4L60E swap questions, '06 9-7x

[crankshaftP]

I need to swap the tranny out and wanted ask some 4x4 newbie questions to make sure I don't fail sooner than later in the job.

1. Does the battery need to disconnected?
2. Should the gear selector be put to N before removal?
3. Have read that the motor mounts should be loosened. Do you get at these from under the car or from above the engine? Do I need a jack to support the engine when re-tightening, or is the engine not going to shift into a bad position?
4. Where is the best location for the jack to support the tranny?
5. Once I have the rebuilt tranny, does it need to be electronically programmed to match the 97x and work right?

Thanks for helping me out in this fun job.

 

[mrrsm]

Welcome to GMT Nation...

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FAQ: Drivetrain

This sticky is for links to the most asked about questions, info, specs and general knowledge of the Drivetrain. If you see a thread that should be considered to be added here, click on the button with a note indicating that it should be added. General Drivetrain fluids specifications...

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[Mooseman]

You didn't specify which engine you have.

1. Does the battery need to disconnected?

It's preferable, especially if removing the exhaust in case it makes contact with the battery cable at the starter

2. Should the gear selector be put to N before removal?

Makes it easier to turn the driveshaft

3. Have read that the motor mounts should be loosened. Do you get at these from under the car or from above the engine? Do I need a jack to support the engine when re-tightening, or is the engine not going to shift into a bad position?

Not necessary. In fact you need them to hold the engine while the tranny is out

4. Where is the best location for the jack to support the tranny?

Right under the pan with a piece of wood. A strap around it also helps

5. Once I have the rebuilt tranny, does it need to be electronically programmed to match the 97x and work right?

Not really except for resetting the trans adapts in the PCM/TCM to relearn the pressures but it will still work.

 

[crankshaftP]

Thanks for the welcome

Woah - lots of reading material. The wife is gonna ask why I'm sittin at the PC while her car is outside .

Thanks for the answers. Engine is the 5.3L Vortex. Do I have anything to loosen from the top of the engine compartment? Removing the tranny dipstick from up top will be much later.

Do the TBs also have this annoying exhaust pipe right under the tranny? Seems like this is one of the first items to go. O2 sensors are not really easy to get at.

 

[mrrsm]

Finding "The Right Stuff" in the way of Visual Primers and Cues for the Early Model GMT360 Platform 4L60E Swap might require a bit of a slog over on YT. BUT... seeing the actions of those who've plowed this field already ...showing their perspectives and views in living color... can be very helpful and worth the search. You may have to widen your gaze a bit (and lower the volume) ...as much of this information might SEEM generic... but these are loaded with a lot of useful clues when played back after Download at 1/2 Speed:

THESE Videos are just a few examples:

Remember...SLOMO and Screen Caps are your BFF in ALL Kinds of SWAPS:

Beware the "Vertigo" of this Dizzying Video... and Use the VLC (VideoLan) PAUSE Button in order to Take Screen Caps as Needed:

...and along with keeping tabs on the positions of the Two Alignment Studs and Cleaning-Lubricating them... as per a suggestion from @m.mcmillen ... THIS Tool can turn out to be a Very BIG Help if you have to R&R the Transmission Bell Housing Bolts-2-Engine Block while leaning over the top and sides of the 4L60E:

 

[Mooseman]

Do the TBs also have this annoying exhaust pipe right under the tranny? Seems like this is one of the first items to go. O2 sensors are not really easy to get at.

Yes on the V8. To save your sanity, Remove the O2 sensor from the pipes. When it's time to reinstall, put the y-pipe back first and then connect the O2 sensors first, drop them into place and then install back into the pipes. Just pre-twist the wires to make up for the turning of the sensors on install. In fact, connect them BEFORE you re-install the tranny. The passenger side connector at the back of the head is especially short.