We went thru this auto transmission discussion not very long ago. As I said
before, two of the transmission shops here in PHX, where the summer
temperature hits 117 almost every summer, said that even the 700 R4, the
forerunner of the 4L60, when updated by a good shop, is a very strong
transmission. I don't think I'd trust a factory rebuild. The manufacturers
are more interested in saving money than giving you a good product in my
opinion. Both shops said GM originally used aluminum parts in the
transmission, which assured early failure. The suggestion to have a
transmission temp gauge installed is a great one, and I'd check with a
reputable independent transmission shop as to how often to change fluid. If
you're going to tow a pretty fair load in hot or dusty conditions, you might
need to change the fluid more often than annually. Fluid is cheap.But when
you think abt it, you are going to be pulling quite a bit of weight. I think
my 71 IH 1/2 ton was only rated for 5000 lbs tow weight, including trailer.
And that was with a Dana 44 rear end, HD Chrysler 727, and a truck 345. I
don't know what the frame, brakes , etc of your 53 pick-up were rated when
new, but I would guess 2500-3000 LBS. Does anyone know? You might even have
to strengthen the frame. I would definitely use premium or overload shocks.
And maybe overload springs or supplementary air springs. Every new car I've
bought that had them available, I've ordered HD shocks, springs, and
anything else I could get. Cooling, electrical, etc. It was cheaper to get
them with a new rig. And again, the manufacturers tend to equip new rigs
with components that are BARELY adequate when new, and worthless after a
little wear and tear.You might want to consider the same idea as you plan
your rig. Build it right-ONCE. My brother towed a 19-20 ft Collins fifth
wheel trailer in the NW with a Ford 1/2 ton pick-up with a 302 V-8 and AOD
transmission . . He was told by the local Ford dealer he could only tow in
OD under the following conditions: 1 Only on REALLY flat roads. 2 If the
transmission started to hunt, go to direct. 3 Watch the temperature of the
coolant and the transmission fluid. (He had a transmission temp. gauge
installed). He ended driving 95 % of the time in direct at abt 60, to avoid
damage, and the bother. Bob K in PHX
----- Original Message -----
From: "Bruce Kettunen" <bekett@uslink.net>
To: <oletrucks@autox.team.net>
Sent: Wednesday, May 15, 2002 9:24 PM
Subject: Re: [oletrucks] Trailer Hitch
> This is the same drive combination that is in the modern (90's) 1/2
> ton Suburbans and pickups. It is not up to towing anything any distance
> at all. The rating for passengers, stuff, and trailer on my 96 sub
> is 5000 lbs. I have never towed anything bigger than a double snowmobile
> trailer and I have been through three transmissions (original and
> two GM rebuilts) and the guts of one rear end in 89000 miles. I
> am now on the 4'th transmission, a GM original (not rebuilt).
>
> I would look for a 4L80E and a heavy half ton or light 3/4 ton (6
> bolt full floater) rear end for towing a car hauler. Also, put in
> tranny and rear end temp sensors and an extra tranny cooler. Change
> the rear end and tranny fluid once a year and consider using synthetic
> fluids for both to reduce heat buildup.
>
> Don't tow anything in overdrive. There is only one clutch plate
> on the overdrive clutch and it will fry right away if the transmission
> starts hunting in and out of overdrive.
>
> GM used to make bulletproof drive trains but it seems they have forgotten
> how in recent years.
>
> To preserve me from the lawyers, all the humble opinion of me and
> a bunch of other Suburban owners.
>
> For some unbiased scoop on current GM light truck drive trains from
> some very talented owners, check out No. 1 Son's Suburban / Yukon
> Links Page.
>
> http://subtopics.freeyellow.com/subtopics.htm
>
> Bruce K
> 57 3200
> 96 1/2 ton Sub
> Mt. Iron, MN
>
> At Wednesday, 15 May 2002, you wrote:
>
> >Hello!
> >
> >I am building a custom 53 Chevy 1/2 ton with modern 350 EFI and 4l60E
> >trans. The rear end is a GM 10 bolt w/ 3.73 ratio. I would like
> to use
> >this truck occasionally for towing. The most I plan to tow is a flat
> >trailer for hauling cars to/from shows, etc. I'm planning to keep the
> >bumpers stock front and rear. It seems to me that a hitch that
> ties the
> >rear frame rails together at the very back of the truck would be
> a good
> >place. Has anyone done this? Can anyone suggest a model and
manufacturer
>
> >of the appropriate hitch? Is this something that would have to
> be custom
> >built? What other mods should I plan to make to the truck (i.e
> external
> >trans cooler? (radiator already has built in cooler for trans),
> external
> >oil cooler?, HD shocks?).
> >
> >Thanks in advance.
> >
> >***********************************************************************
> >Jim Wilkerson
> >***********************************************************************
> >oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
> >
>
>
>
>
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