4L60E Sprag Clutch 1982, used and ready to install. Fits the 4L60E. Ships fast from the USA.
If you are restoring or repairing a 1982 GM car or truck with the four-speed overdrive automatic and it will not pull in Drive, or it slips leaving a light, this is the listing to read. One thing first: there was no 4L60E in 1982. The electronic 4L60E arrived in 1993. The 1982 transmission is the hydraulic 700R4, the first model year of the family the 4L60E grew out of, and it is the unit this sprag clutch is listed for. It is a used original part, shown as a complete assembly in the photo, with a 1-year warranty and shipping from the USA.
The sprag is a one-way clutch that sits inside the input drum. The forward clutch drives the outer race, and the inner race turns the input sun gear. When the forward clutch applies in Drive, the sprag elements lock and carry torque in first, second and third gear. When the 3-4 shift happens or you coast, the sun gear overruns and the sprag freewheels so nothing binds. In manual Low and 2, the overrun clutch also applies, which gives engine braking and a second path to the sun gear. That layout explains the classic sprag symptom: no Drive, but the vehicle still moves in manual 1.
A 1982 unit has no computer and no trouble codes. Line pressure comes from the throttle valve (TV) cable, and shift points come from the governor. A loose or misadjusted TV cable drops line pressure and can make the forward clutch slip, which feels a lot like a failed sprag. Check the cable adjustment before you pull the transmission.
With the brakes held, try Drive, then manual 2, then manual 1. If Drive is the only range that fails, the sprag or its races are the suspects. If nothing forward works, look at the forward clutch pack, its piston seals and the input drum. Our input housing and sprag failure checklist covers what to inspect once the drum is out, and the sprag versus roller clutch guide explains how a slipping low roller clutch differs from a failed sprag. With the drum on the bench, the sun gear shaft should turn freely one way and lock the other way.
This sprag is listed for the 1982 model year. GM made running changes to the 700R4 throughout the 1980s, and many early units have since been rebuilt with later parts, so the internals in a 1982 vehicle today may not be original. Compare the assembly in the photo to yours: count the sprag elements, check the outer race tabs and measure the inner race. If they do not match, send us your year, VIN or transmission ID tag and we will help you find the right piece. If your unit is the 1986 version, see our 1986 sprag clutch. All parts for this family are on our 700R4 parts page and our 4L60E parts page.
Because this is a used part, clean it and inspect it before it goes in, just as you would your own. Look for cracked or chipped elements and check that the cage is straight. Inspect the matching race in your drum for pitting or heat marks, and replace it if it is damaged. Lube the sprag with clean ATF, assemble it so the drum freewheels in the correct direction, and spin-test it before the drum goes back in the case. A 1982 unit originally used Dexron II, which is no longer made; GM's Dexron VI is the current fluid to use, and our Dexron VI case has enough for a refill. If the forward clutch plates are worn, the 700R4 rebuild kit with frictions, band and filter covers them. Finally, readjust the TV cable after installation, because low line pressure will slip the forward clutch and shock-load the sprag again.
| Fits | 4L60E 1982 |
| Part type | Sprag Clutch |
| Condition | Used |
| Brand | OEM |
| Ships | From the USA |
| Warranty | 1-year |
Doing this repair right usually means replacing these at the same time. Same transmission, ships together.
No. The 4L60E began in 1993. In 1982 GM used the hydraulic 700R4, the first year of the same four-speed overdrive family, and that is what this sprag is listed for.
It is a used part, and it is covered by a 1-year warranty. Inspect it and your drum races before installing it.
Do not assume it will. The forward sprag and races changed over the years. Count the elements and compare the races with your old part, or send us your VIN or transmission tag.
In manual 1 and 2 the overrun clutch drives the sun gear directly, so a failed sprag can still let the vehicle move. If Drive is dead and manual 1 works, the sprag or its races are the most likely problem.
It originally used Dexron II, which is no longer sold. Refill with Dexron VI, the current GM automatic transmission fluid.
