Good evening all, I have seen and read that there are quite a few educated folks around here and I wanted to ask a question specific to my truck before I throw my auto trans though my neighbors window, or at least at his dog.

• The Truck: 1996 Chevy Blazer LT, 4DR, 4WD-Push button, Auto.
• The Issue: These transmissions are weak, mine is dying again. I will not put another auto in this truck, I mean, I have had it forever, and the rest of the truck has survived through it all.
• The Solution: Well, that is why I am here. I read this post, HERE and see that is sort of close to my issue. But I want to be sure before I start this winter project, and things get goofy. Will the current harness running from the trans match up to a manual? As well as the new computer needed for the manual, I will probably replace the cluster for one with a tach. Any issues there?
• Basically, I have mechanical experience, mostly in Mustangs, and have done engine and tranny conversions there. In the Blazer, I would like to know what issues I may have getting a 5 speed in my truck. If I get a donor from a similar S10, obviously wheelbase will be different, but isn't that made up by driveshafts if both are 4WD? I am not afraid of pedal boxes, wiring, or putting a hole in the floor for the shifter. I just want to know can I put a stick trans in, and have splines and mounts match. After the trans is in place to the truck, well.... petal boxes, flywheel, steering columns, and slave/master cylinders are a minor issue...

 

No, nothing in the wiring for the Auto will match up with the manual. You will also need to swap out the PCM for one that is tuned to having a manual transmission (or have yours tuned).

Sounds like you have a jaded opinion of these transmissions based off of bad rebuilds. The 4L60E is actually a fairly reliable transmission and when built up properly, it can handle some serious abuse.

 

Ok, I take it then that the harness for the trans is modular, it can be replaced by the manual trans harness so everything works with the replaced computer? And it is, all the other stuff aside, a direct bolt in, splines and all?

I do have a jaded opinion of the 4L60E, nothing personal to Chevy, as I loved the FWD series in the A-Body of the 80's. Just can't get this series transmission to stay in one piece. The rest of the truck is bulletproof, even with almost 200K in her.

I appreciate the help from the group, would hate to get so far just to have a hiccup mess everything up.