How to Install a 4L80E into 1967-72 Chevy C10 / C20 Trucks

Overview on how to swap a 4L80E into a 1971 C20 pickup. Excellent upgrade that will make your truck more useful, enjoyable, and fuel efficient.
Notes:
1. Offset Pioneer Transmission Mount - p/n 622817 for 94-00 C2500/3500 truck
2. Mechanical Speedometer Drive Conversion - T56CableSpeedometer.com
3. 1-7/8 x 1/16 THK Floor Grommet
4. Drive Shaft Slip Yoke (4L80E) - Neapco N2-3-10431X
5. TCI EZ-TCU Automatic Transmission Controller 302820

[@HootOwl513]

Some coincidences: My name is Brian. I have a '68 C/10 Stepside shortbed in 516 Orange. I also run 235/85/16 tires.

[@GE-ro2qn]

Just found this, thank you for being so thorough.

[@BriansGarageUSA]

Glad to help!

[@naradloff]

I'm about to do a TH350 to 4L80e swap and this answered a lot of my questions. Especially about the flexplate. Thank you very much for your video!

[@BriansGarageUSA]

Right on!

[@odinslockllc]

I’m getting ready to do this from a sm465 to a 4l80e in my 74 gmc Stepvan. Thanks for the tips!

[@mikewilliams9819]

Great video… I have a 71 C20 Big Block 402 TH400 4:10 gears… I am considering my over drive options and this video was very helpful in helping me decide. Thanks

[@BriansGarageUSA]

Glad it was helpful!

[@BBBILLY86]

Great video. Going to use as a plan for my 70 Nova.

[@augienajera642]

Awesome info!!! Been looking for some good guidance with this type of install, and your video just answered all my questions!!!! Thanks!!!!

[@BriansGarageUSA]

Great to hear!

[@cariodelgado742]

Excellent video

[@pmotorsports8276]

You can take the gear selector shaft from early 4L80E's. For shift rod 3/8 rod from homedepot

[@BriansGarageUSA]

That's a good tip about the piece between the transmission shift shaft and frame bracket. Will save some time! I used a bolt since I had one in my bolt bin, but 3/8 mild rod from the box store would work very well too! Thanks for the great comments!

[@alexcervantes2478]

Good video

[@hdrolling]

You said its a low hump but looking inside your cab that looks like a high hump, at least its much higher than my 72 C10s low hump.

[@BriansGarageUSA]

Yes, low hump with high hump carpet. This provided a space to route everything, but you could probably use low hump carpet and it would simply have some lumps from the cable and wires. I cut a piece of sofa cushion to take up the extra room and make it appear normal.

[@clintmcree5822]

So if I understand you correctly the automatic transmission controller will make the trans shift and works with out ecm

[@BriansGarageUSA]

Yes sir, that's how it works.

[@geraldmcmaine1581]

You dont remember your source for the transmission fittings?wanting to use the metal lines as well,all I can find are AN style,my rear fitting has the long port as well,appreciate the video.Thanks.

[@BriansGarageUSA]

I'll have to look through my receipts. If I find it, I'll post it in the video description.

[@josephstocklas7429]

Yes what is the part number for the tcu controller. The ones on the website are not available.

[@BriansGarageUSA]

TCI EZ-TCU Automatic Transmission Controllers 302820

[@Sryofcrv1]

Hey Brian, I have a 2wd 4l80e that I'm swapping into my 71 C10 with a turbo 5.3 LS, do I need the EZ-tcu controller if I have the 5.3 and 4l80e harness? I'm going to have a flashed PCM as well but I didn't think I'd need the controller if I had the harness and maybe a flashed pcm. I just pulled out and sold my turbo 400 trans and 355 small block, I'm starting to hope that I didn't need to keep that th400.. but I really wanted overdrive since I'm doing a turbo build in it. Everyone on the c10 pages said the th400 screamed way too high at cruising speed on the highway and they hated it, so I opted to buy something with overdrive right away... Also, do you think I'll have to modify the shift linkage if I already have a th400 in my truck? the 4l80 is pretty much the same other than a bit longer.

