85 Suburban TH400 to 4L80E swap - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

GRADYS Performance · 12-18-2013, 02:56 PM

I am preparing to change the TH400 in my 85 2WD C20 Suburban 454 to a 4L80E transmission. Does anyone have experience with what needs to be done for the crossmember?

68Timber · 12-18-2013, 06:47 PM

How to here: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=574800

GRADYS Performance · 12-19-2013, 11:27 AM

No details in that thread about the cross member modifications.

68Timber · 12-19-2013, 11:43 AM

I think he said he used the stock cross member with the 4L80E mount.

CamaroChris · 12-20-2013, 12:39 AM

when I put an 6.0l/4l80e in my 86 Suburban (originally a 350/th400) I used Dirty Dingo mounts. all I had to do was re-drill the cross member holes in the frame around 1.5" back. but the cross member its self needed no modification. The 4l80e trans bushing bolted right to the cross member.

GRADYS Performance · 01-14-2014, 05:17 PM

I am starting this swap project. I have the transmission and torque converter complete and ready to install. Transmission is fresh overhauled with a shift kit, manual speedometer output housing with gears and deep aluminum pan.

I will try to update with progress and pictures as I work on it and make progress.

GRADYS Performance · 05-10-2014, 03:06 PM

Moved the transmission crossmember back to line up the front crossmember bolt holes with the rear bolt holes in the frame and the mount on the transmission lines up perfectly. Drilled new rear holes in the frame using the crossmember as a template and bolted everything up. Transmission and torque converter are now installed and bolted in.

GRADYS Performance · 07-14-2014, 10:50 AM

Driveshaft shortened 3-3/8 inches and re installed. Cooler lines from TH400 moved back 2-3 inches and re bent to fit 91-96 4L80E case.

GRADYS Performance · 07-26-2014, 09:26 AM

Installing the TCI Transmission control unit and TPS sensor this weekend, That just leaves the shifter linkage and speedometer cable left to finish up.

GRADYS Performance · 09-03-2014, 02:55 PM

Finished up the installation and drove it several times pulling my boat. Really satisfied with the results. Tinkered around with the controller settings to get a good shift feeling. And the Lockup converter settings based on MPH and TPS percentage. Mileage is much better what used to take a full tank is now down to about 3/4 tank for a vacation trip.

Pictures of the transmission with the TCI deep aluminum pan and the Mechanical Speedometer tail housing so I can use my original speedometer. Low stall torque converter for the 454.

68Timber · 09-03-2014, 03:09 PM

Good to hear it. Any idea how much the entire conversion ran? I know the controllers can get pricey.

GRADYS Performance · 09-03-2014, 03:19 PM

Pictures of the cross member moved back 3.75" with a 4L80E mount.

GRADYS Performance · 09-03-2014, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BRUISER

Good to hear it. Any idea how much the entire conversion ran? I know the controllers can get pricey.

The complete conversion can vary depending on what you do for a transmission and converter, Year of vehicle you are putting it in for Speedometer use, Cross member modifications and Controller with TPS if needed.

The Transmission controller I used was a TCI TCU unit #302820 which cost $614.00, TCI Remote TPS for the Carburetor cost $142.00 and the cable bracket to mount the remote TPS cable to the carb is TCI part #376700 and cost is $23.00.

GRADYS Performance · 09-03-2014, 04:02 PM

Driveshaft shortened 3-3/8" the difference in case length between the TH400 and the 4L80E Transmissions with the bolt on yoke

GRADYS Performance · 09-03-2014, 04:18 PM

Engine RPM at 65 MPH with 235/85/16 tires with the TH400 was about 2700, with the 4L80E and the converter locked the RPM is about 1950. What a difference a .75 Overdrive and a Lock Up Torque Converter make.

Computer cable plug on side of transmission.

84chevyguyid · 09-03-2014, 11:22 PM

Lookin good! Who sells the speedo tail housing?

68Timber · 09-04-2014, 08:36 AM

Thanks for an excellent how-to and pics. Any plans for fuel injection?

GRADYS Performance · 09-04-2014, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 84chevyguyid

Lookin good! Who sells the speedo tail housing?

I sent a PM to you about the Speedometer conversion kit that we offer.

GRADYS Performance · 09-04-2014, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BRUISER

Thanks for an excellent how-to and pics. Any plans for fuel injection?

