The Turbo Hydra-Matic 700R4 transmission was introduced in 1982 as a replacement for the TH350. It features a 30% overdrive, which provided significant improvements in fuel economy over the three speed TH350, whose tallest gear was direct drive (1:1). Also beneficial, the 700R4 has a shorter 1st gear ratio (3.06 as opposed to 2.52). It's heavier than the TH350, weighing in the ballpark of 200 lbs including the torque converter. In 1990, GM renamed the transmission the 4L60 - "4" for four speed, "L" for longitudinal (mounted), and "60" to represent a nominal GVWR of 6,000 lbs. The transmission continued to appear in a variety of GM vehicles, including 1/2 ton GMC/Chevrolet pickups, until 2012.
700R4 Transmission Ratios
1st |
2nd |
3rd |
4th |
Reverse |
3.059 : 1 |
1.625 : 1 |
1.00 : 1 |
0.696 : 1 |
2.294 : 1 |
700R4 Transmission Specs
Type: |
4 speed, overdrive automatic transmission |
Applications: |
1982 - 2012, various GMC, Chevrolet, and Buick applications |
Case Material: |
Cast aluminum |
Case Length: |
23.375" overall |
Input Spline: |
27 spline from 1984, 30 spline from 1984 on |
Weight: |
~ 200 lbs dry |
Fluid Type*: |
DEXRON VI, 8.8 - 11.4 quart capacity |
Identification: |
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*Required fluid type and fluid capacity may vary with application and model year - refer to vehicle's owner manual.