Can you advise me as to what torque wrench I need to replace the valve body on my 4l60e transmission?

BONAIRK

MEMBER
1998 GMC SONOMA
1.3L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
147,000 MILES

Getting ready to replace the valve body on my 4l60e transmission. I usually do not use a torque wrench, just snug it up, and a little more. However, with this job, I'm thinking I'd better get one. Any suggestions for a decently accurate one without breaking the bank? Harbor freight has one for $20.00. Would this do, or should I go for a little better? I've changed the fluid and filter in this truck, but never messed with the valve body so any other advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thursday, May 27th, 2021 AT 4:20 PM

5 Replies

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

You need to purchase an Inch Pounds torque wrench. It doesn't matter what brand as there are many different options. If it is not something that you are going to use all the time then I would just go with a cheaper one as they are just as accurate but not as durable. So over time they may not be as accurate as the expensive ones but if you are not going to use it a lot and store it properly, then it will be just fine when you need to use it.

Store it untorqued. Meaning if you set it to the torque for this bolts which is 97 inch pounds, don't just put it away with it left on 97 inch pounds. Set it back to 0 so that you don;t leave the tension on it and it will be just fine.

Please see the process below for this and let us know if you have other questions. Thanks

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Friday, May 28th, 2021 AT 5:22 PM

BONAIRK

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3 POSTS

Thanks so much for all the useful information. I have to say that I'm a little nervous about this job. I found that if you buy AC Delco or similar quality parts, solenoids, etc, you'll end up spending more than replacing the entire valve body. The new one will also have the Sonax fix. Thanks again for the help.

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Sunday, May 30th, 2021 AT 5:03 AM

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

Totally understand. You are welcome. Please let us know how it works out for you as I am sure others have the same feeling so hearing how your's turns out would be helpful. Thanks

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Sunday, May 30th, 2021 AT 7:45 PM

BONAIRK

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Hello KaseKenny,

Well, I finally got it done, believe it or not. I read and viewed numerous web articles and YouTube videos, numerous times. But I got it done. Bolts properly torqued! I have to say, or admit, that it was a notch above my skill level. There were so many questions answered by this article or that video that it was comparatively simple. The only post-install issue is a slight 1-2 shift harshness, which I'm chalking up to a new spring in the 1-2 accumulator. The forward, 1-2, and 3-4, accumulators were upgraded with the Sonnax fix. I believe the running temperature has been lowered, and I know the acceleration is better. If you've got any questions for me, shoot.

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Tuesday, November 1st, 2022 AT 5:32 PM