BULLETPROOF 4L60E build in HOME GARAGE!!

Alright everybody, we've all heard it "the 4l60 is weak" "they can't handle power" "save yourself the headache and get a 4l80" "they're made of glass"
We're going to build a 4L60 to handle 500 to 600 horsepower and some nitrous!! Follow along as I show you what to improve inside the transmission and how to make these things into a fun, power capable, bruiser of a transmission!
Grab Some Gear! - mohawk-motors.creator-spring.com
TRANSMISSION PARTS
ATSG 4l60e Manual
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
ATSG 4l60e Supplement manual
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
BEAST Sun Gear Shell
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
3rd&4th gear Z-Pack
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08...
Transgo HD@ Shift kit for 4l60e
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
Transgo Shift Correction Kit
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
Aluminum Forward Accumulator Piston
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06...
Alto Extra Wide Band
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
Deluxe Level 2 Rebuild Kit
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
Aluminum 1-2 Accumulator Piston
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08...
Delrin Check Balls
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
Harness and Solenoid Set
transpartsnow.com/solenoid-se...
TOOLS
Overrun Clutch inner Lip Seal Installer
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
Input Drum Clutch Spring Compressor
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08...
Stator Shaft Seal Installer And Sizer
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08...
Low Reverse Clutch Spring Compressor
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
Input Shaft Seal Installer and Resizer
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09...
Instagram - Mohawk.Motors
Facebook - / mohawk-motors-10726031...
Grab Some Gear! - mohawk-motors.creator-spring.com

[@therealjackieheezy]

i just did a rebuild on a 70e with pretty much the same parts, my suggestion to anyone doing this the first time would be to use the wavy plate in the reverse clutch pack (just stick to the script) and DO NOT reuse the old input drum if you and putting a wider band on (get a new drum) also, it is also worth mentioning there are a couple of spring cages that you WILL NOT be able to remove without the specialty tool to do it i suggest buying that tool (or make one) before you try to do this

[@MohawkMotors]

great advice!

[@jamesgeorge4874]

4L60 is good for about 350 hp/380 ft/lbs, for a reasonable life in a truck, a little more in a lighter car. Keeping the MAF sensor clean is the #1 thing with a 4L60E, underreported load will cause the PCM to reduce line pressure, and the 3/4 clutches will go up in smoke, seen it dozens of times, the shop I worked at would have you sign a disclaimer if you ran a "cold air" intake with an oiled element.

[@MohawkMotors]

good information! Thank you!

[@michaelkrenkel557]

Perfomabuilt builds them for 1000hp. Obviously stock though like you said

[@jamesgeorge4874]

@@michaelkrenkel557 , I worked at a transmission / driveline specialist, the rule was a 4L60 was good to 400 Hp / 400 ft/lbs in a 4000 lb vehicle. All the 5 pinion planets, Sonnax smart drum stuff will last for a while but in something with mass, it's not that tough. Honestly, tell me you've heard about it. The 2004R is tougher. GM spec'ed it instead of the 700R4 in the Grand National... 500 HP /500 FT is Turbo 400 / 4L80 territory. Or 6L80 / 6L90 / T400 world.

[@colin8532]

Well, off to Amazon I go to buy me some new tools! Can't wait for the next video, and of course the first test run! Thanks Jason, another great video!

[@MohawkMotors]

lol, always love an excuse to buy new tools! I can't wait to drive it!

[@RJ-qx6zg]

Hey Jason another well done video. I like that you point out your misstates and corrections. I may want to try my hand at this. It''s great help that you included tools you have and also a parts list. Thanks again for all your help on my build.

[@MohawkMotors]

Thank you!! No problem, glad to help out!!

[@colin8532]

Woohoo, wasn't expecting this video so soon! YES!

[@MohawkMotors]

Enjoy!!!

[@ab_customz_llc]

Hey bro, I sub'd just because I like the thoroughness of your video and becuase you take the time to supply links to everything you used. Nice work...BTW, this is the first video of yours that I've watched. I'm sure I'll be checking out more in the future.

[@MohawkMotors]

Thank you Anthony! I appreciate you subscribing also!! Glad you found it helpful, hopefully you enjoy more of my videos also!

[@glenndebonis508]

Great video! Definitely need a Mohawk Motors T-Shirt!

[@MohawkMotors]

Thanks Glenn!! I have a couple options and working on some more as I type this! Here's the link to the store! mohawk-motors.creator-spring.com/

[@bamf5549]

Thanks making this video brother

[@MohawkMotors]

No problem!!

