Nope, not true. There are two bands in the 4L80-E and they aren't used for upshifts or downshifts - only reverse and overrun.
The rear band is engaged only for reverse and manual first.
The front band is only for manual second.

I guess you could say the only things bands do in a 4L80-E is back up or engine-brake in 1 or 2. When cracking into one with a few hundred thousand miles on it both bands can come out lookind brand new.

Yes - a tighter low-stall converter makes shifts of the same line pressure feel more firm, and a high-stall converter softens them. Under less than wide-open throttle conditions the higher stalling converter actually makes shifting easier on the friction materials - there is less RPM difference between the friction surfaces that has to be equalized due to the greater "slip" (higher stall RPM) of the torque converter.

Overdrive in a 4L80-E is a completely independant set of very large diameter clutches with a dedicated apply piston way up front right behind the pump. This clutch pack is only engaged for fourth gear. This independance is made possible by a dedicated seperate overdrive planetary gear set. This assembly has its own clutch set and apply piston (fourth gear), overrun clutches and apply piston (engaged only for manual 3,2,1), planetary gear set, and overrun roller clutch. It receives lubrication and overrun apply fluid though the sealing rings on the pump hub, and the main clutch pack is fed directly from the valve body through a hollow bolt that holds the clutch assembly in place inside the case.

 

Thanks James, thats great info. This makes the 80e even more attractive.

I'm glad that the bands are NOT used for upshifts. I have never liked the bands in the 60e.

Thanx again
peace
Hog

 

Been waiting to see how the 6l80-90 works out. I would have done a 4L80e already but was dissapointed to hear that the 2.75 first gear was not available as an upgrade except on older 4l80's. I just don't see the 2.48 being the ticket for 1/8 mi racing without a pita converter.

 

So how come some say OD shouldn't be used when towing with a 4L80E and some say its strong enough you can't really hurt it.

 

The 80e has a lower OD ratio than the 60e, which hhelps out the OD towing. I wouldnt hesitate at all to tow with a healthy 80e in OD. The 60e is whole other ball of wax.
Folks are probably saying dont tow in OD with the 80e cause its a bad idea with the 60e?
No band to smoke on the 80e.

peace
Hog