Expected transmission life span

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

EfiniMotorsport

Full Access Member
Joined
Aug 28, 2017
Posts
173
Reaction score
115
Does anyone have a ball park idea on the expected life span of the 4L65 tranny? I'm at 108k and a buddy of mine that rebuilds transmissions says it's usually about 100-110k. I don't know if that's the life span of the ones he sees or if that's about all they last.
 

M1Gunner

Full Access Member
Joined
Feb 7, 2015
Posts
1,078
Reaction score
1,233
Location
Gainesville, Fl
I’m at 125k and runnin strong. Beat the piss out of it and am also runnin 37’s with 5.13 gears on the original tranny.
 

Doubeleive

Wes
Supporting Member
Joined
Nov 7, 2017
Posts
23,423
Reaction score
34,052
Location
Stockton, Ca.
I straight broke mine at least 3 times, I recommend not flooring it like your trying to escape the depths of hell with a pitbull nipping at your ass constantly. I think the first time it was in the 90k range, put a factory one in it lasted for just over the year warranty broke it, had it rebuilt cheap it didn't last even a year again broke it, I also broke the rear end 3 times, transfer case twice. finally put a eaton Detroit in the rear end then I just ate the bearings up but it didn't break again, got a transfer case from powertrain products it was good no problems, had the transmission rebuilt right but I still blew the manifold seal after that is lasted a couple years and I broke it again and it would just roll in park. since then I've calmed down a bit all that stuff cost's money lol, now I just break tools and buy a warranty it's cheaper.
 

adventurenali92

Full Access Member
Joined
Feb 16, 2015
Posts
7,219
Reaction score
8,299
Location
Big Bear Lake, ca
I my factory 4L65E died at 86k. Was a sad day.... had it rebuilt by a shop that is pretty decent. In February around 95k on the odometer, a valve failed and wouldn’t allow me to manually downshift from drive to third, and so on. He replaced the valve and refilled fluid under my trans warranty, and it’s been fine since. I’m now just over 106 on the clock and it runs great. It really all depends on how you keep your transmission maintained. After losing mine so early I watch my fluid like a howl. Always making sure the right level amount is in the trans and will have it serviced regularly. If you keep your trans maintained you can probably get it to last longer.
 

6speedblazer

Member
Joined
Mar 17, 2017
Posts
92
Reaction score
42
i always used to joke that the 60e family seemed to either die at 90-110k or they would last just about forever.
 

Doubeleive

Wes
Supporting Member
Joined
Nov 7, 2017
Posts
23,423
Reaction score
34,052
Location
Stockton, Ca.
yes-what he said above, have it serviced regularly, I do mine once a year like clock work seems to be working out in my favor so far
 

zraffz

Full Access Member
Joined
Nov 5, 2017
Posts
175
Reaction score
126
I'd be a bit more optimistic than most with them... 150-200k is when just about every one dies.
 

rockola1971

Full Access Member
Joined
Dec 29, 2016
Posts
2,376
Reaction score
2,972
Location
Indiana (formerly IL)
All depends on what the SUV is used for. 4L60E/4L65E dont last long being used to plow. Towing will speed up their death also. There are things that can be done to help for being used as towing. Tranny cooler, change fluid regularly, oversized tranny pan, watch the temps and keep them down, never tow in 4th especially when doing hills/mountains.
Average joe use and they should last around 120k give or take. Abuse them and youll be like the guy above that has it in the shop sucking out the contents of his wallet every other month.
They can be rebuilt substantially stronger than factory for a minimal amount of cashola.
 

Doubeleive

Wes
Supporting Member
Joined
Nov 7, 2017
Posts
23,423
Reaction score
34,052
Location
Stockton, Ca.
ya my case is a rather extreme example, I abused mine severely, I was even told no one had ever seen a broken transmission like mine was and this was coming from people that worked on them for several decades. I had my license suspended/revoked 3 times back to back during that time it took me 2 years to get it back so mine was easily in the 1 percent of what CAN happen, and yes it does nothing but eat your wallet doing that.
 
OP
OP
E

EfiniMotorsport

Full Access Member
Joined
Aug 28, 2017
Posts
173
Reaction score
115
Those responses don't fill me with much hope. On the plus side I can get a rebuild/upgrade for a little over $1k. My buddy does all the rebuild at a tranny shop so I just pull it, bring it to him and he usually gives it back to me in a day or two. He upgrades the weaker parts anyway and will beef it up from there if I want.
 
Top