I've been looking for a 4L65E for my 2003 Silverado to replace the 4L60E.

The question is this, looking at a transmission that has been removed from a vehicle is there an easy way to tell the difference between a 4L60E and a 4L65E?

 

Not without tearing it apart. The only difference is that the 65 has a 5 pinion planetary, and the 60 has a 4 pinion

 

nothing else? . . . so can you put a 5 pinion in a 60e?

 

you sure can

 

It is my understanding that a 4L60E can be upgraded to all the good 4L65E parts, not just the planetary. There are some builders out there that claim that you can push the towing limit up to 6000/6500 pounds with a 4L65E in overdrive with the right modifications.

 

the planetary gears are the ONLY difference... nothing else... I spoke with my builder on this one... and they happen to know a couple things about building a good transmission....

 

That's interesting. Here is a list of the items that I've seen that had to go into the 4L65's:
[INDENT]Five-pinionIn addition it has:
The issue is that the only visible parts are the extra clutches and planetary gearset.

 

if you know everything about them why'd you ask... sounds like you know more than aaaaaannnyoonnneee here... sounds like you already got your info...

 

Dude, I don't know you from Adam but what the F is your problem. Internally I know how to spot the differences, the big thing is externally is there an easy way to tell. It looks like the simple answer is not really. I was hoping that there would be someone out there that cold point to some sort of identifyer for example casting/case ID's, front pump changes, electrical connector differences etc.

This is the beauty of Internet boards.....people can sit behind their keyboard and be an expert. Your comment on the fact that the ONLY difference between a 60 and a 65 is the planetary gearset is just flat out wrong. If you're not sure what you're talking about don't pass along bad/wrong advise.

 

the ONLY SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE is the difference in planetaries...

There is nothing on the outside of the case to tell you one from the next.... they use the same case... as a matter of fact, I happen to have a 65Ein my truck and it SAYS 60E on the side of the case... so My answer would be NO, there's nothing on the outside.

I wasnt being an *** or a know it all... my point was, you kept saying whats the differences, whats the difference... and then you post it up.... I'm done posting in this thread... I hope you get your answer.

BTW: welcome to PT.net... the fastest truck site on the internet... Hope you enjoy your stay...