Before you buy parts, know exactly what transmission you have. Here's the complete identification guide by manufacturer, year, and application.
Why identification matters
Wrong parts:
- Don't fit
- Won't work
- Cost time and money
Right parts:
- Direct bolt-up
- Correct electronics
- First-time success
Read our transmission parts buying guide
Identification methods
By VIN:
- Most reliable
- Free online lookup
- Specific to your vehicle
By RPO code (GM):
- Glove box sticker
- Door jamb label
- Drives identification
By placard:
- Sometimes on trans case
- Engine bay sticker
- Owner's manual
Visual identification:
- Pan shape
- Case features
- Connector style
GM transmissions
4L60E (1992-2007 most applications):
- 16-bolt pan, irregular shape
- RPO codes: M30, M31
- Found in: Camaro, Corvette, Silverado/Sierra (light duty), Tahoe/Yukon
- Read our 4L60E common failure codes
4L65E (2001-2007):
- Same case as 4L60E
- 5-pinion planetary
- RPO codes: M32 (some applications)
- HD applications
4L70E (2006-present):
- Updated 4L65E
- Used in late-model HD applications
- Read our 4L60E vs 4L65E vs 4L70E
4L80E (1991-present):
- 17-bolt pan, larger
- RPO code: MT1
- Found in: 2500/3500 HD trucks, Suburban (HD)
- Read our best 4L80E rebuild kit
4L85E (2002-present):
- HD version of 4L80E
- RPO code: MN8
- Premium HD applications
- Read our 4L80E vs 4L85E
6L80 (2006-present):
- 6-speed, much different from 4L80E
- 28-bolt pan
- Mechatronics integrated
- Found in: 2007+ 1500-series trucks, Tahoe/Yukon
- Read our best 6L80 rebuild kit
6L90 (2007-present):
- HD 6L80
- HD trucks, Express vans
- Similar identification
8L90 (2015-present):
- 8-speed automatic
- Found in: 2015+ 1500 trucks (5.3L/6.2L)
- Newer pan style
- Read our 6L80 vs 8L90
10L80 (2017+):
- 10-speed automatic
- Newest GM HD
- Found in: 2017+ HD applications
- Limited aftermarket
Older GM:
- TH350 (1969-1986): 13-bolt pan, smaller
- TH400 (1964-1990): 13-bolt pan, larger
- 700R4 (1982-1993): 16-bolt pan
- Read our TH350 vs TH400
Ford transmissions
AOD (1980-1991):
- 4-speed with overdrive
- Hydraulic/mechanical
- Read our AOD vs AODE vs 4R70W
AODE (1991-1995):
- Electronic version of AOD
- Bridge to 4R70W
4R70W (1993-2008):
- Wider gear case
- ~360 ft-lb stock
- Found in: F-150, Mustang, Crown Vic
- Read our 4R70W rebuild guide
4R75W (2003-2008):
- HD 4R70W
- ~430 ft-lb stock
- Read our 4R75W vs 4R70W
6R80 (2008-2017):
- 6-speed automatic
- F-150 application
- Modern electronics
- Read our 6R80 transmission guide
10R80 (2017+):
- 10-speed automatic
- F-150 and Mustang
- Newer
6R140 (Diesel 2011-2019):
- HD diesel
- 6.7L Power Stroke
- Read our Allison vs 68RFE vs 6R140
Older Ford:
- C4, C6 (legendary classics)
- AOD-E (electronic AOD bridge)
Dodge/Chrysler transmissions
727 (TorqueFlite, 1962-2003):
- 3-speed
- Bulletproof classic
904 (1960-1991):
- 3-speed smaller
- Lighter duty
42RE/44RE/46RE/47RE (1980s-2007):
- Evolution of TorqueFlite
- Various capacities
48RE (2003-2007):
- Cummins-specific
- HD diesel
- Read our 47RE vs 48RE vs 68RFE
68RFE (2007-present):
- 6-speed automatic
- Cummins behind Ram HD
- Read our best 68RFE rebuild kit
545RFE/65RFE/66RFE (2003-present):
- Various 5/6-speed gas applications
- Hemi behind Ram 1500
Allison
Allison 1000 (2001-present):
- Behind Duramax (6.6L)
- 6-speed automatic
- Allison-specific design
- Read our best Allison 1000 rebuild kit
Older Allison commercial:
- Various 5/6-speed
- Heavy commercial
- Specific identification
Identification by VIN
Online tools:
- Manufacturer lookup
- Parts house lookups
- Free with VIN
What you get:
- Specific trans
- Engine
- Year/build date
- All factory options
Reliable for:
- Direct identification
- Parts ordering
- Repair history
Identification by pan
Common pans:
- TH350: 13-bolt small
- TH400: 13-bolt larger
- 4L60E: 16-bolt irregular
- 4L80E: 17-bolt
- AOD/AODE: 17-bolt
- 4R70W: 20-bolt
- 6L80: 28-bolt
Pan-only identification:
- Quick visual
- May not differentiate variants
- Combine with other methods
Identification by case
Cast markings:
- Some trans have model markings
- Cast into case
- May be hidden by mounting
Side cover (where applicable):
- Some trans have side covers
- Year/model markings sometimes
Internal harness connector:
- Different connector styles
- 4L60E vs 4L80E differ
- Visual identification possible
When you absolutely cannot identify
Take to a transmission shop:
- They identify quickly
- Often free
- Get written ID
Photograph extensively:
- All angles
- Pan, side, top
- Post to enthusiast forum
Service records:
- Previous repair receipts
- Might list trans model
Common identification mistakes
Mistake 1: Assuming by truck year
- Some trucks had multiple options
- Verify with VIN
Mistake 2: Using engine ID
- Engine ≠ trans
- Look up actual trans
Mistake 3: Generic "TorqueFlite"
- Many variants exist
- Be specific
Mistake 4: Visual without verification
- Looks like X, but is Y
- Always verify
Cost of wrong identification
Wrong parts ordered:
- Don't fit
- Restocking fees
- Lost time
Wrong rebuild kit:
- Cost: $200-500 wasted
- Order correct, redo work
Worth the 5 minutes:
- VIN check
- Confirm before ordering
Read our transmission parts buying guide
After identification
Document:
- Save VIN reference
- Note trans for future
- Include in service records
Order parts confidently:
- Right rebuild kit
- Right Sonnax upgrades
- First-time success
Read our 10 transmission rebuild mistakes to avoid related errors.
Need parts for your identified trans? Shop our complete catalog. All major GM, Ford, Dodge, Allison transmissions. Master rebuild kits, Sonnax HD upgrades. Free shipping over $70.
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