Need a transmission - $3k budget - what would you do?

[Coalhat]

Hey all I'm new here. Got a 2007 Yukon SLT, 5.3L 4x4. Had it about a year and done a lot of maintenance on it to get it up to *****. I plan on keeping it for quite awhile and am working on slowly building it into my performance daily driver. Starting off basic with plans for the SPL resonator delete, AirAid intake tube, Borla ProXS muffler and Black Bear Tune. Now to add to the list, I need a new transmission. Driving to work the other day there was a loud clunk and then...nothing. According to the shop it's time for a rebuild or new trans. I have a warranty that will pay $3k towards the fix, and a buddy at the shop that will hook me up. I can contribute some additional cash if needed, and I'm choosing to see this as an opportunity for improvement. I want performance combined with good overall drivability. So with 123k miles on the truck, and a $3k budget, what would you do with this transmission?

 

[adventurenali92]

Replace with a completely rebuilt unit. They rebuild transmissions better than the factory specs. I don’t personally have one in my truck, but was reading up on a company called performabuilt transmissions. I’ve heard several members saying they have one from them and it that’s in an awesome transmission. Might be something to look into.

 

[Doubeleive]

or get one from powertrain products they have a 3 or 5year warranty parts and labor-no fault warranty, sometimes they have free shipping as well when ordering. I have had good experience with them.
https://www.powertrainproducts.net/

 

[PG01]

Whatever you do upgrade all internals...not just stock... performance stuff. 3k will do ya i bet.

 

[Coalhat]

Replace with a completely rebuilt unit. They rebuild transmissions better than the factory specs. I don’t personally have one in my truck, but was reading up on a company called performabuilt transmissions. I’ve heard several members saying they have one from them and it that’s in an awesome transmission. Might be something to look into.

Looks legit. The price for their built trans with a 1-year warranty is about the same as factory with a 3-yr warranty. But according to them it's a better product. Anyone have one of these transmissions in their rig?

 

[PatDTN]

I put a Performabuilt transmission in my old '96 Buick Roadmaster. Worked like a charm. I put it in with just over 100k on the clock and sold the car with just over 200k and a great driving transmission.

 

[adventurenali92]

@Rocket Man has one in his 2002 Denali I believe.

 

[mals]

I don’t personally have one in my truck, but was reading up on a company called performabuilt transmissions. I’ve heard several members saying they have one from them and it that’s in an awesome transmission. Might be something to look into.

Great, now I'm almost hoping my transmission goes out so I can order one of these:

The PerformaBuilt Heavy Hauler 700R4 - 4L60E Transmission​

That is definitely getting bookmarked for the future. Towing in overdrive would certainly help my 10mpg average when hauling our travel trailer cross country.

 

[PatDTN]

What would it take to convert to a 6L80E trans in earlier vehicles? I really do love all the gear ratios in my 2009.

 

[iamdub]

What would it take to convert to a 6L80E trans in earlier vehicles? I really do love all the gear ratios in my 2009.

When you find out, let me know. I HATE having only 4 speeds!

I've read of it being done in a couple of trucks- one is a guy on performancetrucks.net (I think- search for screen name "keniff") and another is a friend I chat with in KS. We've never had the time to discuss the deep details. I believe it's just acquiring the trans and module, adding some extra wires and flashing a 6-speed tune for the basics. Swapping in a tapshift gear lever and correct gauge cluster are the final touches.



As for the OP's question, I'd definitely go with one of the reputable performance trans builders over a stock rebuild. $3,000 should cover what you need.

 

[Coalhat]

"As for the OP's question, I'd definitely go with one of the reputable performance trans builders over a stock rebuild. $3,000 should cover what you need"

Would you consider the performabuilt to be reputable? The cost is $1890 including shipping, with a 1-year warranty. These guys at powertrain products have a 3-year warranty and the cost is $1850 including shipping, but no real performance upgrades that I can see. Seems like $2k is the going rate, plus whatever my local guy charges for removal and re-install. Unfortunately I'm not equipped/skilled to do the work myself. Anyone else I should look at for the rebuild?

 

[PatDTN]

When you find out, let me know. I HATE having only 4 speeds!

