Used GMC Sierra 1500 (1988–1999) Transmissions
Used, remanufactured and rebuilt transmissions for GMC’s 1980–1999 half-ton, the Sierra 1500 and the square-body C and K before it — tested before they ship and covered by warranty. Tell us your truck and we’ll match the right unit.
- Tested & Guaranteed Fit
- Exclusive Warranty on All Parts
- Extended Warranty Available at Extra Cost
- 24/7 dedicated customer support
Get Your Free Quote
Tell us the vehicle and how to reach you.
Transmission Options
Which transmission does your Sierra 1500 (1988–1999) have?
GMC’s half-ton shared its transmissions with the Chevrolet pickups of the same years: the C10 and K10 (R10 and V10 for 1987) and then the C/K 1500. On the square-body C and K of 1980–1987, renamed R and V for 1987, the automatic was the TH350 three-speed or its lockup TH350C version, joined for 1982 by the 700R4 four-speed overdrive; the manuals included a column-shift three-speed and the SM465 four-speed.
The GMT400 Sierra 1500 of 1988–1998 kept the hydraulically controlled 700R4, later renamed the 4L60, and moved to the computer-controlled 4L60-E for 1993. Its five-speed manual was the Getrag-designed HM290 through 1992 and the NV3500 from 1993.
The GMT400 1500 ended with the 1998 model year, and the old body carried on for 1999 only as a 2500 or 3500, so a 1999 Sierra 1500 is the newer GMT800 truck, which has its own page. The table below shows what was fitted when; we confirm from the VIN, because the model year, engine and drive type decide the unit.
| Transmission | Code | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Three-speed manual | Column shift. | |
| SM465 four-speed manual | Muncie-built cast-iron truck four-speed with a very low, unsynchronized first gear. | |
| TH350 / TH350C three-speed automatic | The TH350C is the version with a lockup torque converter, recognizable by the electrical connector on its case. | |
| 700R4 four-speed overdrive automatic | Code: MD8 | From 1982, with a lockup converter. Early units have a 27-spline input shaft; later V8 units a stronger 30-spline one. |
| Transmission | Code | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 700R4 / 4L60 four-speed automatic | Code: MD8 | Hydraulically controlled through a throttle-valve cable. The same unit carried over from the square body and later renamed 4L60. |
| HM290 (5LM60) five-speed manual | Getrag design, built by GM. |
| Transmission | Code | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4L60-E four-speed automatic | Code: M30 | Computer-controlled; replaced the hydraulic 4L60 for 1993. |
| NV3500 five-speed manual | New Venture Gear five-speed, replacing the HM290 for 1993. |
Not sure which one is yours? Request a quote and we’ll work it out from your VIN.
Before You Order
What to check before you order
1980–1998 or 1999-up
A 1999 Sierra 1500 is the GMT800 truck, not this one, and its transmissions are on its own page. The GMT400 1500 ended with the 1998 model year.
TH350, TH350C or 700R4 — 1980–1987
The TH350 and its lockup version, the TH350C, are three-speeds, and the TH350C carries an electrical connector on the case for its converter clutch. The 700R4 is a four-speed with an overdrive, and its pan has 16 bolts against the TH350’s 13. Tell us which you have, or send the VIN.
4L60 or 4L60-E
The hydraulically controlled 4L60 ended with 1992 and the electronically controlled 4L60-E began with 1993. They are different units; the model year tells us which.
Two- or four-wheel drive
C and R trucks are two-wheel drive and K and V trucks four-wheel drive. A four-wheel-drive transmission has a short adapter and output for the transfer case where a two-wheel-drive one has a long tailhousing, so the two are not interchangeable as they come.
Torque converter splines — 700R4
The 700R4’s input shaft engages the torque converter, so a unit with the 30-spline shaft needs a 30-spline converter and an early 27-spline unit a 27-spline one. If you are keeping your converter, tell us so we can match the shaft.
Have your VIN ready
With the VIN we can confirm the transmission, engine and model year before we quote, which avoids ordering the wrong version.
Common Problems
Common Sierra 1500 (1988–1999) transmission problems
4L60-E 3-4 clutch and sun-shell failure — 1993–1998
The 3-4 clutch pack burns, taking third and fourth with it and letting the engine flare on the 2-3 shift, or the reaction sun shell breaks and the truck loses reverse, second and fourth. Both normally mean a rebuild or a replacement unit.
Throttle-valve cable — 700R4 and 4L60, 1982–1992
Both hydraulic units take their line pressure and shift timing from a throttle-valve (TV) cable at the carburetor or throttle body. When it is out of adjustment, stretched or snapped, pressure stays low, upshifts come late and mushy, and the clutches slip until they burn. A cable left unset after engine or carburetor work is a classic cause.
How It Works
Simple, Fast & Hassle-Free
- 01
Search Your Part
Enter your car make, model, year, and part.
- 02
Get a Quote / Callback
Our team connects you with the right fit and best price.
Call +1-888-819-5651 - 03
Nationwide Delivery
Parts shipped securely to your doorstep.
- 04
Guaranteed Fit & Warranty
Install with confidence — all parts are tested & covered.
Related
More for the GMC Sierra 1500 (1988–1999)
FAQ
Sierra 1500 (1988–1999) transmission questions, answered
Which transmission does my 1980–1999 Sierra 1500 have?
On a 1980–1987 truck an automatic is the TH350 or TH350C three-speed or, from 1982, the 700R4; manuals include a column-shift three-speed and the SM465 four-speed. On the 1988–1998 GMT400 the automatic is the 700R4/4L60 through 1992 and the 4L60-E from 1993, and the five-speed manual is the HM290 through 1992 and the NV3500 from 1993. Send us your VIN and we’ll confirm.
Will a transmission from a Chevrolet truck fit?
Yes, if it is the same unit for the same year, engine and drive type. GMC’s half-tons shared their transmissions with the Chevrolet C10 and K10 (R10 and V10 for 1987) and the C/K 1500, so the badge does not matter. Give us your VIN and we’ll match it.
Can a 4L60-E replace the 700R4 or 4L60 in my truck?
Not directly. The 700R4 and 4L60 are controlled hydraulically through the throttle-valve cable, while the 4L60-E is shifted by a computer and needs the wiring and control module to run it. We supply the type your truck was built with.
Is the transmission covered by a warranty?
Yes. Every transmission we sell is covered by warranty, and extended cover is available at extra cost. The full terms are in our Warranty Policy.
Ready to replace your Sierra 1500 (1988–1999) transmission?
Tell us the year and have your VIN to hand — a specialist will confirm the right unit and send you a quote.
No payment details required to get a quote · Specialist replies within minutes