I've just picked up an '02 suburban 1500 2wd. The engine is sitting on 140K, and my intention is to replace it and gain a bit more uumph. It will be a tow vehicle (jeep wranger, flat towed, ~3500 lbs) so lots of low/mid torque. But I need lesson in suburban drive trains.

I know I have a 4l60e transmission. I don't know what rear end I have. I don't know how hard these components can be pushed. I don't know where the weak link is. I don't know what the options are for building up existing components or replacing with bigger/better. I need schooling.

Were I to ask specific questions, I guess they'd be.

1) how much HP / torque can the 60E take
2) are there options to build up the 60E or do you havta go 80E
3) what rear axle do I have (or how can I find out)
4) how much HP / torque can the axle take
5) Is Detroit True-trac an option
6) Are there any build options or do folks just go bigger (9.5" maybe)
7) What's the weak link in the drive train
8) What are the really important questions I don't know enough to ask.

Apologies for being such a novice, but I gotta start somewhere.

Thanks in advance.

 

1.) its rated for 360ft/lbs, but people have used them on 500hp trucks, and people have broken them stock, so its really the luck of the draw. The trans is generally considered the weakest link.

2.) Two very good trans builders are FLT and performabuilt (both sponsors), they make upgraded 4l60es and do have some 4l80es

3.) 8.625" GM 10bolt

4.) Same situation like the trans, there are guys in the 10s with the 10b, and others that break them stock. In general, if you have stock size tires, you can get away with upgraded internals and be fine, but if you have bigger tires (33"+), then a 14b swap should be highly considered.

5.) Yes.

6.) Swapping out the carrier for a true-trac or eaton lsd or basically anything other than the stock G80 is a good upgrade. Although the 9.5" rear is an option and can be upgraded in the same way as well.

7.) Trans, then rear, and then driveshaft.

8.) What do you plan on doing to the engine? It takes a different mind set to build a 700hp blown nitrous truck than a 350hp one that just has a cam and headers, so identifying your goals is very important.

 

My engine plans depend a bit on what I learn about the drive train. I should also confess this will be my first engine. In fact, one could argue I bought the burban to build the engine, not OWR - I like to tinker .

My first thought is to find a junkyard LQ4/9 and build it. IIRC, the LQ9 was a 345 HP stock. So without working too hard I could push 400 HP, 425 or so torque (I'm guessing).

Are 60e build kits available for DIY.

BTW, I'm trying to track down info on the engine build as well, so would appreciate any pointers there. Ah heck, just assume I know nothing and fill me in.