Question re: '98-'99 Burb Diesel & Tranny

[Six-Pack]

We are in the market for a 98 or 99 Suburban 4x4 Diesel... wondering if anyone here can offer any insight regarding the tranny(s) used for those years... any compatability problems or inherent issues that we should know about going in? Thank ye much!

[noelb]

Should come with a 4L80E. Basically a 4 speed version of the Turbo 400 3 speed. As long as you keep the water out of it, it should give a good working life for at least 120,000 miles.

The last owner got water in mine, and the linings are fastened with water soluble glue. New transmission required!

[Warren96]

It's one of the most bulletproof things on my truck!! Just change the fluid every 50K or so, that is all i have done to mine in 12 1/2 years.Water in the mechanicals anywhere on a truck is a no- no.

[TurboDiverArt]

Although I don't know the years offered but I believe there was a 1500 version of the diesel Suburban put out. I think it had the 4L60E transmission, not the 4L80E. Also, the engine was probably the EGR version of the diesel engine. Although I can't comment on the reliability of the EGR motors, the 60E transmission is not as heavy duty as the 80E. Get a K2500 and you should be OK. The tranny should outlast the engine.

Art.

[JohnC]

As far as I know, all 6.5 turbo diesels regardless of weight or model, came with the 4L80E. Short of the Allison, you can't do any better.

[john8662]

Although I don't know the years offered but I believe there was a 1500 version of the diesel Suburban put out. I think it had the 4L60E transmission, not the 4L80E. Also, the engine was probably the EGR version of the diesel engine. Although I can't comment on the reliability of the EGR motors, the 60E transmission is not as heavy duty as the 80E. Get a K2500 and you should be OK. The tranny should outlast the engine.

Art.

Gotta bust the rumor mill on this one...

1500 Series DIESEL suburbans had the 4L80E and the vin F 6.5TD, non-EGR.

The difference is in the springs and the rear differential, a semi-floater 14 bolt in the 1500 series and a full-floater 14 bolt on the 2500 series. The 1500 series was also geared at 3.42 verses 3.73 or 4.10 for the 2500 series.

All the 6.5 Turbo engines have had the 4L80E's behind them.

So.. If a person tows light and wants better fuel economy, the 1500 is the way to go, although not real common.

[EdHale]

I just sold a '98 Suburban 1500 Diesel to my son in law. It definitely had a 4L80E and 3.42 gears. It is still all original except for normal maintenance items after 245,000 miles. I changed the injectors at 150,000. It is still going strong.

Ed

[diesel65]

Thats one thing I love about my Tahoe, !/2 ton truck with a 3/4 to 1 ton transmission.
Better than my K5 with the 700R4, but the 700 has a deeper 1st gear than the 4L80E.

[jspringator]

My transmission lasted 150,000 miles. Rebuilt for around $2,000. I have added a cooler since then.

[ronniejoe]

John8662 is right... no 4L60E's behind 6.5TD's. All were 4L80E's. Great transmission. I have 250,000 miles on mine running some of the highest power and torque numbers out there for a 6.5. I replaced the torque converter at 220,000 miles. Everything else is original and bone stock.

[TurboDiverArt]

Gotta bust the rumor mill on this one...

1500 Series DIESEL suburbans had the 4L80E and the vin F 6.5TD, non-EGR.

The difference is in the springs and the rear differential, a semi-floater 14 bolt in the 1500 series and a full-floater 14 bolt on the 2500 series. The 1500 series was also geared at 3.42 verses 3.73 or 4.10 for the 2500 series.

All the 6.5 Turbo engines have had the 4L80E's behind them.

So.. If a person tows light and wants better fuel economy, the 1500 is the way to go, although not real common.
Learn something new every day!! Sorry to propagating the rumor.

Art.