How to Check Transmission Fluid

Automatic transmissions are complex and confusing.  But, checking the transmission fluid certainly isn’t.  We’ll cover the two most vehicle types and where to look for the dipstick. Before you Begin Most manufacturers recommend that you check the transmission fluid with the engine at operating temperature.  So make sure that you’ve done that.  If you’re not … Read more

Categories DIY

2003 Chevy Trailblazer Transmission

The 2003 Chevy Trailblazer was built on the same platform as the Colorado and GMC Canyon twins.  They were both rear wheel drive and used the same drivetrain components (for the most part).  Trailblazers used the 4L60e across the board regardless of which engine was in front of it.  But, these particular versions of the … Read more

What Color is Transmission Fluid?

What’s in a color?  The answer is a ton of information when it comes to transmission fluid color.  It is one of the best ways to tell the overall health of your transmission. What does healthy transmission fluid look like?  The short answer is a nice amber color.  And that is assuming that you even have … Read more

Limp Mode Causes and Solutions

Any automatic transmission made within the last 15 or 20 years is going to be a computer controlled.  And, just like a modern engine, the computer now knows when there’s something wrong with the transmission.  If the computer thinks that there’s some sort of critical problem is going to destroy the transmission, it will put … Read more

Signs of Torque Converter Problems

The torque converter is responsible for converting the energy generated by the engine at the flywheel and transferring it to an automatic transmission.  It functions in the same place in the driveline as a clutch would, creating a bridge between the engine and the transmission.  When they go bad, they have the potential to leave … Read more

4L60E Transmission Problems

The 4L60E transmission is the direct descendent of the 700R4, and as such already had over a decade of refinement put into it before it ever even made it into production.  This means that even the early ones were pretty good from day one of their production life.  While there have been many case changes … Read more

TH350 vs. TH400

One of the largest questions amongst Chevy guys is TH350 vs. TH400.  Which one is better.  Even though they have been out of production for decades, there is still a strong demand for them.  Their simplicity and durability make them attractive to people in the LS swap community.  They are certainly are both great transmissions. … Read more

C4 Specs + Identification

  History The C4 is a transmission that was produced by the Ford Motor Company starting in 1964.  When first released it was known as the “3 Speed Cruise-O-Matic”  Like GM and the switch from Powerglide to TH350, Ford replaced the iron case of the “Ford-O-Matic” that it replaced.  It was engineered to work with … Read more

Common LS Swap Issues

If you are considering swapping out your motor for an LS motor, there is a lot to consider.  It is totally doable, and absolutely worth it.  The performance and drive-ability improvements that these engines add to an older model vehicle are amazing. The best way to approach the swap is to think of it like … Read more

Best 700R4 Rebuild Kit

The 700R4 transmission has been around of a very long time.  In fact, it hasn’t been in production in over 20 years.  It remains popular due to its reliability and adaptability.  If you are thinking of attempting to rebuild a transmission for the first time, be warned.  Rebuilding one can be more challenging than rebuilding … Read more