[@2drsdan]

Love the occasional mouse running by behind you.

[@MohawkMotors]

Seriously? I never noticed, going to rewatch and look out for them now!

[@bobhoffman5581]

Young man, (you are to me, @ 66! lol) I see that your workspace (garage) seems a bit "cluttered," but it shows me that you're likely a very busy guy! Home type builds of any type are good to be able to view. After a 30 year career at "Generous Motors," at Hydramatic, (later called GM Powertrain, Ypsilanti plant) and 16 years into retirement, I finally have a place to do such work, myself. Seeing your channel on YT, among others, I'm getting the idea to start rebuilding automatic transmissions, engines, and Ford 9" 3rd members, to sell to the public. I've also had the idea to have my own YT channel; extra sources of income while living on a "fixed" income will help me succeed in other endeavors that I have mapped out. Thank you also, for showing us your "errors," as that will help other do-it-yourself types, like me! Last thing--Precision Transmissions and Automatic Transmissions are two YT channels, well established, that you can learn from. The latter channel I mentioned here was the first channel pertaining to transmissions I saw on YT, and he shows both teardowns and total rebuilds. Just wanted to mention these to you because like me, you seem to be the type who is always seeking knowledge you don't yet have-just subscribed, and I'm looking forward to viewing all of your videos! Later...

[@MohawkMotors]

Hey Bob, thank you so much for the kind words, subscription, and watching my videos! Rebuilding transmissions and differentials could certainly be a good additional stream of revenue. One thing I have noticed in my area, is very few transmission shops are willing to do bench rebuilds where the customer can bring their transmission already removed from the vehicle to be worked on, that could be niche to fill. I do try to show my errors and what I learn as much as possible to help others avoid making the same mistakes. I do watch precision transmission's videos and have watched a few of Automatic Transmissions videos as well, both are very informative and obviously have many years of experience to share, which I try to absorb as much as I can. Thank you again and good luck! If you do start making some youtube videos please share them!

[@pmotorsports8276]

@@MohawkMotors I sale used transmissions. You would be surprised how many people Break the pump on installation

[@stompinmcallister1312]

Be careful if you have not gone down the Bench rebuilding path , leaves it open for lots of issues. And there are many of these types out there . Richard at precision can tell you about the bench rebuild issue. Not saying not to do it just be careful too many people want something for nothing or not pay what the job is worth.

[@longlivechina7538]

Your my hero

[@MohawkMotors]

lol, thanks!

[@jameslopes2607]

Love to see that PFI speed shirt 😎😎 thanks for the awesome info !!

[@MohawkMotors]

No problem 👍, love those guys, hope to meet Brent some day

[@hardball107]

Great video and detail, can't wait for the next installment. I've done TH350's 400's and 727's since the 80's but I'm getting ready to do my first 4L60 and convert it from 4x4 to 2wd, looks pretty straightforward. I notice you don't soak your frictions or lube anything that slides or rotates. Any reason ?

[@MohawkMotors]

Thank you! Nice, 4l60 shouldn't give you any problems with the experience you already have and the 4x4 to 2wd conversion is pretty simple. In transmissions I'm building for myself i don't soak the frictions, simply because it makes assembly less messy. I will be in control of the install an start up procedure so I'm not worried about the transmission being installed and then driven before enough fluid has been circulated to properly lubricate everything. Typically when I assemble a transmission dry like this, I'll let the vehicle idle and run it through all ranges several times over an hour or so before I try to move or drive the vehicle. That way everything gets plenty of lubrication before there is ever any real load on the clutches or bands.

[@james10739]

It would be nice if the supplemental one they could have juat done a reprint with everything so you just need 1

[@MohawkMotors]

Yes it would have!

[@SingleCabCrew]

Perfect for a cam/3200stall 5.3

[@MohawkMotors]

Would be great for that combo!

[@user-ju2qx8rz4s]

I like to take my ambiandand trip out on you and your videos 😮

[@MohawkMotors]

lol, that actually sounds really fun! Thanks for watching!

[@Mcdashiznit]

yessir

[@MohawkMotors]

Thanks for watching!

