I know its been asked before but I do have a bit more to add. Is it a 65E?

Just bought a "spare" temporary tranny from a local salvage yard. Advertised as a 4l65E from an Escalade with 25K miles. I've got the pan off tonight in preparation for fluid/filter change, shift kit and servo install before I swap it into the truck. I'm buying the low miles so far. Everything looks great inside, clean, no burnt smells, or unusual bits laying around. I'm extremely happy so far. Paid $800 for it with TC and has the auto-trac 4wd tail housing on it.

Anyway I'd like to confirm it's a 65E. From my service manual I've found some de-code info from the stamps on it. Mine is stamped 3KZD4 220A 33149406

3= 2003
KZ = model - Is KZ a model designation for an Escalade?
D4= Hydro Matic 4l60E **** hoping all stamped like this. no 65e designation
220A = 220th day of 03 and A = 1st shift
33149406 = sequential serial number.

Betting there is no way to tell with just the pan off to see anything internal to ID it as a 65E?

It does have the deep pan with a drain plug and had a different cover on one side for the servo. A long extension with a probable exhaust rubber mount on it. I've never seen these on a truck. Probably for the SUV's and hopefully for an Escalade only and not Tahoes?

Couple pictures.

You can see the long arm in this picture


Nice clean tranny - Wohoo!

 

Any chance you can see the planetaries?

 

Don't think so.

 

I have found a transmission shop that denotes 3KZD as an ID Tag. You can see it on the sticker on top of my tranny too along with the stampings. Anyway they ID it as a 2003 GMC 65E AWD along with tag 2KZD being a 2002, so its looking promising.

 

M32 anywhere on it?

 

I think the only difference is that the 4l65 has 5 planetary gears and the 4l60 has 4.

If I'm wrong correct me.

 

The exhaust hanger looks like the 6L dual pipe hanger, I think they use 65e's behind the 6L. Looks like low milage too, compare to my slimey 60e.

 

Good eye

 

The KZD is a factory ID for a 65. It is a 65. Vince

 

Yes, 5 planetary vs 4. I also think there are a couple more clutch plates in it somewhere and a couple more beefed up components.. used to have a link to all the differences but can't find it now..... IMO its worth finding a 4l65e over the 60e if you can find it for the right price.

I mentioned the hanger in my ramblings above Knew it was an exhaust hanger... just never associated it to the duals for the 6.0L engines. Figured it was an SUV thing. Thanks!

Thanks for confirming it Vince. It's good to know that there is a way to identify the 65E externally.