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TR-6060 transmission on a M1010? Anybody done it?

ballencd

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I'm in full agreement with you on the price. Sounds like you also have to be careful what transmission version you get plus need to be able to do programming after install. I don't know how to do that at this point but sure would like a 6 speed vs the 4 speed. I'm looking for a late model 6L80-e to see what they cost. I'm not sure I want the first kit off the assembly line either.

The kit I was looking at was the TCM2650 from ZeroGravity. I got this from them:
"The TCM2650 is not a standalone Controller. The TCM2650 is a gateway module that will get most GM 6L80E/90E and 8L90E transmissions running behind any engine. It requires a Throttle Position and Engine RPM signal. You will still need to have the factory transmission controller
programmed for the 6L50E, 6L80E, 6L90E and 8L90E. You do not need this module if you are running a GM ECM with 58X operating system
(2007 or newer ). To modify shift feel and shift points and TCC lock up you will need to use Hptuners or EFI live. That is all performed in
the factory TCM. The TCM does not output anything to the engine. "

Looks like a torque converter and tuning program would still be needed along with a TPS (which I think we already have on the CUCV engine and a tachometer signal which probably is not terrible to configure.
 

ballencd

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I was just watching a video on a guy who did a 2WD 6L90E to NP208 transfer case. The output shaft on the 2WD 6L90E was larger in diameter and 36 spline, versus the CUCV NP208 32 spline. He had machine shop reduce the diameter and cut 32 splines. I am not sure if this is an issue with a 4WD 6Lx0E or not.

I have the original TH400 with a Gear Vendor OD and 33" tall tires on my M1010. I can cruise at 65mph and can reach 80 if I am push it hard. Another option, might be a 4L80E with a GV unit. That would give you double overdrive BUT also gear splitting. Not a cheap solution but another option.
What RPM are you running at 65 mph with your GV OD?
 

79Vette

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In my opinion the tr6060 is a very poor choice for an off road/truck transmission. If you just want to cruise the highway however that is what the 6060 was designed for and it could be a good option.

With only 3.0 reduction in first gear compared to 5.5-6.5 reduction in an SM465 or NV4500, the overdrive doesn't really help you that much. When off road or towing, a tr6060 in 1st with 4.56 gears will have the same total reduction as an SM465 in 1st with about 2.08 gears, if that was even possible. (2.97 x 4.56 = 13.54, while 6.55 x 2.08 = 13.62)

What you're looking for in an off road/towing trans isn't the deepest overdrive, but the largest gear spread between the bottom and top ratio. In the tr6060 that is 2.97 / 0.63 = 4.71, in a SM465 it's 6.55 / 1.0 = 6.55. If you're willing to give up all the low gearing that comes with a truck/4x4 transmission, you might as well just run a cheap SM465 with really tall axle gears to get your highway speed instead. You'll get better mileage that way too, because the lower reduction hypoid gears in the rear axle will have less loss compared to a higher ratio and a 1:1 ratio in the main transmission will be more mechanically efficient than another gear stage (overdrive).
 
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nyoffroad

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A lot of this gear ratio talk is lost on me, but knowing that the 6.2 is such a power house and torque monster why would you want any tranny that has a double over drive? A M1010 is heavy to start with, get it loaded for camping or whatever and it's not going to go very fast except downhill!
 

Ilikemtb999

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In my opinion the tr6060 is a very poor choice for an off road/truck transmission. If you just want to cruise the highway however that is what the 6060 was designed for and it could be a good option.

With only 3.0 reduction in first gear compared to 5.5-6.5 reduction in an SM465 or NV4500, the overdrive doesn't really help you that much. When off road or towing, a tr6060 in 1st with 4.56 gears will have the same total reduction as an SM465 in 1st with about 2.08 gears, if that was even possible. (2.97 x 4.56 = 13.54, while 6.55 x 2.08 = 13.62)

What you're looking for in an off road/towing trans isn't the deepest overdrive, but the largest gear spread between the bottom and top ratio. In the tr6060 that is 2.97 / 0.63 = 4.71, in a SM465 it's 6.55 / 1.0 = 6.55. If you're willing to give up all the low gearing that comes with a truck/4x4 transmission, you might as well just run a cheap SM465 with really tall axle gears to get your highway speed instead. You'll get better mileage that way too, because the lower reduction hypoid gears in the rear axle will have less loss compared to a higher ratio and a 1:1 ratio in the main transmission will be more mechanically efficient than another gear stage (overdrive).
I wonder if the OP meant the TR-4050 which is a solid replacement for the nv4500.
 