I've read of it being done in a couple of trucks- one is a guy on performancetrucks.net (I think- search for screen name "keniff") and another is a friend I chat with in KS. We've never had the time to discuss the deep details. I believe it's just acquiring the trans and module, adding some extra wires and flashing a 6-speed tune for the basics. Swapping in a tapshift gear lever and correct gauge cluster are the final touches.



As for the OP's question, I'd definitely go with one of the reputable performance trans builders over a stock rebuild. $3,000 should cover what you need.

I don't need it on my 2009. It came with the 6 speed. I don't really need paddle shifters.

Pat in Tennessee

 

[iamdub]

"As for the OP's question, I'd definitely go with one of the reputable performance trans builders over a stock rebuild. $3,000 should cover what you need"

Would you consider the performabuilt to be reputable? The cost is $1890 including shipping, with a 1-year warranty. These guys at powertrain products have a 3-year warranty and the cost is $1850 including shipping, but no real performance upgrades that I can see. Seems like $2k is the going rate, plus whatever my local guy charges for removal and re-install. Unfortunately I'm not equipped/skilled to do the work myself. Anyone else I should look at for the rebuild?

Absolutely. Performabuilt has quite a following. I personally haven't heard as much about Powertrain Products, but a 3-year warranty is significant. Personally, I'd go with the performance-oriented build and have it built as much as possible, covering the key failure points first, using the full $3,000.

 

[PatDTN]

Does Performabuilt offer 6 speed trannys? Do they talk about upconverting to it?

Pat in Tennessee

 

[iamdub]

I don't need it on my 2009. It came with the 6 speed. I don't really need paddle shifters.

Pat in Tennessee

I see- you were asking what it would take to upgrade as a suggestion to the OP if it were possible.

 

[Doubeleive]

"As for the OP's question, I'd definitely go with one of the reputable performance trans builders over a stock rebuild. $3,000 should cover what you need"

Would you consider the performabuilt to be reputable? The cost is $1890 including shipping, with a 1-year warranty. These guys at powertrain products have a 3-year warranty and the cost is $1850 including shipping, but no real performance upgrades that I can see. Seems like $2k is the going rate, plus whatever my local guy charges for removal and re-install. Unfortunately I'm not equipped/skilled to do the work myself. Anyone else I should look at for the rebuild?

ya powertrain does not give there parts spiel, but the warranty's are far from "equal" powertrain will cover parts and labor at standard shop rates at any place of your choosing (nationwide), the other guy you have to pull it and ship it back and then get it put back in again at your cost and expense. for me it was a no brainer. I am not saying performabuilt is not reputable I am just factoring in possibilities of what it would cost me if there was a problem, there are always plenty of other options, other company's offer transmissions, the local guys, etc.

 

[adventurenali92]

Great, now I'm almost hoping my transmission goes out so I can order one of these:

The PerformaBuilt Heavy Hauler 700R4 - 4L60E Transmission​

That is definitely getting bookmarked for the future. Towing in overdrive would certainly help my 10mpg average when hauling our travel trailer cross country.

I know my rebuilt trans is not quite two years old yet, and I want that PB trans with all the upgraded stuff for towing too! Lol time to start saving up for one! Haha

 

[swathdiver]

Hey all I'm new here. Got a 2007 Yukon SLT, 5.3L 4x4. Had it about a year and done a lot of maintenance on it to get it up to *****. I plan on keeping it for quite awhile and am working on slowly building it into my performance daily driver. Starting off basic with plans for the SPL resonator delete, AirAid intake tube, Borla ProXS muffler and Black Bear Tune. Now to add to the list, I need a new transmission. Driving to work the other day there was a loud clunk and then...nothing. According to the shop it's time for a rebuild or new trans. I have a warranty that will pay $3k towards the fix, and a buddy at the shop that will hook me up. I can contribute some additional cash if needed, and I'm choosing to see this as an opportunity for improvement. I want performance combined with good overall drivability. So with 123k miles on the truck, and a $3k budget, what would you do with this transmission?

Have you considered the 4L85E used in the 2007 2500s? Or to upgrade yours to a 4L65E?

 

[Coalhat]

Have you considered the 4L85E used in the 2007 2500s? Or to upgrade yours to a 4L65E?

No I had not considered that. From my understanding everything is the same except the torque rating, correct? I don't plan to go over 400hp and I'm not towing anything ridiculous. Not a bad suggestion though. Do you know if it would be a direct swap, or would require any additional mods/tuning?