[@vmxitaryan]

Hello I am repairing my tahoe transmission(4l60e), changed lots of parts to new, it goes smoothly to N,P,R,1,2, everything works amazing, except D is not working, you can go to D while driving only, can you help with that? Did you have such problem? Thanks

[@MohawkMotors]

There's a number of issues you could be having, bad solenoid, sprag installed backwards, leaking lip seal, without being able to diagnose in person, there' no way for me to tell you what the problem is. Anything I suggest would just be a wild guess

[@james10739]

I see you have a transmission Playlist but this does not appear to be there i was just trying to find the other videos

[@MohawkMotors]

You're right! Thank you for pointing that out to me, just added it to the transmissions playlist.

[@formulacam]

hey so i finished up the swap with my v6. when i went to turn the key in the ignition the gauges lit up, i heard some clicking on the passenger side but it wouldn’t turn. after playing with battery cable, grounds, and starter i turned the key again and heard a little pop sound and now there’s no power to the gauges (back light comes on but nothing else) , hvac, and locks. fuses were good. any ideas on what fried or blew? do you think it was the ecu or bcm that went out?

[@MohawkMotors]

I would start by double and triple checking to make sure you didn't accidentally get a ground wire connected to the positive supply somewhere. Make sure you checked all the fuse locations also, there is a panel to the left of the cluster that is covered when the driver door closes and the underhood panels. Unless you hooked a PCM or BCM ground to positive power it's very unlikely that you hurt one of them.

[@formulacam]

@@MohawkMotors so it turns out it was a fuse blown and a ground i forgot to connect. i got it to turn now but now my fuel rails are leaking. i still call this progress

[@MohawkMotors]

AWESOME!!!! glad it was just a blown fuse and a ground not connected! Leaking fuel rails is a common occurrence, I've dealt with it a few times myself. Definitely progress! Keep me updated!!

[@-BackyardShenanigans-]

Would it handle 600rwhp? If so what parts to do so? I have a older 60e 4x4 that I got for 50$ and figured I’d just build out the trans

[@MohawkMotors]

It could handle 600whp in something really light, I'd say under 2700lbs. Even in a light vehicle you're going to need to upgrade some of the internal parts, billet input shaft, billet output shaft, the best sprags you can get, billet sprag cages, etc. 600whp is where the cost to durability ratio really starts to swing in the favor of a 4l80e. In the same vehicle you could put a junkyard 4l80e in it and be just fine.

[@jaket.9193]

is all this still applicable to a 1995 4L60E from a 1995 K1500? I know its a weird one- off year for this transmission.

[@MohawkMotors]

The hard parts and mechanical pieces are the same, it's the electronics in 1995 that are werid. You could still do all the same upgrades to the clutches, sun gear shell, etc.

[@jaywestfall3439]

Would this OK to use in stop and go traffic like during the commute to the office?

[@MohawkMotors]

Yeah, as long as you have a sufficient transmission cooler, stop and go traffic won't hurt anything.

[@jaywestfall3439]

@@MohawkMotors I do. Its the Long large one for 40K tow load.

[@cailcampbell5890]

Where did you get the transmission jig? I've been looking for one. They are not easy to get.

[@MohawkMotors]

Amazon. www.amazon.com/Transmission-Holding-Fixture-Including-J-8763-B/dp/B07S34968Q/ref=sr_1_1?crid=AO2T6QDSCS5X&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.gHTKnUB7BTLs-x97_ogKbLwyqf1Mup_ETNDA8MkphZjm3CIL6gDi4RqWq_TvzTpJmbPQTbwDXZfBpyC3Mf69U_VqGrVAp0qUVNQSlCHT9mHEcDxJVnEx50VZ8kDPJEa7mD9EaaUdiCvRsLg0TszT9k4rChTVvIKP3uoGOA6iTltp6UfV65eGOWStbLLAB6pjom7He_lbK84099nppAmeVN8n8qAgmjInAHNwrSPxkZE.nO0V1r28a2w3rUXo-P51qQUpCqamMymozZM5zwjEkVQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=transmission+bench+bracket&qid=1711325044&sprefix=transmission+bench+bracket%2Caps%2C103&sr=8-1

[@cailcampbell5890]

@@MohawkMotors Thank you very much.

[@angel4dead631]

Hey love your videos lots of info. I feel confident enough to try and rebuild my 4L60e never done it before would you recommend this or am I over my head?

[@MohawkMotors]

Thank you!!! I say go for it, if you get the manual, it really is as simple as reading and following the instructions, it tells you how to disassemble and re-assemble in detail. IT makes it wayyyyy easier to buy the spring compressors and seal install/resize tools but can be done without as well. You can do it!

[@angel4dead631]

@@MohawkMotors thanks sorry for the double message it said the first one didn’t go through. I got a donor for my obs Chevy swap but didn’t check the transmission out like a dummy before taking it out. It was a crashed Tahoe I know the engine is good.

