4L85E Clutch Module 1996, new and ready to install. Fits the 4L85E. Ships fast from the USA.
A 1996 GM three-quarter or one-ton pickup, Suburban 2500 or Express and Savana van that pulls fine cold but starts slipping after twenty minutes on the highway, or that shudders into Reverse, usually has frictions that have lost their lining. This listing is a new friction set for 1996 transmissions in that family. The photo shows the full spread of plates: several stacks of dark frictions in three diameters plus lighter-lined stacks, enough to reline every clutch pack instead of patching one.
For 1996, the heavy-duty GM four-speed is the 4L80E; the 4L85E name arrived years later on a strengthened version that shares the clutch design, so we list this set with our 4L85E parts. The transmission uses five multiple-disc clutches. Overrun and fourth live in the overdrive section at the front, and forward, direct and intermediate sit in the main case. Lined frictions splined to one member alternate with steels locked to another, and line pressure on the piston clamps the stack. Different lining colors in the photo are normal; packs that see more heat or slip time often get a different material.
Start with the fluid and pan: our filter and pan service guide explains what lining flakes, metal and varnish tell you. Then map which gears slip against the clutch chart in our common problems guide. A late, mushy shift with clean fluid and good pressure can be a valve body issue instead, and our valve body testing guide covers how to separate the two. If 3rd, 4th and Reverse all slip together, read the 3-4 clutch failure guide before tearing down.
This set is listed for 1996 4L80E units in GM heavy-duty trucks and vans. That year falls after GM's mid-1995 change: Raybestos catalogs one 4L80E friction pack for 1991 to early 1995 and another for late 1995 onward, and a 1996 truck uses the later style. The plate count, tooth count and diameter of each friction should match what came out of your unit; lay one old plate from each pack next to the new ones before you start. If you are unsure, send your VIN and the number from the transmission ID tag and we will check it. Our 4L85E collection page lists the rest of the parts for this family.
Fill with DEXRON VI, check the level hot in Park with the engine running, and let the shifts settle over several drives before you tow again.
| Fits | 4L85E 1996 |
| Part type | Clutch Module |
| Condition | New |
| 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.
It is listed for 1996 units of the heavy-duty 4L80E family used in GM 2500/3500 trucks, Suburbans and vans. Compare your old frictions for count, teeth and diameter, or send us your VIN and transmission tag number to confirm.
It can be. Raybestos lists one 4L80E pack for 1991 to early 1995 and another for late 1995 on. A 1996 unit uses the later style, while some 1995 trucks use the earlier one.
Different clutch positions often use different lining materials suited to their heat load. Keep each new stack with the pack it belongs to.
Piston seals, sealing rings and gaskets from a master rebuild kit, a new filter, and any steels that are blued or warped. Inspect the sprags and the direct drum bore too.
DEXRON VI, used for soaking the frictions and for the refill. Check the level with the fluid hot.
