only get part of the fluid out anyway and was going to add the lucas. If I go synthetic it will be mixing with the fluid that stays in the torque converter and cooler when you do the drain. I can't imagine any problems with mixing. What do you think?

Sneakysportsman · 06-16-2009, 04:20 AM

On a fluid change like that you wouldn't need the Lucas with the Synthetics. If you want it ALL changed take it somewhere that it can be completely vaccumed and flushed. This will remove ALL the fluid and replace with new. Never used Royal Purple, but I do know it is used in Over the road trucks alot.

06-09-2009, 09:22 AM	#1
summit Full Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 37	4L60e Sun Shell Recently purchased a 2000 1500 5.3 4L60e (tow haul pkg) 99,820 km - excellent shape for the year. A bit of a risky purchase as it did haul a holiday trailer a bit. Not sure how large the trailer was. I have some experience with gm tranys 89 G2500 van 230,000 km - 3 tranys 90 1500 5.0 418,000 km - 2 tranys. These trucks have the R400 so its a different beast but from reviewing the forums it appears gm still has not figured out how to build a strong trany (at least that they are willing to put in their 1/2 tons). From the info on this forum it appears the "Sun Shell" is the weak link in the 4L60e. This truck is in real nice shape with no indication of any problems. I am working on it before putting it on the road. All filters and fluids changed, brakes serviced (replaced rears) and anything else I can find that needs work. Question is, can the "Sun Shell" be changed with the trany in the truck? Is it worth doing without any indication of problems? Is there a replacement that is stronger than the origional? Thanks for the help.

06-09-2009, 09:34 AM	#2
hotrodpc Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: OK Posts: 6,935	Nope, Nope and Yep !!! No, the trans has to come out, No, it is not feasible to change out until it breaks. And yes, Sonnax makes a upgraded stronger unit, reffered to as "The Beast" Usually about $70 or so. __________________ *Winners NEVER Quit , Quitters NEVER Win !!!*

06-09-2009, 09:55 AM	#4
hotrodpc Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: OK Posts: 6,935	Ahh yes, I have used one of those old antiquated type hit it with a hammer type jobs. The work most of the time believe it or not. You are not changing most of the fliud anyway, unless you pay for a complere flush job at a shop using the machine. Its not cheap either. If you want to do it, just plan on a flush job about every 50,000 miles regardelss of the amount of time and you will do the best that can be done. __________________ *Winners NEVER Quit , Quitters NEVER Win !!!*

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Sleeper topper 1/4 camper shell for sale	Lonesome7.3	Truck Classifieds	4	01-10-2009 10:29 PM
4l60e	buellbailey3	Chevy Truck Forum	3	10-26-2008 10:13 AM
Hello + Legacy Shell question	SierraBoy06	Introductions	0	06-25-2007 04:42 PM
Seats and canopy (camper shell) for sale	joe511s	Truck Classifieds	10	09-06-2006 12:15 AM
Need help for a new grille shell	Beaver3000	GMC Truck Forum	5	07-13-2005 12:42 PM

06-09-2009, 09:50 AM	#3
summit Full Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 37	Thanks hotrodpc. Guess I'll just change the fluid lots and keep my fingers crossed. Had a ***** of a time removing the drain plug from the pan. Solved with some heat and a impact driver, a screw driver type tool that turns when you hit it with a hammer. Bought this thing 30 yrs ago and its removed many a stubborn screw and bolt. Anyway like the idea of a drain plug on the tranny and was thinking of yearly fluid changes and bi yearly fluid and filter changes. Fingers crossed. Thanks again for the info.

06-09-2009, 09:57 AM	#5
bradrhale Senior Moderator Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 9,558	dont make fun of those so called antiques. i own 2 and have ended up breaking one. have found that if you cant make the fastener come out, that will. great for removing TapCons.

06-09-2009, 10:10 AM	#6
summit Full Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 37	Ok one more quick question. I swear that Lucas tranny treatment has extended the life of the R400 in my k1500. What do you think about using it on the 4L60e as a preventative measure?

06-09-2009, 10:25 AM	#7
gmctrucks Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Houston,Texas Posts: 4,645	I would add a Lucas the stuff is super and here is a list that might help you. Also while there check to see what else you can add to make it more heavy duty. The Beast Sun Shell, Parts Accessories, Car Truck Parts - buy and sell on eBay Motors eBay Store: Search results for CT POWERTRAIN PRODUCTS.

06-15-2009, 05:00 AM	#8
Sneakysportsman Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 299	On the trans fluid consider this, ALL engine manufatures reccomend that you do not use Synthetic oil in the first 50 hrs of an engines life. It works so well that rings will not seat. It has now become a standard in hydrostatic heavy duty trans, Tractors, dozers and so on. But there is only one factory recommended oil and that is Mobil 1. I know it is expensive, however, non synthetic fluid as it gets hot it gets sticky thus eliminating friction in the clutch packs. Good for older trans. Bad for lubrication. I just replaced the trans in my Z71. It just spit out a custom built one, the guy wouldn't warranty it. No-Problem. I bought a GM Goodwrench with about 28k on it and used the synthetic on it because I know from exp the true results and benifits. I have a Kohler 26hp v twin that I picked up from one of my recent customers. It has over 2700hrs and when I pulled the oil pan, .003 play on the rods( factory build specs) still has a faint sign of the crosshatches in the cyls. I have serviced this motor since it was new 4yrs ago. It has run on synthetic oil for those 4yrs. Food for thought.

06-15-2009, 03:57 PM	#9
summit Full Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 37	Thanks sneaky, I'm also a big fan of synthetics. What do you think about royal purple? I believe they make a synthetic tranny fluid. Would you use the lucas with the synthetic fluid? I changed the fluid but was thinking of a second change since you only get part of the fluid out anyway and was going to add the lucas. If I go synthetic it will be mixing with the fluid that stays in the torque converter and cooler when you do the drain. I can't imagine any problems with mixing. What do you think?

06-16-2009, 04:20 AM	#10
Sneakysportsman Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 299	On a fluid change like that you wouldn't need the Lucas with the Synthetics. If you want it ALL changed take it somewhere that it can be completely vaccumed and flushed. This will remove ALL the fluid and replace with new. Never used Royal Purple, but I do know it is used in Over the road trucks alot.