Direct-fit replacement pan for the GM 4L80E with a factory-style drain plug, for 1997-2009 Silverado, Sierra, Express, Savana and Suburban trucks.
The factory 4L80E pan has no drain plug, so every fluid change means dropping a 17-bolt pan full of hot oil onto your arms. This stamped steel replacement pan for the GM 4L80E ends that: it carries a threaded drain plug already installed, and it replaces a stock pan that is dented, rusted through or leaking at a warped flange. It is listed as a direct fit for 1997-2009 Chevy Express and GMC Savana 2500 and 3500 vans, 1999-2004 Silverado and Sierra 2500, 2001-2006 Silverado and Sierra 2500HD and 3500, 1997-2000 C/K 2500 and 3500, 2000-2007 Suburban 2500 and Yukon XL 2500, 2002-2006 Avalanche 2500, 2002-2003 Escalade, and W3500/W4500 Tiltmaster and NPR chassis through 2009.
The pan is the reservoir the 4L80E pump draws from. The filter neck plugs into the case and the filter body sits in the pan sump, so the pan floor has to stay where GM put it. Push it upward and the filter gets squeezed, the pickup restricts, and the pump starts to cavitate when the fluid is hot and thin. Over-torque the bolts and the flange dishes between holes, which is why so many of these pans seep at the corners even with a new gasket. A drain plug adds a practical benefit: you can take out a few quarts between full services, which matters on trucks and vans that tow or haul every day.
Lay a straightedge across the pan flange once it is off; if it rocks, the pan will not seal no matter what gasket you use. Inspect the case rail too. Over-tightened bolt holes pull the metal up around the hole, and those raised spots should be dressed flat with a long file before the new pan goes on. If the truck has noise or slipping, check the fluid level hot and read the pan debris before blaming the pan alone. The 4L80E filter and pan service guide covers both checks, and van owners should also read 4L80E Express van common problems.
This pan replaces 265-810, GM 24204278, 12739229 and 8-24204-278-0, and fits the 4L80E only. It does not fit a 4L60E or a 6L90, both of which also appear in GM trucks of the same years, so confirm the transmission before ordering. The gasket is not included, and neither is a filter. Because the 4L80E used more than one pan depth and filter height, take the old filter out and compare it with the new one before you install. If you are unsure, send us your year and VIN. All of our parts for this transmission are on the 4L80E parts page.
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Doing this repair right usually means replacing these at the same time. Same transmission, ships together.
No. It includes the pan and the installed drain plug only. Order a 4L80E filter and pan gasket with it, or choose our pan kit that bundles the filter, seal and gasket.
No. It is made for the 4L80E only. Many GM half-ton trucks use the 4L60E, which has a different pan; check your transmission before ordering.
Only what is in the pan, a portion of the roughly 13.5 quarts the transmission holds. Drain-and-fill services between full pan drops refresh the fluid gradually.
Dexron VI ATF. Check the level hot, engine running, in Park on level ground.
Usually yes if the threads are clean and undamaged. Wire-brush them so they pull the pan down evenly, and torque to 18 lb-ft.
