4l80E install. Transfer case does not fit.

[HighPerformanceTrucks]

I've installed the 700 many times w/o an issues, however this is my first 4l80E install. Everything worked well up to this point.

The problem I'm having is the transfer case hits the trans tunnel preventing it from tilting up enough to properly engage the transmission output shaft.

George told me all his customers have installed the transfer case and transmission as one unit.

Has anyone successfully installed the transfer case onto the 4l80e with the transmission already installed?

I can't imaging someone having to pull the entire transmission just to service the transfer case if the transfer case needed servicing.

 

[crusader8]

Re: 4l80E install. Transfer case does not fit.

Good times with this one...I installed the 80e and t-case separately. PIA. I know some people cut the torsion bar cross-member pre-install. We had ours cut after as we felt clearance was an issue (case looked real close to the cross-member) I think if you install it as one, you need to put the t-case up first then bring the front of the trans up.

 

[HighPerformanceTrucks]

Re: 4l80E install. Transfer case does not fit.

That's what it looks like at this point having to modify the cross member.

Good times with this one...I installed the 80e and t-case separately. PIA. I know some people cut the torsion bar cross-member pre-install. We had ours cut after as we felt clearance was an issue (case looked real close to the cross-member) I think if you install it as one, you need to put the t-case up first then bring the front of the trans up.

 

[skwayb]

Re: 4l80E install. Transfer case does not fit.

I just did this with Jeff's help on my Typhoon. You have to install it as one unit with the Torque Converter, 4L80e and Transfer case as one unit. Jeff said he tried it the other way and never could get it installed. Seeing that this is his 3rd or 4th he has installed a 4L80e, I would do it that way. He made it look so easy when we put it in my Typhoon. We had it in there in about 15-20 mins. Took longer to get the 700r4 out.

 

[HighPerformanceTrucks]

Re: 4l80E install. Transfer case does not fit.

Found this too little too late.

http://www.syty.net/forums/showthread.php?t=43029&highlight=4l80e+transfer+case

 

[HighPerformanceTrucks]

Re: 4l80E install. Transfer case does not fit.

I'm going to have a chrome moly tubular piece made with an exhaust bracket provision and drive shaft loop to fit instead. Will give more torsional support and be lighter as well.

I just did this with Jeff's help on my Typhoon. You have to install it as one unit with the Torque Converter, 4L80e and Transfer case as one unit. Jeff said he tried it the other way and never could get it installed. Seeing that this is his 3rd or 4th he has installed a 4L80e, I would do it that way. He made it look so easy when we put it in my Typhoon. We had it in there in about 15-20 mins. Took longer to get the 700r4 out.

 

[George Blake]

Re: 4l80E install. Transfer case does not fit.

When you called the other day we talked about this. I told you to put them both in as a unit. Guys like Ed Hess and Robert are running huge torque numbers through that case. It's not likely to need any servicing. It was in the same coversation where I explained the brace I made for the torque converter to hold it in place so you could tip it forward and put it in. It was the time you called when I was out with my family. We talked about 20 minutes that time.

 

[HighPerformanceTrucks]

Re: 4l80E install. Transfer case does not fit.

No biggy. I wanted to upgrade that crossmember anyway. So I'm going to cut it out and take it in Wednesday for a custom tubular chrome moly piece.

I will not pull another transmission after having Brian Hartman's tranny in and out 8 times.

When you called the other day we talked about this. I told you to put them both in as a unit. Guys like Ed Hess and Robert are running huge torque numbers through that case. It's not likely to need any servicing. It was in the same coversation where I explained the brace I made for the torque converter to hold it in place so you could tip it forward and put it in. It was the time you called when I was out with my family. We talked about 20 minutes that time.

 

[George Blake]

Re: 4l80E install. Transfer case does not fit.

You won't have to do that on this one. Like I said, please be careful when you really start pushing it. I know what your gonna be doing and really don't want to see you end up rolling it or going off a cliff during a climb.

 

[HighPerformanceTrucks]

Re: 4l80E install. Transfer case does not fit.

Not to get off subject, but here is a photo of the skid marks from when I almost killed myself 3 years ago at the event.

http://www.highperformancetrucks.com/forums/gallery2.php?g2_itemId=3677

Here was the car.

http://www.highperformancetrucks.com/forums/gallery2.php?g2_itemId=3684

You won't have to do that on this one. Like I said, please be careful when you really start pushing it. I know what your gonna be doing and really don't want to see you end up rolling it or going off a cliff during a climb.

 

[mjaugus]

Re: 4l80E install. Transfer case does not fit.

We loosened up the body mounts and raised it up a couple of inches.Also masaged the lip on the sheet metal above with an air chisel.Still dificult,but doable

 

[George Blake]

Re: 4l80E install. Transfer case does not fit.

For anyone reading this, all the body lift, beating on the underside, all of that isn't necessary. If you put the transfercase onto the trans as a unit, it goes right in. If you have a coil over front and you've eliminated the crossmember in the back for the torsion bars, then it's not an issue at all.
The main issue on Crusader8 and Mjangus (father son sytyer's) was that they did it in their garage (like most sytyer's do) but they didn't have the ability to get the truck up high enough to do it.

 

[gjp]

Re: 4l80E install. Transfer case does not fit.

