(I posted this at another forum but since this is a GM site i thought I might get better info here.)

I have a 94 Silverado 4x4 with a 4L60E automatic. I lost 3rd and fourth gear. When I lost it what happened was It had been slipping a little bit when it was cold, and one day, it just went to shift from second to third, and nothing was there, it just revved up like it was in neutral. Now I am a apprentice mechanic, but I dont know much about Automatic transmissions, and I've never torn into one except to change a filter. So basically my question is, are there any ideas as to what happened to it? Would a rebuild kit fix the problem? Since I have no experience in Automatics, could I rebuild it, I have a good understanding of mechanics, I am almost certain that if I had a manual on the rebuild i would have no problem. One last thing, what should I look for when I go into the transmission, for instance what to check for in the valvebody, the clutch packs etc. Thanks guys

P.S also I should mention this is my main mode of transportation.

Sorry to hear about your bad fortune. The first thing I would check (as is always my recommendation with automatics) is the fluid level to make sure it's not low. If the fluid is low, try topping it off and seeing if your tranny returns to functionality. Then find the leak and fix it. Sometimes, you can get away with this.

If the tranny fluid is fine and looks fine, you are probably in need of a new tranny. If this is your primary mode of transportation, I would just pay a shop to do it. You'll get the thing back the fastest that way, it'll come with a warranty, and you won't have to deal with rebuilding the tranny yourself. Rebuilding an automatic transmission isn't difficult if you know what you're doing, but the trick is knowing what you're doing. Yes, you could probably do it yourself (I know people who rebuilt their transmissions in their driveways), but I would probably just take it someplace. Since your truck looks to be mostly stock anyway, you're best off with a stock-type rebuild.

Good luck!

Woof, I wouldn't recommend a tranny rebuild on your own, in the driveway. One thing out of place and you are doing it all over again. Now a good replacement swap (GM SRTA- Service Replacement Transmission Assembly)in the driveway would save you some change and they come with a 3 year/50K warrenty. But a tranny shop will probably be your best bet.

It won't hurt to pull the pan and take a look inside: see if you see any 'sparklies' on the pan or magnet.

Well I havnt pulled the Pan, but I have checked the level, it wasnt low, but it was darker than normal, and smelled a little burnt to me, im not sure what this means but it cant be good. Also if possible I am on a limited budget and would like not to spend over a grand, I figure even if I take it to a shop I will pull and reinstall myself, to save money on labor. But this GM SRTA how and where do i get one? What would the cost be, my other choice was to buy a junkyard trans and just swap, but im a little weiry of that. I dont really want to take it to a shop because I work mon-fri, and I cant miss any work, whatever I do I would like to get it done in one weekend if possible. am I on something or is that possible?

Also being that it is a electronic trans I did have it diagnosed, and no I was told it was not a electronic problem.

[QUOTE=94Stepside;1844084I lost 3rd and fourth gear. When I lost it what happened was It had been slipping a little bit when it was cold, and one day, it just went to shift from second to third, and nothing was there, it just revved up like it was in neutral. .[/QUOTE]


Well, I didn't figure it was electrical because of you saying it was slipping before, now it's toast in 3-4th. SRTA is only available at the dealer, if you (or I) can get the part #, then we can check other places like gmpartsdirect for a better price.