[@MohawkMotors]

No problem! Bummer you forgot to check but now you have an excuse to open it up and if nothing else, correct the weak links like the sun gear shell.

[@angel4dead631]

@@MohawkMotors ya it sounds fun to me anyways!

[@garrettwilburn4861]

What year is this tranny. I'm looking to rebuild a 93 K case 4l60e

[@lscbdormantgod5793]

hi my transmission is failling and i would like to rebuild it mine is for a 2007 chevy 1500 classic 4.8l will all this parts fit my transmission?

[@MohawkMotors]

yes all the hard parts will fit, your's may have a different harness to include the input shaft speed sensor, you will have to check to see if your transmission has it or not.

[@lscbdormantgod5793]

@@MohawkMotors thanks i appreciate you taking the time to respond great content by the way

[@RJ-qx6zg]

Do you have a recommendation/ list parts for a 300hp to 500hp build?

[@MohawkMotors]

Yeah I think I put it in the description Beast Sun Gear Shell AT LEAST a level 2 rebuild kit with bonded pistons 29 element dual cage forward sprag Corvette Servo Extra Wide band Transgo HD2 shift kit 13 vane pump rebuild kit

[@bobhoffman5581]

@@MohawkMotors Beast Sun Shell isn't necessary, and it adds unwanted weight to the reciprocating assembly. Sonnax makes a very good piece, (Smart Shell) without all of that extra weight, fyi...

[@MohawkMotors]

@@bobhoffman5581 I didn't know about the smart shell, I'll try that out in the next 4l60e I build, Thank you for the tip!

[@lewisfoltz6306]

What is the maximum hp and tq a 4l60e 4l65e can handle? Built properly of course.

[@matermark]

Did you record the higher pressure springs at all?

[@MohawkMotors]

What do you mean record?

[@matermark]

@@MohawkMotors did you record (get it on video) the springs that go on that spring cluster assembly? I don't recall if you replace the springs on the overrun clutch springs or which, but I think there are at least 22 alike springs that replace stock springs on the cluster.

[@MohawkMotors]

Ohhhhhh, the return springs for the clutch piston. I didn't record that since it's so straight forward, just take the old ones off and put the new ones on. I did do it though.

[@axellyman1947]

How much power do u think this can handle when done? Could this work for turbo build?

[@MohawkMotors]

Would depend on the weight of the vehicle, and what exactly you're going to do with it. I would say in something light, like a single cab short bed pickup on street tires it would handle 450 to 500hp for a long time. The more power you're putting through it, heavier vehicle, or stickier tire, the less life it would have. I do think you would start breaking hard parts like input shaft, sprag, or output shaft before you had clutch failure in this transmission.

[@joshuamorris8865]

@@MohawkMotorslet’s say a 3,300lb car. how much would you estimate it could handle? what upgrades would you make part wise to handle say 750hp?

[@MohawkMotors]

@@joshuamorris8865 a 3300lb car with 750 horsepower you're going to be really at the physical limits of a 4L60/65/70, you would need all billet shafts, rollerize all the thrust surfaces, etc. at that power level, and if you can get good traction, unless there's a reason that you really want or need to stay with the 4l60/65/70 transmission, you could get a lot more reliability at a much lower cost by switching to a 4l80

[@joshuamorris8865]

@@MohawkMotors thank you i appreciate it

[@TBD3.0]

Congratulations on your build.... I hope it met all of your expectations. Mahalo from CommieFornia aka California USA🇺🇸 TBD3.0(Toothless Bull Dog 3.0)

[@MohawkMotors]

Thank you! It's been performing great for over a year now! I'm very happy with it! Thanks for watching!

[@pjl1919]

Are you not required to preoil the clutch packs ?

[@MohawkMotors]

It's not a requirement. I talked about this in one of my other transmission build videos. The important thing is for the clutch packs to be wet before you try to actually drive the vehicle. Once you start the engine, the transmission is immediately circulating fluid all through itself, it only take a few seconds of idle time to get everything inside the transmission, including the clutches, lubricated with transmission fluid. On transmissions that I will be doing the installation, I just install the clutches dry and let the vehicle idle for a few minutes before I drive it and have never had a problem. It saves on mess during assembly.

[@pjl1919]

@@MohawkMotors thanks for the info !!!

[@SeymourBalz]

Had to go back, because of shift kit ? This the first one you've done ???