Thanks for the compliment.

No plans for fuel injection at this time. It would be a nice update if I ever decide to do it.

GRADYS Performance · 09-08-2014, 01:03 PM

Picture of the shifter linkage. Moved frame bracket back putting front bracket hole in rear frame hole and dropping down about 1/4". Lengthened shifter rod down from column by 2".

slimneverdies · 03-09-2015, 04:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GRADYS Performance

I sent a PM to you about the Speedometer conversion kit that we offer.

Is it possible you could send me that info also?

GRADYS Performance · 03-09-2015, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slimneverdies

Is it possible you could send me that info also?

I sent a PM to you about the mechanical speedometer conversion for the 4L80E.

Hankster · 03-11-2015, 07:47 PM

Nice write up, I have been thinking about the swap with my 454 swapped c10 if you could please send me that info also! Thank you!

GRADYS Performance · 03-11-2015, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hankster

Nice write up, I have been thinking about the swap with my 454 swapped c10 if you could please send me that info also! Thank you!

I sent a PM to you about the speedometer conversion.

72MARIO · 03-12-2015, 12:28 PM

Any reason not to post the speedo conversion info here ? I am interested too. Do you sell the kit ?

12-18-2013, 02:56 PM	#1
GRADYS Performance Registered User Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Columbus, Oh Posts: 367	85 Suburban TH400 to 4L80E swap I am preparing to change the TH400 in my 85 2WD C20 Suburban 454 to a 4L80E transmission. Does anyone have experience with what needs to be done for the crossmember?

12-18-2013, 06:47 PM	#2
68Timber I know the pieces fit Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: MONTGOMERY, AL Posts: 5,523	Re: 85 Suburban TH400 to 4L80E swap How to here: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=574800 __________________ John 79 2wd Blazer (Bruiser) 85 M1009 Blazer (Sarge) build 74 Honda Z50 build

12-19-2013, 11:43 AM	#4
68Timber I know the pieces fit Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: MONTGOMERY, AL Posts: 5,523	Re: 85 Suburban TH400 to 4L80E swap I think he said he used the stock cross member with the 4L80E mount. __________________ John 79 2wd Blazer (Bruiser) 85 M1009 Blazer (Sarge) build 74 Honda Z50 build

12-20-2013, 12:39 AM	#5
CamaroChris Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Midvale, Utah Posts: 220	Re: 85 Suburban TH400 to 4L80E swap when I put an 6.0l/4l80e in my 86 Suburban (originally a 350/th400) I used Dirty Dingo mounts. all I had to do was re-drill the cross member holes in the frame around 1.5" back. but the cross member its self needed no modification. The 4l80e trans bushing bolted right to the cross member. __________________ I LIKE TRUCKS 1986 GMC Suburban Build Build link 1982 Chevy SWB 2wd Scottsdale, Build Link Sold 1987 Jimmy Build, Project Cheap A$$ Build Link

01-14-2014, 05:17 PM	#6
GRADYS Performance Registered User Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Columbus, Oh Posts: 367	Re: 85 Suburban TH400 to 4L80E swap I am starting this swap project. I have the transmission and torque converter complete and ready to install. Transmission is fresh overhauled with a shift kit, manual speedometer output housing with gears and deep aluminum pan. I will try to update with progress and pictures as I work on it and make progress.

12-19-2013, 11:27 AM	#3
GRADYS Performance Registered User Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Columbus, Oh Posts: 367	Re: 85 Suburban TH400 to 4L80E swap No details in that thread about the cross member modifications.

05-10-2014, 03:06 PM	#7
GRADYS Performance Registered User Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Columbus, Oh Posts: 367	Re: 85 Suburban TH400 to 4L80E swap Moved the transmission crossmember back to line up the front crossmember bolt holes with the rear bolt holes in the frame and the mount on the transmission lines up perfectly. Drilled new rear holes in the frame using the crossmember as a template and bolted everything up. Transmission and torque converter are now installed and bolted in.

07-14-2014, 10:50 AM	#8
GRADYS Performance Registered User Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Columbus, Oh Posts: 367	Re: 85 Suburban TH400 to 4L80E swap Driveshaft shortened 3-3/8 inches and re installed. Cooler lines from TH400 moved back 2-3 inches and re bent to fit 91-96 4L80E case.

