However, from the top side, once you get the filter removed from the vehicle, you'll be able to notice the differences in depth. These 2 filters look very similar from the bottom side. In additon to having a thicker filter medium, the deep filter also has a plastic spacer molded into the plastic portion of the filter. The difference was made up by changing the filter.ĭifferences Between Deep & Shallow 4L60E Oil Filters Due to the drop in depth of the pan, the pump intake (by way of the filter) had to reach deeper in the pan. The change in depth allowed the transmission to hold more fluid therefore allowing it to dissipate more heat. It is possible to have a 1997 with either a shallow or deep oil pan on an OEM transmission! So, it is best to inspect your oil pan before ordering the oil filter. This change was instituted to all OEM 4L60E transmissions in eary 1997. The bottom of a deep 4L60E transmission oil pan has a step down that covers 3/4 of the bottom of the pan. Shallow 4L60E oil pans are all one depth. So, how do you know which style 4L60E oil pan you have installed on your car or truck? Here's the Difference Between Shallow & Deep Pan Styles And, both styles may or may not contain drain plugs. Both shallow and deep pans installed in vehicles might be painted or unpainted. For instance, both shallow style and deep style 4L60E oil pans have 16 bolt holes. Shallow and Deep GM 4L60E transmission oil pans have a few common charactersitcs. Shallow style and deep style 4L60E oil filters look very similar, but a casual inspection of your transmissions oil pan will let you know which filter style to order. You may be asking yourself, "Why does it matter what type of filter my 4L60E uses? I thought they were all the same." This is an easy thing to be confused about.
CHEVROLET TRANSMISSION PAN IDENTIFICATION FREE
Please make sure the gasket is clean and free of any holes or nicks to avoid leaks. PML designed this pan to accommodate the reusable factory gasket. This transmission pan works with stock gaskets. A deeper filter or extension is not needed since the transmission fluid is at the same level with a PML pan as with the stock pan. This image shows the inside of the PML pan.īecause the pan is deeper than stock, the pan has filter supports cast in. PML transmission pans work with stock filters, easily available from your favorite auto parts store.Ĭustomers have told us that the stock GM filter is "GM Part No. See installation images below that show the routing of the exhaust. You would need to drop the exhaust to service the transmission with the stock pan as three bolts are not otherwise accessible.
CHEVROLET TRANSMISSION PAN IDENTIFICATION INSTALL
In many cases, you will need to drop the exhaust to install this pan. Also, some of these vehicles need a fill hole on the pan. We are considering a low profile, stock capacity pan for the 6L90. This pan will fit the transmission but is probably too deep to maintain clearance. Vans especially should check for clearance.Ĭadillac CTS-V, 2009 to 2015, and some new CTS and Camaro ZL1 models have the 6L90 transmission. Look at yours before you order to verify your transmission and clearance. Note: Trucks and SUVs have a variety of configurations. Yukon HD, 6.0L, not hybrid, 6.0L, some models starting in 2008.Tahoe 6.0L, not hybrid, 6.0L, some models starting in 2008.This pan fits the GM 6L90, 6L90E transmission, typically found on these vehicles: Thick gasket flange, machined flat, for a leak-free seal.Thick walls to add strength to the transmission housing.Extra capacity, fins and aluminum construction to dissipate heat from transmission fluid.PML designed this pan for 2007 and newer heavy duty Chevrolet and GM trucks and SUVs. Number of Bolts: 18 (there are 20 holes, 2 holes locate the gasket and 18 holes for bolts to hold the pan to the transmission case) Description and Applications Note that the 6L80 transmission pan is similar in shape but the 6L80 is shorter at 17 1/2 inches. Dimensions: The truck stock pan is about 3 1/2 inches deep so the PML pan is about 3 inches deeper than the stock pan.