[@MohawkMotors]

First one I've done exactly this way. I've done I don't know how many stock rebuilds, lots of shift kits, but first time using this many non stock parts in the same build. Plus I don't do them often enough to have everything memorized, sometimes I forget a step.

[@GearTechPerformance]

How's this trans holding up

[@MohawkMotors]

Very well!! getting close to my first fluid service on it (20,000mi) but fluid looks and smells good, and its still performing flawlessly!

[@that-pixel_guy7636]

Ballpark price range to tackle something like this?

[@MohawkMotors]

If you can get a core with no damaged hard parts, buy the upgrade parts, and do all the work yourself, $700 to $800

[@Joshskinner352]

What about if you have your own core

[@24thesilver]

He means if you have a core already

[@nfpspointblank8023]

@@Joshskinner352 no that’s with the core included the complete super rebuild kit. We’re only running in between 200 and $400.

[@james10739]

No that case is still aluminum an fmj is going right thru it

[@MohawkMotors]

Yes, if you get it going fast enough it will.

[@juanbueno7105]

jason where are you guys located???????????

[@MohawkMotors]

Near Frederick Maryland

[@taliaperkins1389]

11:11 Even moreso than the 3-4 clutches?

[@MohawkMotors]

What do you mean? The upgraded sungear shell? Extremely common failure point in the 4l60, 4l65, 4l70 transmissions, probably close to the same number of failures as the 3-4 clutches in my experience.

[@jacktrippa843]

How much would you charge for a build Iike that???

[@MohawkMotors]

Transmission can vary a lot because you don't know what condition the internal components are in until you take it apart. Even a working transmission can have parts in it that are worn to the point that they should not be re-installed. A build like this would range from $1500 to $3000 depending on what I find inside the transmission.

[@jacktrippa843]

WHAT'S your contact info

[@thatt.s550]

Do you happen to know total cost with tools and parts?

[@MohawkMotors]

Tools and parts I spent about $900, It might cost more if you find damaged parts in your core transmission, and I already had the 5 pinion planetary gear sets

[@JoshDavies111]

@@MohawkMotors is it a bad idea to drill your own holes in the steels. Strange that the ones from the kit don't have holes

[@robertd6925]

Are there any physical differences between the different models? Is it just the various upgrades? I want to pick up a used one for my 2003 astro. Build it. Then swap it with the original. Thanks

[@MohawkMotors]

There are some physical differences inside the 4l60e as GM improved the design over the years. For your 2003 astro, any 01 to 06 4l60e that came from a v6 or v8 powered vehicle would be equivalent.

[@shawnbystrom7265]

Pfi baby

[@MohawkMotors]

Love those guys, hope to meet them one day!

[@Crodgers88]

How much power can it hold

[@MohawkMotors]

Should hold 450hp without any problems. Would handle more in a lighter vehicle or something with less traction. Power going into a transmission isn't the only factor.

[@Crodgers88]

@@MohawkMotors I'm gonna need it to hold more than that for it to be indestructible. My cam swap Camaro will destroy that pretty quickly. Especially running a 9" with et streets lol

[@MohawkMotors]

If you're making more than 450hp and running 9" street slicks, or really any kind of sticky tire, you'll be time and money ahead to upgrade to a 4l80

[@Crodgers88]

@@MohawkMotors I was just curious my friends running a performa built 4l60 and he running same rear end etc and he's been in mid 10's with no issues. I just want overdrive back th400 going 65-70 on a back road with a 3.70 rear gear has me screaming at 3400

[@jlrockafella]

Why edit ? You should have shown the whole process so we could learn from you instead of buying a damn book🙄

[@MohawkMotors]

Because it would be a 6 hour long video and you wouldn't watch it anyway. It takes me 5 to 6 hours to put a transmission together if EVERYTHING measures in spec the first time and I'm not doing any modifications at all. It's closer to 8 hours assembly time on a transmission with this many upgrades. The average view duration on my videos is 18%. It wouldn't make any sense for me to make a video showing the entire process and then you have to search through 6 to 8 hours of footage, that is mostly boring AF for the few bits of information you need. Just buy the book or go borrow it from the local library if you don't want to buy it.

[@freighttrainjoe]

I would watch the full video even if it was 8 hours long. Because it's better than cable TV I can learn something. Thank you for the videos.

[@NDLOutdoors]

@@MohawkMotorsI would watch every second of it! That’s the content we want!!

[@larryoilund3377]

why build junk?

[@MohawkMotors]

to upset the haters