I need a measurement on a Lokar 4L70E/4L60E dipstick

[Kmart78]

I've got a 71 Camaro with a 4L70E transmission that has a Lokar firewall mount dipstick. I think the dipstick is too long and is giving me a false reading. My trans is full of fluid so I don't want to drop the pan to verify. Is there anyone that has a Lokar FIREWALL mounted dipstick that can measure the length of the cable up to the base of the handle?? I know this is a long shot, but I really don't want to take the pan off. Any other ideas to check for proper measurement?? Thanks in advance!

[dontlifttoshift]

Sorry, but the only way to really check is to drop the pan. Comparing measurements doesn't work due to differences in outer tube routing and you would still be comparing to other dipsticks that may or may not be correct.

I do think that one of the steps in the instructions should be remove pan and adjust dipstick so fill line is flush with pan rail.

[Kmart78]

Yeah, I guess that makes sense. I have terrible luck getting pans to NOT leak after I've replaced them.

[Vimes]

Do you still have the factory dipstick that should go with it? I am assuming you are using this dipstick.

https://lokar.com/td-34l60e.html

If you do, install the factory dipstick temporarily. It doesn't matter how it routes or if it's bolted to anything, all that matters is that it gets fully seated. Warm the car up to operating temp, then adjust the trans fluid until it's correct at operating temperature. Then you can remove it and reinstall the Lokar stick, bring the car to operating temperature and mark it with a Dremel as paint would not last long. You can use the factory dipstick to mark the "1 pint low" mark as well. Both the factory and Lokar tubes use the same press-in seal so resealing would not be a problem.

[Kmart78]

Unfortunately I no longer have the stock dipstick, that would have been perfect though. Thanks!

[Vimes]

Salvage yards have plenty of them. Rock Auto has the tube for 10 bucks but not the dipstick for a 2001 Silverado V8, seal is another couple of bucks, and surely you either have or know someone who has a GMT800 Silverado or Sierra which you can borrow the dipstick from long enough to measure after installing the throwaway dipstick tube. If you know someone who has one, order the same year model for the correct tube although I'm pretty sure all the GMT800s used the same one.

Alternatively, review this site for tips to get the pan to seal back up. It includes a tightening sequence, and you'll want a good inch pound torque wrench. For critical leak spots like this I'll normally follow the pattern three times, while splitting the torque required. The pan bolts are 7-10 ft lbs, so using an in lb wrench you'd go 40 in lb on the first pass, 80 on the second and 120 on the third to get 10 ft lb.

https://www.agcoauto.com/content/news/p2_articleid/361

[Kmart78]

Thanks for the advice and help!