07-26-2014, 09:26 AM	#9
GRADYS Performance Registered User Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Columbus, Oh Posts: 367	Re: 85 Suburban TH400 to 4L80E swap Installing the TCI Transmission control unit and TPS sensor this weekend, That just leaves the shifter linkage and speedometer cable left to finish up.

09-03-2014, 02:55 PM	#10
GRADYS Performance Registered User Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Columbus, Oh Posts: 367	Re: 85 Suburban TH400 to 4L80E swap Finished up the installation and drove it several times pulling my boat. Really satisfied with the results. Tinkered around with the controller settings to get a good shift feeling. And the Lockup converter settings based on MPH and TPS percentage. Mileage is much better what used to take a full tank is now down to about 3/4 tank for a vacation trip. Pictures of the transmission with the TCI deep aluminum pan and the Mechanical Speedometer tail housing so I can use my original speedometer. Low stall torque converter for the 454. Attached Images Last edited by GRADYS Performance; 09-03-2014 at 03:24 PM.

09-03-2014, 03:09 PM	#11
68Timber I know the pieces fit Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: MONTGOMERY, AL Posts: 5,523	Re: 85 Suburban TH400 to 4L80E swap Good to hear it. Any idea how much the entire conversion ran? I know the controllers can get pricey. __________________ John 79 2wd Blazer (Bruiser) 85 M1009 Blazer (Sarge) build 74 Honda Z50 build

09-03-2014, 03:19 PM	#12
GRADYS Performance Registered User Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Columbus, Oh Posts: 367	Re: 85 Suburban TH400 to 4L80E swap Pictures of the cross member moved back 3.75" with a 4L80E mount. Attached Images

09-03-2014, 04:02 PM	#14
GRADYS Performance Registered User Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Columbus, Oh Posts: 367	Re: 85 Suburban TH400 to 4L80E swap Driveshaft shortened 3-3/8" the difference in case length between the TH400 and the 4L80E Transmissions with the bolt on yoke Attached Images

09-03-2014, 04:18 PM	#15
GRADYS Performance Registered User Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Columbus, Oh Posts: 367	Re: 85 Suburban TH400 to 4L80E swap Engine RPM at 65 MPH with 235/85/16 tires with the TH400 was about 2700, with the 4L80E and the converter locked the RPM is about 1950. What a difference a .75 Overdrive and a Lock Up Torque Converter make. Computer cable plug on side of transmission. Attached Images

09-03-2014, 11:22 PM	#16
84chevyguyid Registered User Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Mud Lake, Idaho Posts: 346	Re: 85 Suburban TH400 to 4L80E swap Lookin good! Who sells the speedo tail housing?



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09-04-2014, 08:36 AM	#17
68Timber I know the pieces fit Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: MONTGOMERY, AL Posts: 5,523	Re: 85 Suburban TH400 to 4L80E swap Thanks for an excellent how-to and pics. Any plans for fuel injection? __________________ John 79 2wd Blazer (Bruiser) 85 M1009 Blazer (Sarge) build 74 Honda Z50 build

09-08-2014, 01:03 PM	#20
GRADYS Performance Registered User Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Columbus, Oh Posts: 367	Re: 85 Suburban TH400 to 4L80E swap Picture of the shifter linkage. Moved frame bracket back putting front bracket hole in rear frame hole and dropping down about 1/4". Lengthened shifter rod down from column by 2". Attached Images

03-11-2015, 07:47 PM	#23
Hankster Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Nacogdoches, Texas Posts: 895	Re: 85 Suburban TH400 to 4L80E swap Nice write up, I have been thinking about the swap with my 454 swapped c10 if you could please send me that info also! Thank you! __________________ Current Build 89 s10 ecsb 2wd 4.3/700r4 50k OG Miles Instagram- shaggin_s10 '86 Chevrolet C10 Custom Deluxe - Gen V 454 - 4l80e - welded 12 bolt (Build thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=611611 ) SOLD

03-12-2015, 12:28 PM	#25
72MARIO Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Huntsville Ontario Canada Posts: 4,051	Re: 85 Suburban TH400 to 4L80E swap Any reason not to post the speedo conversion info here ? I am interested too. Do you sell the kit ? __________________ 1968 Suburban numbers matching all original truck now equipped with 6.0/4L80 on Accuair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=625017 1967 C/20 6.0/4L80 Roofing Truck 1990 V2500 Suburban "Plow Truck" 2005 TAHOE DD

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