[@BriansGarageUSA]

If it is a PCM it controls the transmission as well. Will run a 4L6XE or 4L80E. You should consider buying the software and credits to modify the program yourself for small changes like axle ratio or tire diameter. You'll also be able to change points and firmness relative to throttle position. It is best to use factory stuff if you can make it work since it is most reliable. That said, the factory PCM is not setup for boost PWM solenoids, boost per gear, etc. If you want these features, you might have to go aftermarket.

[@rogerleary8603]

What computer and TPS did u use to control the transmission? Im lookimg to do the same on my 1985 GMC 3500. Thanks. It's very helpful

[@BriansGarageUSA]

EZ TCU from TCI. It's made by Fuel Air Spark Technology (FAST), but TCI puts their brand name on it. Works great, but mount it in the cab away from heat. If it overheats, it won't shift out of second and often times will leave the converter locked at a stop, thus killing the engine.

[@geraldmcmaine1581]

The rear mount is offset?Did you remember what application?Thank.

[@BriansGarageUSA]

Yes it is. Thanks for reminding me. I've posted the part number in the description (Pioneer 622817).

[@bluecollarhotrods9781]

Doesn't look like you had to trim the lip where the firewall meets the floor pan to clear the bellhousing. Had a few people tell me that I would need to. Which is silly, considering that some of these trucks had a TH400 factory. (Same girth in the bellhousing area to the 4L80E) I'm in the process of installing a 5.3L and 4L80E in a customer's factory 2WD 1972 GMC Jimmy.

[@BriansGarageUSA]

Some of the LS mounts will move the bellhousing face back farther than the original location. That could have been the issue.

[@alexcervantes2478]

Need help installing my ez tcu on my truck 95 gmc with 4l80e and carb ls swap

[@BriansGarageUSA]

Since you are going carb with ignition controller, the Trans Control Unit will be stand alone just like on my truck. The only difference I imagine will be that your MSD ignition will likely not need the signal module I had to install between the HEI and computer. I assume MSD has a pin already setup with the proper signal conditioning. Best to read up on it yourself to be sure.

[@cariodelgado742]

Can you help me I have 1990 Chevy 454 and want to install 4l80 I will like to install now my truck is carburetor what parts I need to make this happen

[@BriansGarageUSA]

A 1990 is a bit different than a 1971, but I'd guess most of the same parts I used will work on your swap.

[@clintmcree5822]

I see you have fix it for speed o cable how you fix that sir

[@BriansGarageUSA]

Converted by T56speedometer.com

[@pureaggressionmotorsports]

Is that a 400 driveshaft or a th350 driveshaft I was wondering which slip yoke would work on the 4l80

[@BriansGarageUSA]

Yes, TH400 slip yoke. Bigger spline than TH350/4L65.

[@straighttimestirrups]

Part number for the controller?

[@ivanchavarriajr8026]

@Brians Garage so you used the th400 torque converter and 6 bolt flex plate? Thanks

[@BriansGarageUSA]

Just opposite of that. I used the factory 4L80E converter along with a 168T flexplate. The flexplate was designed for mate up to TH400 and so only has 3 bolt holes. 3 of the 6 bolts holes in the converter are not used. Does that make sense?

[@ivanchavarriajr8026]

@@BriansGarageUSA got it ok thank you

[@michaelbiltjinitis6519]

What's your mpg I was thinking of doing this to my 72 c20

[@BriansGarageUSA]

I get high 16 mpg at 75-80 mph, and low 17 at 65-70. Slowing it down a bit makes a big difference due to the aerodynamic drag. Keep in mind, this is with a 383, 4.10 gears and 235/85R16 tires.

[@michaelbiltjinitis6519]

@Brian's Garage love it 😀

[@ryanweaver5867]

What trans was in the truck? TH400?

[@BriansGarageUSA]

TH350 was OE

[@gerardolopez5875]

Is it an 01-05 4l80e?? Running with carburetor?? What kind of controller u have?

[@BriansGarageUSA]

It is a 2001, q-jet carb, EZ TCU

[@cariodelgado742]

Where you located