Towing Capacity - 4L60 vs 4L80

robsawatsky · April 14, 2003

I know this has been discussed before, but I ran across some spec's for the 4L60 vs 4L80 transmissions that show the dramatic difference in strength between the two:

4L60E 4L80E

Max GVW 8600lbs 16500 lbs

Max GCVW 13500lbs* 21000 lbs

Note that these max's all depend upon other factors including axle ratios. However, it is easy to see that the 4L60 just wasn't intended to haul a heavy vehicle around.

* Calculated, and may vary with different transmission builds (torque converter variations, etc) with the 4L60.

CMNTMXR81 · April 15, 2003

FYI, those "rated" amounts are "recommended" amounts for "SAFE" towing as well as maintaining durability.

If we had a tow off with two identically equipped engined and geared trucks, one with a 4L60/65E and one with a 4L80/85E, I bet the 4L60/65E could handle EVERYTHING the 4L80/85E.

What comes into question after that is HOW LONG the 4L60/65E would last compared to the 4L80/85E. MY guess, not as long.

That therein lies the difference.

timk49 · April 15, 2003

I'm feeling beter about having that 4L80 n my 2500 HD all the time. tThanks for the info.

BDBWTE · April 28, 2003

480 will hold up longer but actually has a high first gear than the 460 which has always suprized me... either way my 2nd gear in my truck is lower than either first gear of the auto trannys... god bless the power of a stick shift..