I am considering doing an 80e swap when my 60blows. I wuold like to know if there are any differences in the years earlier or later as to the one I need in my truck.

 

Yes,you want a 99up 4L80E with the late model bolt pattern on the bellhousing.The very early 4L80E has a different main plug and all but the late model ones won't mount a late model nuetral switch on the side of the transmission.The 4L80E was continuiously upgraded to the point that a lot of internal parts won't interchange from year to year.

 

i know the gearing is way different you get a numerically smaller 1 and 2 and a numerically higher 4th so bad gas mileage and chitty acceleration is abound but it's hella strong

 

For an 80E, later is better. GM has been continuously upgrading these trannies to hold more power, last longer, etc. I think the last major revision was '02. I certainly wouldn't put a tranny that is a 1999 or older into your 2000 truck.

'Dreamin'

 

Also, is their anyway to tell visually from the outside what year the trans. could be?
Thanks,
Philip S.

 

takea look at www.flp2win.com i think they got pics of both on thier site using stock housings read the desc.