I was only able to get my truck just high enough to fit the bell housing under the truck. I slid the trans on a plywood skid into place. Lifted the T-case nose onto the rear crossmember. Lifted the front of the trans high enough and held it up with a 4x6 block. Then I used my trans jack and supported the trans as I installed it. Yes it was tight but it did fit. For some reason the bellhousing is hitting the cab at the firewall.

 

[MikeRenz]

Re: 4l80E install. Transfer case does not fit.

i take it this isn't an issue if your motor is out.

 

[George Blake]

Re: 4l80E install. Transfer case does not fit.

I was only able to get my truck just high enough to fit the bell housing under the truck. I slid the trans on a plywood skid into place. Lifted the T-case nose onto the rear crossmember. Lifted the front of the trans high enough and held it up with a 4x6 block. Then I used my trans jack and supported the trans as I installed it. Yes it was tight but it did fit. For some reason the bellhousing is hitting the cab at the firewall.

Some guys have to beat the lip up at that flange. Some don't. You also had an issue with with fuel lines that most don't. Did you figure out the deal with that?
Adam, does yours hit the cab at the firewall?

 

[gjp]

Re: 4l80E install. Transfer case does not fit.

Some guys have to beat the lip up at that flange. Some don't. You also had an issue with with fuel lines that most don't. Did you figure out the deal with that?
Adam, does yours hit the cab at the firewall?

I made some -6an fuel lines and ran the lines up the frame to my engine.
Looked like I did not have the fuel lines exactly where they came off when I jacked my trans into place. I had the engine and trans out for 5 months and I guess I put them back wrong.Remember I am a rookie. Everything looks good now. I hope to start it up in a few weeks.

 

[HighPerformanceTrucks]

Re: 4l80E install. Transfer case does not fit.

I need to make some important clarifications here just so people don't get the wrong impressions about the 4l80E install.

First off, there is absolutely nothing wrong with George Blake's 4l80E transmission conversion kit. I am extremely happy with George Blake's 4l80E and look forward to many years of hard use! His kit and build is first rate! The transmission is bench dyno'ed before it leaves his shop to ensure proper function. The kit comes with everything necessary for a direct bolt in. The case has been blasted clean and repainted black. Not a spec of dirt anywhere on the case! All the adapter parts are of the finest quality including a beautiful transmission to transfer case adapter that is precision CNC and water jet cut for a perfect fit. The transfer case support crossmember is beautifully welded and finished in what appears to be powdercoating. The actual support for the transfer mount has a well engineered brace. The kit comes with all adapters, bolts fittings and gaskets to make the installation relatively simple if instructions are followed.

This is where I screwed up.

First of all I spaced out the fact that George told me I MUST install the 4l80E and transfer case as one unit.

Secondly, I am so used to my own protocol I devised for removing and installing the 700R4 so many times before, I assumed I could use the same logic when installing the 4l80E. This was a major mistake. I usually install the transmission first so I can gain easier access to the hard to reach bolts that attach to the bellhousing on the 700R4. The transfer case and transmission must be installed as one unit when using the 4l80E as it is longer. The longer case means the transfer case will not fit onto the transmission if the transmission is already installed onto the motor as it interferes with the torsion bar crossmember.

The ONLY reason I decided to remove the torsion bar crossmember had to do exclusively with the following reasons.

1) I was sick and tired of eight 700R4 installations/removals over a period of roughly 6 years averaging a repair every 7500 miles! I said I won't remove another. Here I was facing another removal due to my screw up. After I realized the transfer case and 4l80E must installed as one unit and since my transmission was already bolted up I refused to remove it again.

2) I use my truck mostly for roadcourse/track use and decided I was going to build a custom crossmember that added further torsional rigidity to the frame so I was going to remove the crossmember eventually. I just didn't plan on removing this soon.

3) I do not have torsion bars any longer since I'm running coilovers, so it wasn't providing a tie in point for the suspension anyway.

George Blake has been very professional in addressing my new transmission needs and is very knowledgeable and pleasant to deal with. His turn around time is very reasonable considering how busy his transmission build schedule is.

If anyone is considering added any decent amount of power to their truck then upgrading to the 4l80E should be mandatory. After multiple failures with a "built" 700R4 with all the high tech goodies(not built by George Blake btw) I vowed never to install the 700R4 again. It is unreliable and undersized for our AWD torque monster trucks IMO.

 

[HighPerformanceTrucks]

Re: 4l80E install. Transfer case does not fit.

No mine fits just as well as my old 700R4 at the firewall. If would have listened to you in the first place, the install would have been cake.

Some guys have to beat the lip up at that flange. Some don't. You also had an issue with with fuel lines that most don't. Did you figure out the deal with that?

Adam, does yours hit the cab at the firewall?

 

[autoaddictions]

Re: 4l80E install. Transfer case does not fit.

My GB built 4l80e is coming tommorow ill be installing this week ill let you know how my install goes. George has been great to deal with thus far, and id expect his trans and kit to be the same.

 

[gjp]

Re: 4l80E install. Transfer case does not fit.

Congrats on a great upgrade. I was impressed with the trans and the install kit. George and Jeff do good work. If you have any questions and George is not around feel free to PM me. I just did the install 2 weeks ago. I will try to help if I can.