[joshh16]

Hey guys, new to the forum and looking for some advice on an idea I had recently. So I have a 2005 AWD Escalade so it came with the 4l65e from the factory. The SUV is in great shape and I want my son to drive it as his first car so even though the trans just went out on it and it's an older vehicle I think it's worth a solid replacement tranny. I found the remanufactured 4l65 here, https://reman-transmission.com/transmission-codes/?code=4L65E, which is a direct replacement for what is in it. However, their 4l80 is about the same price and I read they are much stronger I guess? I know it wouldn't be worth it if it were a lot of work but if the transmissions are nearly interchangeable that would be something I would definitely like to do.

Does anyone know the answer to if that swap is doable, hard, or not worth it?

Thanks in advance!

 

[ardacavdar]

As far as I know, 2005 Escalade has a 4L60E from factory. Are you sure yours is a 4L65E?

 

[OSMike]

Hey guys, new to the forum and looking for some advice on an idea I had recently. So I have a 2005 AWD Escalade so it came with the 4l65e from the factory. The SUV is in great shape and I want my son to drive it as his first car so even though the trans just went out on it and it's an older vehicle I think it's worth a solid replacement tranny. I found the remanufactured 4l65 here, https://reman-transmission.com/transmission-codes/?code=4L65E, which is a direct replacement for what is in it. However, their 4l80 is about the same price and I read they are much stronger I guess? I know it wouldn't be worth it if it were a lot of work but if the transmissions are nearly interchangeable that would be something I would definitely like to do.

Does anyone know the answer to if that swap is doable, hard, or not worth it?

Thanks in advance!

Suggest you visit the TahoeYukon forum for threads on this topic. There are many. The swap you suggest is not straightforward. The 4l80 trans is physically larger than a 4l65 trans. It also uses a different TCM. Making the swap is possible but requires modifications to your drive shaft and I believe to the front transaxel as well. If you are concerned that a stock rebuilt 4l65 may not be strong enough to withstan your son's driving habits, I believe an easier solution would be to get one that has received a stage 2 or 3 rebuild. These have many upgrades such as, addition of Corvette servos, wider bands, and a stronger the sun shell. They are built to handle more horsepower and torque. All things considered, I believe a stage 2 built 4L65 is a simpler and less costly option than paying for the parts and labor needed to modify your Escalade to receive a 4l80 trans.

 

[OSMike]

Suggest you visit the TahoeYukon forum for threads on this topic. There are many. The swap you suggest is not straightforward. The 4l80 trans is physically larger than a 4l65 trans. It also uses a different TCM. Making the swap is possible but requires modifications to your drive shaft and I believe to the front transaxel as well. If you are concerned that a stock rebuilt 4l65 may not be strong enough to withstan your son's driving habits, I believe an easier solution would be to get one that has received a stage 2 or 3 rebuild. These have many upgrades such as, addition of Corvette servos, wider bands, and a stronger the sun shell. They are built to handle more horsepower and torque. All things considered, I believe a stage 2 built 4L65 is a simpler and less costly option than paying for the parts and labor needed to modify your Escalade to receive a 4l80 trans.

Here is a website which details upgrades which can strengthen a 4l65 to withstand greater hp and torque. 4L60E Transmission Mods You Can Count On - Gearstar Performance

 

[carguy75]

As far as I know, 2005 Escalade has a 4L60E from factory. Are you sure yours is a 4L65E?

If the Escalade has an 6.0 V8 LQ9 engine; then it got the 4L65E HD transmission. The 5.3 engines got the weaker 4L60E version.

 

[ardacavdar]

If the Escalade has an 6.0 V8 LQ9 engine; then it got the 4L65E HD transmission. The 5.3 engines got the weaker 4L60E version.

I thought my 6.0 has a 4L60E so mine is also a 4L65E it's good to know thanks.

@joshh16 I just applied TransGo HD2 reprogramming kit with Corvette Servo and Sonnax pinless accumulators. So far I'm very much satisfied but lately I started having 2-3 flare during full throttle. No error codes though, don't know what to do.

 

[tokuzumi]

Honestly this depends on how the Escalade will be used. If you are going to tow a lot, you never want to use 4th gear. If you don't plan to build some 500+hp engine, the 4l65e will be fine.

The 4l80 is definitely beefy, but could be overkill if you aren't planning to push serious HP to the wheels, or tow a lot.

Regular maintenance is going to go a long way. Trans flushes every 30k, and complete stops when shifting directions (Rev to Drive, and vice versa).

 

[FastGas]

Or.....teach him how to drive.