ballencd

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Nope, the OP did mean 6060 for a M1010 camper build. I am wanting to be able to do highway speeds and some off road but nothing hard....just don't want to get stuck. The truck has the TH400 in it now and will only do 55 mph without over revving the engine on the road. I do want to be able to tow light loads of 4-6K on occasion but rarely and not for long distance. The 6060 gives a nice range as would the auto 6L80 but IMO they are both too expensive so I am looking at other options.....axles to start 3.42 or 3.73 and possibly a 4L60 instead of having to swap out the auto for a manual. I don't know much about axles so I hesitate changing them out. The vehicle only has about 19000 miles on it so mostly new all the way around. I need to be able to travel long distances at highway speeds mostly as we ware wanting to camp across the country in this rig.
 

ballencd

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Looking into a gear swap looks like I would have to change out the carriers, gears and the lockers too.
Currently I have:
Front Axle: Dana 60 4.56:1 ratio. Comes with PowerTrax 2620-LR Lock Right locker.
Rear Axle: 10.5 in Corporate 14 Bolt 4.56:1 ratio. Comes with a Detroit Locker.
My thoughts are that the transmission might be cheaper and easier then changing out all that and give me a wider gear range too.
What are your thoughts?????
 

Ilikemtb999

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Nope, the OP did mean 6060 for a M1010 camper build. I am wanting to be able to do highway speeds and some off road but nothing hard....just don't want to get stuck. The truck has the TH400 in it now and will only do 55 mph without over revving the engine on the road. I do want to be able to tow light loads of 4-6K on occasion but rarely and not for long distance. The 6060 gives a nice range as would the auto 6L80 but IMO they are both too expensive so I am looking at other options.....axles to start 3.42 or 3.73 and possibly a 4L60 instead of having to swap out the auto for a manual. I don't know much about axles so I hesitate changing them out. The vehicle only has about 19000 miles on it so mostly new all the way around. I need to be able to travel long distances at highway speeds mostly as we ware wanting to camp across the country in this rig.
Interesting you’d want a car transmission in your cucv. Carry on.

the nv4500 is pretty great though
 

ballencd

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I stated 4L60 when I meant the 4L80. I don't have a clutch, pedals, flywheel, or bellhousing either which adds to the complexity of the situation.
 

nyoffroad

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I stated 4L60 when I meant the 4L80. I don't have a clutch, pedals, flywheel, or bellhousing either which adds to the complexity of the situation.
All that is available and probably cheaper than redoing both diff's. I'm not familiar with most tranny's mentioned but I do know about the 700R4 I swapped one in and left the 4.56 gears and easily cruised at 65-70 . The problems would start when I hit a hill, it doesn't take much of a hill or load to slow a 6.2 down and that's going to be your biggest issue. I understand wanting to get there fast but that's just not going to happen dragging stuff with a 6.2. no matter what tranny/gear/tire combo you run.
 

79Vette

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Nope, the OP did mean 6060 for a M1010 camper build. I am wanting to be able to do highway speeds and some off road but nothing hard....just don't want to get stuck. The truck has the TH400 in it now and will only do 55 mph without over revving the engine on the road.

If you ever want to go off the pavement, a tr6060 is the wrong transmission. You need a truck transmission with a low first gear, or an automatic, or if you use a manual car transmission with car gear ratios you need at least 4:1 reduction in the transfer case (or a doubler). Autos can get away without a low first because the torque converter can slip below the lockup speed, but a manual must have low gearing or you will burn through clutches in a hurry no matter how good of a driver you are. Without deep gears it's just not possible to go slow enough whenever there's an obstacle without burning up the clutch.

Another thing to keep in mind, since you are planning to do road trips in this truck. From someone who owns and loves several square bodies, remember these vehicles are wildly uncivilized compared to new trucks and make sure you and all your passengers are ready for that.

I've daily driven my 1009 for 6 years and do 1000+ mile road trips in it several times a year along with dozens of 400+ mile trips. I've spent over $20k in parts and hundreds of hours of labor installing an overdrive unit, low geared manual transmission and matching transfer case, new axle gears/air lockers, a turbo, a nice interior, AC, seat heaters, literally hundreds of lbs of sound and heat proofing insulation, an intercom/headsets out of a Cessna aircraft, solar/fridge/stove/running water/compressed air/a welder and every other driving and camping creature comfort I can imagine. You still need headsets to carry a conversation at 70 mph, the AC doesn't work nearly as well as a modern truck, even with the turbo the engine is underpowered compared to anything made in the last 20 years, and the fuel economy is worse than a new truck. Some of my friends won't even ride in it for more than a couple hours.

I love how simple it is to work on, I enjoy designing and building all the various parts and upgrades, and I love the classic body lines. But just remember at the end of the day, you'll still have a crappy old truck that is slow, loud, and handles like a 70s Chevy. For not much more money I could have had a Tacoma or Colorado that would be much more comfortable and get better MPG. Every minute I spend on the highway I wish the truck was more comfortable and had another 100-200hp. But when I get off road in the rocks, throw the SM465 into low, hit the lockers, and get the turbo spooled up I remember why I drive a CUCV. All this to say, really think about your goals and what it would take to get there. It won't be cheap to make an old bare bones military truck into a comfortable highway cruiser; trust me I tried and am still trying lol
 
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