4L85E Clutch Module 1997, new and ready to install. Fits the 4L85E. Ships fast from the USA.
Searching for a fix for a 1997 Chevrolet or GMC 2500 or 3500, a 3/4-ton Suburban or a full-size van whose heavy-duty automatic now slips when warm, flares between gears or comes back from a tow smelling burnt? Those are worn clutch frictions, and this listing is a new friction module for 1997 units, listing reference A34119B. The B suffix matters: our 1990-1996 module carries an A34119A reference, so the two are not the same set.
Every 1997 truck in this class has the 4L80E. The 4L85E is the stronger version GM added in the early 2000s, and it keeps the same clutch layout, which is why this part is filed with our 4L85E parts. Inside, five multi-disc clutches hold or drive the planetary sets: overrun and fourth in the front overdrive section, then forward, direct and intermediate in the main case. Each pack is a stack of lined frictions with internal splines alternating with flat steels. When the valve body sends apply oil to a piston, the stack clamps and the gear change happens. Once the lining glazes or wears thin, the pack takes longer to lock and the engine flares while it slips. The photo shows the different friction diameters this set covers, each with its own spline count, so keep the old stacks in order on the bench.
Write down exactly which ranges slip and line them up against the apply chart in our 4L85E and 4L80E common problems guide. Then find what cooked the pack. On 1995 and later units, Sonnax documents a reverse checkball sleeve in the 3-4 shift valve bore that wears and bleeds direct clutch oil, giving 3rd and 4th slip and a burnt direct pack. Our 3-4 clutch failure guide walks through that check. If the slip shows up with codes and no burnt smell, rule out the electrical side with the shift solenoid guide first, because new frictions will not fix a sticking solenoid.
This module is listed for 1997 4L80E units in GM heavy-duty pickups, Suburbans and vans. Raybestos splits its 4L80E friction packs at mid-1995, one for 1991 to early 1995 and one for late 1995 onward, so a 1997 transmission belongs to the later group. Even so, compare the A34119B reference against your old plates or the last kit used in the unit, and count teeth and measure outer diameter on one friction from each pack. If you would rather we check it, send your year, VIN and the transmission tag number. Every other part for this family is on the 4L85E collection page.
Refill with DEXRON VI, check the level hot, and allow several drive cycles for the controller to adapt to the fresh clutches before judging shift quality.
| Fits | 4L85E 1997 |
| Part type | Clutch Module |
| Condition | New |
| Brand | OEM |
| Reference | A34119B |
| Ships | From the USA |
| Warranty | 1-year |
Doing this repair right usually means replacing these at the same time. Same transmission, ships together.
A 4L80E. The 4L85E came in the early 2000s for heavier duty, but it uses the same five-clutch layout, which is why this module sits in our 4L85E category.
Our 1990-1996 module carries the A suffix and this 1997 listing carries the B suffix, and the suppliers split 4L80E friction packs at mid-1995. Match the suffix and your old plates rather than buying by family number alone.
New frictions replace the burnt direct pack, but find the cause too. A worn reverse checkball sleeve in the 3-4 bore on 1995-later units bleeds direct clutch oil and will burn the new pack if it is left in place.
An overhaul kit for seals and gaskets, a filter, and new steels if yours are blued or warped. Check the pump while the unit is apart.
Soak the frictions in DEXRON VI and refill with DEXRON VI, setting the level at operating temperature.
