6L80E Rebuild Pricing
A GM 6L80E rebuild at Sun West Transmissions starts at $3,900, including removal and installation.
We usually recommend an upgraded torque converter and other upgrades depending on how you use your vehicle and what caused the failure.
Why Our 6L80E Builds Are Different
Many shops simply replace the clutches and seals. Every 6L80 and 6L90 we build gets the upgrades that fix this transmission’s known factory weak points.
Used in most 2007-and-newer GM trucks, SUVs and vans, the 6L80E is a reliable transmission when it is built right. We handle removal, rebuild and reinstallation at our Glendale shop.
What Goes Into Every 6L80E Build
New LuK TorCon Torque Converter
The LuK TorCon 6L80 from Schaeffler is the first and only all-new, never-remanufactured torque converter available in the independent aftermarket. Its design is proven to last up to five times longer than rebuilt torque converters.
The factory converter has several weak points: a thin stamped cover that flexes under heat and heavy loads, a thin single-disc friction lining that flakes or glazes, lockup calibration that slips constantly to maximize fuel economy, and soft impeller hubs that can shear or strip.
Machined Bell Housing, Pump And Stator
Many builders skip the pump and bell housing assembly to save money. We send our cores to a local transmission machinist who resurfaces the areas where the pump impeller spins and machines the top surface to restore its integrity. Every 6L80 and 6L90 we build gets a machined pump, stator and bell housing.
- Restores critical wear surfaces instead of reusing a high-mileage component.
- Improves hydraulic integrity so the transmission holds the pressure it needs for proper clutch operation.
Updated 1-2-3-4 Piston And Housing
The 1-2-3-4 piston is a known failure point and can crack, leading to clutch failure. The piston housing can also crack on its inside diameter and even break away, causing 1-2-3-4 apply problems. GM updated both parts, and we always install the updated design.
Billet Thermal Bypass Block
On a stock 6L80, the thermal bypass restricts flow through the cooler until the fluid reaches operating temperature. A billet bypass lets fluid reach the cooler sooner, helping reduce operating temperatures — especially in Arizona heat, when towing, in heavy trucks and SUVs, and in stop-and-go driving.
Common 6L80E Problems
Symptoms you may notice include first-gear slipping, slipping or skipping 2nd and 3rd gears, shuddering, overheating and loss of reverse. Common causes include:
- Torque converter failure — shuddering, slipping, vibration and debris contamination.
- Torque converter clutch (TCC) shudder — feels like driving over rumble strips during light acceleration or cruising.
- 3-5-R clutch failure — slipping or loss of 3rd, 5th and/or reverse.
- 4-5-6 clutch failure — slipping, flare shifts or loss of the higher gears.
- Cracked 1-2-3-4 piston or clutch drum.
- Valve body wear — erratic, harsh, delayed or inconsistent shifting.
- TEHCM/solenoid problems — shift complaints, codes, limp mode or wrong-gear operation.
- Pump, bell housing and stator support wear — low hydraulic pressure, delayed engagement and clutch damage.
- Seal, bushing and bearing wear — pressure loss, noise and metal contamination.
- Overheating and thermal bypass problems — heat accelerates fluid and internal wear.
- Cooler contamination — debris left in the cooler after a failure can cause repeat problems.
About The GM 6L80E
The 6L80E replaced the 4L60-E, 4L65-E, 4L70-E, 4L80-E and 4L85-E. It was designed for GM’s Gen III+ V8 engines in Chevrolet, GMC, Buick and Cadillac vehicles, and is rated for vehicles up to 8,600 pounds (14,000 pounds gross combined weight).
The 6L80E (RPO code MYC) is built in Ypsilanti, Michigan. It uses clutch-to-clutch shifting with no bands and has a deep first gear for strong launches and a tall overdrive for low-RPM highway cruising. Input torque is rated at 440 lb-ft and maximum output torque at 664 lb-ft. It uses Dexron VI fluid — 10 to 12.6 quarts depending on the application — and a 258 mm or 300 mm torque converter.
| Gear | Ratio |
|---|---|
| First | 4.02 |
| Second | 2.36 |
| Third | 1.53 |
| Fourth | 1.15 |
| Fifth | 0.85 |
| Sixth | 0.67 |
Features include performance algorithm braking, driver shift control and a 32-bit control module inside the transmission that adapts to normal clutch wear. For 4×4 swaps, the most common transfer cases are the BorgWarner BW4485 and Magna Powertrain MP1222LD.
6L80E Vehicle Compatibility
- 2007–2015 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV
- 2007–2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT
- 2009–2013 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500
- 2009–2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban 1500 and Tahoe
- 2009–2016 GMC Sierra 1500
- 2007–2010 GMC Sierra Denali and 2011–2015 Sierra Denali 1500
- 2007–2015 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL 1500
- 2008–2009 Hummer H2
- 2008–2009 Pontiac G8
Find out how Sun West Transmissions can rebuild your 6L80E better than it came from the factory. Call (623) 473-9800.
How We Rebuild Your GM 6L80E
Free Diagnostic Services
Not sure what is wrong with your GM 6L80E? We perform an in-depth diagnosis that covers the electronics, a pan inspection and a road test. A proper transmission diagnosis takes 2–3 hours, and at Sun West it is free of charge.
Removal
No hassle — our professional technicians remove your GM 6L80E and install the rebuilt unit right here at our Glendale shop.
Bench Teardown
Our experienced rebuilders tear down your GM 6L80E, wash every part and completely inspect it.
Rebuild to Spec
We rebuild your GM 6L80E knowing its most common failure points, and we correct those along with any factory updates it needs.
Installation
When we install your GM 6L80E, we also inspect the rear main oil seal and the engine and transmission mounts.
Final Inspection
The same technician who diagnosed the problem performs the final inspection, road test, programming and relearn procedures on your GM 6L80E.
6L80E Rebuild Price
Your GM 6L80E rebuild starts at $3,900 including removal and installation. We usually recommend an upgraded torque converter, and other upgrades are available based on your usage and the cause of the failure.
Warranty on Your GM 6L80E Rebuild
At Sun West Transmissions we are dedicated to top-quality repairs, and we stand behind our work for 18 months or 18,000 miles. For a small fee you can upgrade to a 24-month/24,000-mile warranty.
Need help paying for the repair? Apply for financing or call (623) 473-9800.