2004 LQ4 6.0 mating to a 700r4?

[orange72sub]

Hey guys trying to figure out the best way to go about updating the drivetrain in my 1972 K20 suburban. I am currently in the process of repainting the truck. I would like to address the tired smokey engine next. I want to go with the LQ4 6.0 out of a 2004 2500 truck. The question is what trans should and could I use with this engine? I have a good working 700r4 with an np205 transfercase in the truck now. Will the 700 r4 work? How do I hook up the kick down cable and vacuum advance up? Any thoughts and advice would be much appreciated THanks

[Clyde65]

I doubt the 700 will live long behind that 6.0 and in a 4x4. I would go with a 4l80e for auto or an NV4500 for a manual. They can handle the power potential of that 6.0.

The 700 can be built to handle the power however it is rather expensive and I bet it wasnt built more than a stock trans to begin with.

Good luck fellow Lsx brother!
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[BR3W CITY]

That 700 will be a sacrificial lamb. First off I hate adjusting TV cables, and I don't trust the aftermarket TV setups made for putting a 700r4 behind these motors.

If you plan on keeping the engine at stockish or mild power levels, then a 4l60e is the cheapest option (basically a 700r4 with an electronic overdrive and some other updates). While I personally think they are a bit weak, they aren't bad if maintained, and can be built to handle reasonable power levels.

Personally, my choice behind anything bigger than a 5.3, is the 4l80e. Still plenty of them around, they cost a bit more up front but a clean junkyard or craigslist running trans will live behind a stock or mild lq4. With a stock rebuild, they can live for a long time and take a lot of abuse if maintained. Built 4l80es are the closest thing to bomb proof you can find for an overdrive trans.

[orange72sub]

I am fine with stepping up to a 4L80E the question then would be what transfer case do I use? Can the np205 bolt up to the 4L80E? Or do I need to use same transfer case that came on the 4L80E? Will the newer transfer case line up with my axles?
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[BR3W CITY]

....and thats where I stop answering....I only put power to the useful wheels

seriously though, 4x4 stuff is out of my element, someone will have to take this one over.

[OldCreek]

In order to go to the 4L80e you will need to swap transfer cases to a 32 spline input NP205 and find the correct adapter to mate the two.

For ease and cost effectiveness, a 4L60e (4wd) will adapt to your current np205 with an adapter and a little work. Said adapter can be had from AA.

Keeping the 700r4 will require information that I can't provide...

Note, the 4l60e came stock behind many 6.0L... e.g. 2005 Escalade 6.0l LQ9

(TH350, 700r4, 4L60e all have 27 spline outputs)

[68GMCCustom]

true....but with a 6.0 from like 2001up or so they are actually the 4L60e-HD or 4L65e...w/5 pinion planetary vs 4... and a few other upgrades.

[orange72sub]

would a better plan involve using the transfer case from the late model donor and just find a different offset front axle? Just throwing it out there. I am not even sure what the offset difference is between the two transfer cases or what front axle would line up.

[68GMCCustom]

I would look for an adapter for a modern trans using your old t-case.
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[OldCreek]

Originally Posted by 68GMCCustom

true....but with a 6.0 from like 2001up or so they are actually the 4L60e-HD or 4L65e...w/5 pinion planetary vs 4... and a few other upgrades.

Great information!

[orange72sub]

Thanks guys for the feed back I'll let you know what I find and how it all works out.
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