What else besides the 3,4 cluth pack could cause the car to not grab in 3rd OR 4th? The transmission IS shifting into 3rd but it just slips so bad it might as well be in neutral. it happend suddenly, one second it was fine next it stopped working. Wouldn't a clutch pack go out more slowly.

 

Do the clutch packs really wear in 3rd and 4th? I saw someone post that it did...is that from personal experience?

 

My second gear went like that, it would shift into second but just rev like it was in neutral. I had to get a rebuild. The guy who opened it up said he could not believe the other gears still worked, so I guess it musta been pretty bad.

 

Yeah they do. It is known to be one of the weak spots of the transmission. I just figured it would happen more gradually. It has all the symptoms of a smoked 3,4 clutch pack.

 

Ok, lets say I tear into this thing and it looks like there aren't any metal shavings and it appears the 3,4 clutch is the problem.. is it possible to replace just the 3,4 clutch? or are there other MUSTS involved in changing the 3,4? Should I do the bands while I am in there?

 

TunedByTad.com

Email this guy, he knows ALOT about "4 EL Sucky E's"

 

I dont know if this helps or makes it more confusing, but 1st and 3rd are the same clutch and 2nd and 4th are the same clutch. Automatic transmissions are a trade of their own. Thats why guys go to school just for the tranny. Looks like you won't know for sure until you take it apart. Also, check the pistons. I had a cracked one and it would go into nuetral like right before it shifted.

 

Um...No 1st and 3rd AREN'T the same clutches. If in drive, the 4L60E takes off in 1st with the input clutches, in 2nd the input clutches stay on, but the 2-4 band comes on also. In 3rd, the band goes off, and the 3-4 clutches come on. In 4th the 3-4 clutches stay on, and the 2-4 band comes back on. I won't go into manual ranges, but this should help.
To answer your question...It sounds like the 3-4's have took a dump. I'd bet that the 2-4 band is fried also.

Frank

 

yeah, i guess sometimes i like to think i know a little about the 4l60e. someone tried to explain it to me one time, but i guess i missed the point completely. thanks for straightening me out.

 

In most cases the 3-4 clutch pack does not "go all out at once", however under the "right" conditions, it can go fairly quick. When the transmission is apart, then you can make a determination on what else is needed. It is best to have someone who is familiar with this unit to help you out on what you will need exactly.

 

Well, this was quick, it was working great all day. Now I was accelerating from 50 to 125(yes it was some 3 lane wide back road that no-one else was on. yes, it was stupid.) When it shifted into 4th I stopped accelerating, and dropped back down to highway speeds. Then when I pushed on the gas pedal to maintain 55 all the engine did was rev. badda boom badda bing. no more 3rd or 4th.

I don't know why I didn't see this response sooner.