4l60e transmission interchange chart Guide – (Unleash the Potential)

Checking out what year 4l60e will interchange is the first thing you may want to do before interchanging your trans. Plenty of info is there in the discussion forums, but you may find all conflicting answers. That’s why I go ahead & here’s what I got.

1993- 1994 4l60e is interchangeable with no modification. 1995 4l60e is the only stand-alone year & will not be interchangeable with any other year. In the case of the 1996 or the newer 4l60es, they are not making an interchange with the previous ones due to the advanced upgrades.

That’s not all! In today’s write-up, I’ve gathered all the information to provide better insight. So, let’s dive deep into it. 

4l60e Transmission Interchange Chart  

Recently my 2000 2.2l s10 4l60e transmission has finally gone out. Consequently, I decided to have a used trans to swap from the salvage yard rather than pay thousands for a rebuilt one.

In favor of that, I have deep research of 4l60e trans interchangeable years before moving ahead to the task. Here I want to share what I have found.

Additional Info: The 4l60e and the 4l80e transmission have similar model numbers in some cases. Yet you may require the 4l80e transmission interchange chart as both trans may differ in manufacturing. 

Factors Affecting Interchangeability of 4l60e Transmission

While searching, I got to know that the 4l60e transmission has considerable upgrades in the late 97 trans and small upgrades every so often. 

Here’s what gets interesting! Some of the 4l60e transmission years are interchangeable, resulting in working fine with one another, whereas some are not. 

That is why, there are some major differences that can affect interchangeability. Here I get to share with you some of those.

#1- Converter

It is no wonder that the converter is one of the crucial things that can affect a lot in the 4l60e transmission interchangeability. 

For instance, we see, the 1998 & up 4l60e trans uses a Graphite lock-up converter with a never-fully lock-up mechanism.

On the contrary, the older model, like 1996-1997, uses a carbon lock-up designed to slip before locking.

So, ultimately, you need to be aware of the significant differences in the  4l60e converter to get to the right one for the year vehicle you are installing the transmission. 

#2- Pan Or Filter

In the case of the pan or filter, we see 1993 has a shallow one, whereas 1994-1996 has a shallow one. 

But the pan or filter converts into deep from 1997 to 2007, even in the ups. So definitely, the deep pans will hold more fluid to re-use that. 

#3- Pin Harness

Pin harness is another considerable factor. 

From 2000 4l60e to early 2005 4l60e, trans uses the 13-pin harness with green connectors and a non-ISS sensor in the pump, consequently interchangeable. 

But from late 2005 to early 2009 4l60e, it has a 15-pin harness with purple connectors and an ISS sensor in the pump. 

On the contrary, from late 2009 to 2013 uses 19 pin harnesses which makes them not interchangeable with the previous ones.

#4- Pump Seal

When I searched about the pump seal difference, I found out that the 1994 to 2003 4l60e transmission has O-ring & gasket modification. 

But the pump from 2004 to 2007 converted to the Wedge. Apparently it can affect the interchangeability. 

#5- Valve Body Plate

Valve body plates also have differences in the modification years of the 4L60E transmissions. 

Likewise, 1993 has an updated gasket, but 1994 up to 2000 4L60E trans has Gasket C & V. 

But from 2001 to 2006, 4L60E has Gasket CA & VB; again, the 2007 & up has bonded valve body plates. 

5 Common Issues May Arise When Interchanging 4L60E Transmissions

I have to bring up the fact that some years of the 4L60E transmissions will fit with others & not even throw a code. But frankly, there can be an issue in the long run.

Luckily, I have done some research & tried to know what issues I can face if I interchange 4L60E transmissions.

In this way, I found that due to the wrong interchange, the big problems became the 3-2 downshifts or the burnt-up clutches. 

Other problems may include

#1- Hard To Find

Generally, when you want to interchange your transmission with a used one, finding the exact interchanging model can be a little hard. 

Moreover, the good condition of the transmission also matters, right?

#2- Electrical Issue

Basically, while interchanging the 4L60E transmissions, these electrical systems of the trans can give you a hard time. 

Some models of the transmission have different solenoid setups. Therefore, while interchanging, you may need to do wiring modifications. So yes, it’s a big deal.

#3- Transmission Won’t Engage In Any Gear 

It is the other major issue while considering interchanging the 4L60E transmissions. 

You know, if you use trans models that are not interchangeable or the wrong model, the transmission will not engage in any gear. So obviously, it needs consideration. 

The same goes for the vehicle with Ford or 4t65e trans, whatever you have. You ought to check Ford Transmission Interchange Chart or 4t65e transmission interchange chart before moving to the interchange.

#4- Sinking Brakes

The other problem that you may face if you interchange the transmission is the brakes keep sinking on the floor. 

When the brakes sink to the floor either you get a bad master cylinder or you have a leak somewhere in the system. 

#5- Converter Lock-Up Issue

Converter lockup issues can appear as one of the big problems of interchanging the 4l60e transmission of your vehicle. 

Basically, the converter lockup can fail in three ways. 

• Converters can stay locked up or
• It can never be locked up. 
• Engine stalls when the vehicle is braked to a stop.

top 3 Tips For Successfully Interchanging 4L60E Transmissions

The interchanging process of 4l60e transmission varies depending on the years of the trans. These are some general tips that can help you do the task successfully. Check that out.

First, you should choose the perfect interchangeable years & need to modify parts according to requirements. For example,

• 94 4l60e trans + 95 vehicle: 

If you interchange the 94 4l60e in a 95 vehicle, you don’t need to change any electrical or mechanical configuration. There is also no requirement for any serious programming.

• 94 4l60e trans + 96 vehicle: 

In case of interchanging the 94 4l60e in a 96 vehicle, you need to install the VSS and the tail shaft housing before placing the trans into the car. It is also recommended swapping the 3-2 downshift.

• 95 4l60e trans + 94 vehicle: 

Another example I also want to share is interchanging 95 4l60e in the 94 vehicles. 

In this case, you must install both the VSS and the tail shaft housing on the transmission before you bolt it into your vehicle. 

Final Words 

Wrapping up the discussion, I hope you have clarity about what year 4l60e will interchange. 

While interchanging the 4L60E, ensure to have the right interchangeable years of your vehicle. For the least amount of trouble, I personally suggest it will be better to stick with the same year. 

The other thing that you need to keep in mind is the mile-time of your 4L60E so as not to waste money & end up with your vehicle for borrowed time.

Video References

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3rd Gen Guy

Rasel

Certification: BSc in Mechanical Engineering

Education: Mechanical  engineer

Lives In: 539 W Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75208, USA

Rasel is an auto mechanic student and writer with over half a decade of experience in the automotive field. He has worked with top automotive brands such as Lexus, Quantum, and also owns two automotive blogs autocarneed.com and taxiwiz.com.