4L80E Sprag Clutch 1997, remanufactured and ready to install. Fits the 4L80E. Ships fast from the USA.
If your 4L80E pulls away in first, then drops into what feels like neutral before banging into third, or second gear simply is not there anymore, the intermediate sprag in the direct clutch drum is the first place to look. This listing is a remanufactured 1997-and-up 4L80E direct clutch drum with a 34-element intermediate sprag already installed, supplied loaded with a five-clutch direct pack, for Chevrolet and GMC 2500 and 3500 pickups, Suburban 2500, Express and Savana vans and Hummer H1 that carry the later 4L80E.
The 4L80E keeps the TH400 layout for its first three gears. The intermediate sprag is a one-way clutch riding in the hub of the direct clutch drum, against the intermediate clutch on the center support. In second gear the intermediate clutch applies and the sprag locks, holding the sun gear so the gearset gives second. On the 2-3 shift the direct clutch inside this same drum applies, and the sprag freewheels so the shift happens without the two clutches fighting each other. When the sprag elements roll over, the drum is no longer held in second and the transmission skips or slips that gear. The direct clutch in the drum also applies in third, fourth and Reverse, so a worn drum hurts more than one gear.
Electrical faults can mimic a mechanical loss of second. A stuck shift solenoid holds the unit in the wrong gear, and the 4L80E code chart shows patterns like 1-1-4-4 or 1-2-2-1 for specific solenoid faults, so rule those out with our 4L80E shift solenoid guide and the speed sensor checks in the 4L80E input and output speed sensor guide. If the solenoids test good and the transmission still slips or flares out of second under a light throttle, the sprag or intermediate clutch is the likely cause. The 4L80E common problems guide covers the related clutch and overdrive failures.
This drum is listed for the GM 4L80E from 1997 on. Direct drums and sprag races changed during the 4L80E's run, and the taller 4L80E sprag race is not interchangeable with a TH400 drum, so compare the new drum to your old one: hub height, sprag race, spline count and clutch count. If anything does not line up, send us the year and VIN before you install. For earlier units see the 1991-95 4L80E sprag clutch, or browse the full 4L80E parts collection.
| Fits | 4L80E 1997 |
| Part type | Sprag Clutch |
| Condition | Remanufactured |
| Brand | GM |
| Ships | From the USA |
| Warranty | 1-year |
Doing this repair right usually means replacing these at the same time. Same transmission, ships together.
It is the whole direct clutch drum with the 34-element sprag already installed, supplied loaded with a five-clutch direct pack of good used frictions and steels.
It is listed for 1997 and up. Earlier drums and sprags differ, so compare it to your old drum or choose a part listed for the earlier years.
Usually the intermediate sprag rolled over or the intermediate clutches burned, so nothing holds the drum in second. Rule out a stuck shift solenoid first.
If the truck tows or makes extra power, fit new frictions and seals during the rebuild. Always set clutch clearance and air-check the drum.
Dexron VI ATF, with the level checked hot after a road test.
