I'm getting ready to start a lq4 (mainly stock, headers/cam/tune) swap into a 1987 4x4 Chevy and was curious about what others have run as far as transmissions and transfer case? I will be using this for towing mainly, not trying to build a race truck. Pros and Cons would be great! Thanks!
Personally I prefer a manual, but the 4L80E seems to be a really popular choice around here, especially behind a 6.0L with lots of torque. It's a durable transmission and it's not terribly hard to find either. Others will chime in with more info, as I'm not really into the slushboxes.
I agree with the manual for towing. The NV4500 is found in many 92 and up applications. It would probably be a pain to adapt but I REALLY liked the zf6 that was in my 00 powerstroke. If an automatic is in your future then the 4L80E is a solid choice. A few upgrades can buy you a longer tranny life.
Manual with a solid clutch upgrade is my first choice, but if you do any type of traffic driving or are just plain lazy (which there's nothing wrong with) then a 4l80e with a massive trans cooler is the next choice.
4L60e would burn up pretty quickly if it's stock and used mostly for towing, and the price you put into building it into a monster to handle the towing - you'd be cheaper to have swapped an 80 in the first place. (and the 80 is still a better trans)
I like things with spark plugs...
... oh, and boobs - I like those too.
The ZF6 would be a great trans for towing. I can't imagine how much work it would be to mate to a LS though.Originally Posted by Skylark
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