Newbie looking for first rig (Rig acquired, now it's a build thread!) (2024)

xjchad said:

Thanks Martin,
What does a trans rebuild typically cost?
Can the 4l80e be swapped in place of the 4l60e?

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4L60E's can be rebuilt for $1500-2500 depending on the reputation of the shop. A 4L80E can be swapped but I think it'd probably cost more than just budgeting for another rebuild after 100k more miles. The 4L80E is physically larger, has different electrical brains/connectors, and possibly would require modification to the transfer case. 3/4 ton Suburbans are available and much stouter, but cost more. That said I bought mine for $4500 a year ago, with 127k miles. It needed about $2000 of work but was perfectly driveable off the lot. Depending on your timeline, it can be worth shopping for a deal. Or try to negotiate a discount if you can find one with a blown trans already.

That's great info guys, thank you!

I keep finding rigs that get sold quickly, before I even get a chance to see them LOL!

Hopefully going to look at one tonight though.
1997 1500 with 129k miles on it. It was a airport vehicle. Interior looks nice and miles are really low! According to the owner, the airports take good care of them and they are serviced regularly.

We'll see..........

xjchad said:

Thanks Martin,
What does a trans rebuild typically cost?
Can the 4l80e be swapped in place of the 4l60e?

Click to expand...

I've done one "rebuild" at a local transmission shop that cost $2000, and a full remanufactured warranty replacement which was $3500. Might be worth it to shop around as rebuilding a 4L60 is a pretty common thing and lots of shops do it.

Replace with a 4L80? Well, with enough money, time and effort, anything is possible. The 4L80 is physically longer than the 4L60 so replacing a 4L60 with a 4L80 means moving the transfer case back, shortening the rear driveshaft and lengthening the front. It seems to me that if you're going to spend that much money, why not just look for a 2500 in the first place? GMT800 2500 Suburbans are not nearly as common as 1500s (I'd estimate there is 1 2500 for every 20 1500's available on the market) but they are out there. IN the GMT400 models, 2500's are a little easier to find, probably more like 1 in 10.

Martinjmpr said:

I've done one "rebuild" at a local transmission shop that cost $2000, and a full remanufactured warranty replacement which was $3500. Might be worth it to shop around as rebuilding a 4L60 is a pretty common thing and lots of shops do it.

Replace with a 4L80? Well, with enough money, time and effort, anything is possible. The 4L80 is physically longer than the 4L60 so replacing a 4L60 with a 4L80 means moving the transfer case back, shortening the rear driveshaft and lengthening the front. It seems to me that if you're going to spend that much money, why not just look for a 2500 in the first place? GMT800 2500 Suburbans are not nearly as common as 1500s (I'd estimate there is 1 2500 for every 20 1500's available on the market) but they are out there. IN the GMT400 models, 2500's are a little easier to find, probably more like 1 in 10.

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Thanks Martin!

So which one would y'all go for?

The 1997 1500 with 129k miles on it. It was a airport fleet vehicle (not rental). $3,500 https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/126431359113732

Or this 2500: https://spokane.craigslist.org/cto/d/coeur-alene-1996-gmc-suburban-2500/7244133793.html

OR... should I hold out for a GMT800 rig?

xjchad said:

My only question is, will an Expedition be large enough? I was under the impression that the Expedition was the size of the Tahoe and the Excursion was the size of the Suburban.

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Correct. But in your initial post, you posted a Tahoe. So if you can squeeze 8 people in a Tahoe you can squeeze 8 people in an Expedition.

If you hop in over to Ford, you can put all that “transmission rebuild” talk behind you. Don’t you think there’s something wrong with looking to purchase a “new” GM and already thinking about a transmission rebuild?

A 6.8L (gas V10) Excursion is a pretty good buy. Run away from a 5.4 Excursion. And either of the diesel Excursions are just silly priced. The V10 motor is used in a butt load of motorhomes and RVs. Pretty solid reputation.

Yep buy the v10 or get a truck with a 4L80, why buy something that needs upgrades right away.

GM, needs an LS and 4L80

Some people want a 1995 with an 4l60 and lead acid house battery's, plus a film camera, and VHS so you can stop at blockbusters to rent movies.

Todd n Natalie said:

Open the glove box. There will be (or, should be) a sticker there with the option / RPO codes. They are all listed in alphabetical order. Look for option code G80. It should list the axle ratio right beside it too.

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I never realized those were in alphabetical order.