Forum Discussion
- MARK_VANDERBENTExplorerforgot to mention that about 1800 gets me rebuilt. Does that seem right to those who have had this done ?
- K_CharlesExplorerLeave well enough alone and if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Have you done maintenance on a regular basis?
- lasttruckExplorerPersonally, if there are no signs of any transmission trouble and it has been serviced religiously, I would not.
Any rebuild seems to always open a can of worms. Unless you go for a "bullet proof" rebuild (not for $1800, more like $5k), the rebuild will likely not be as good as the original. - campinginthewooExplorerHi I had a 1996 Silverado 1/2 ton and had the tranny rebuilt and it was 1700 just a thought but would you like to have it go out on your trip? or do the preventive maintence now knowing you have so many miles on it. And be able to enjoy the trip.
- MARK_VANDERBENTExplorerHave done regular maintenance and run lucas additive. I have a 2000 gmc sierra with 300,000 on the original trans no rebuild, but the suburban has been towing a lot. I guess if there were signs of it slipping or other issues. I just have a hard time rebuilding when its not broke yet. But do not want to deal with getting fixed on road trip. You see why Im torn ?!?
- dodge_guyExplorer IILeave it alone! I assume that at 200k mi. It has been serviced regularly?
- MARK_VANDERBENTExplorerYes !! clean fluid and running lucas.
- coolbreeze01ExplorerSounds like you really take care of it. Rebuilds aren't all created equally. If its not slipping, I'd run it.
- riven1950ExplorerMaybe it is just me, but I have had 3 transmissions " rebuilt " ( in suvs )and all have been problems. Never again unless I personally knew the person doing it and really trusted them.
I would spend the extra bucks for a factory tranny and good warranty. Or, in your case, I would drive till a problem comes up. - BurbManExplorer IIThe problem with rebuilt is that the quality of the job is 100% related to the skill/knowledge of the rebuilder. A guy who knows what he's doing will get you a quality transmission for you $1800 without having to drop big coin on "bullet proofing" it. Somebody else may skimp on replacing some hard or soft parts and may leave your trans more vulnerable than it is now. The only way to guarantee getting as good as new is to get a re-manufactured unit.
I was always going to wait until I started having some symptoms of slippage, etc before getting the trans rebuilt, then I was going to find the best trans shop and let them take their time with it. Out of the blue last summer, and at only 145k miles, I lost reverse backing the TT into a campsite 3 hrs from home. Trans still ran and shifted great, still had no symptoms of slippage or anything, it ran perfectly normal but just wouldn't go backwards.
There was no trans shop in the nearest town, and nobody would recommend the one in the next town over. So I wound up having to have a local mechanic install a Jasper reman unit. Good news is the 3 yr 100,000 guarantee, bad news was the $3500 plus another $500 for the exhaust pipe that broke (dealer only part) bringing the total tab to $4000. Plus 2 weeks in the shop because they didn't work weekends and had to order the exhaust pipe. (sidebar: the pipe has an integral flange that bolts to the RH manifold and the flange broke in 3 pieces. The flange has a machined groove on the inside surface for a hi-temp o-ring style gasket that seals to the manifold, so welding the flange would have required re-machining that groove, so was cheaper to order a new assembly.)
So lack of symptoms and excellent maintenance doesn't mean that you won't have a failure like I did. Of course it doesn't mean you will either.
IMO, 200k miles is borrowed time for any AT, especially if towing, and the 4L60 is not known for its durability...
IF you have a skilled rebuilder that you trust to do the right job, it would be great peace of mind to get it done at home. However, if you have a problem on the road nobody else is going warranty work done by your local trans guy. If you want to get it done before you leave, consider have a Jasper unit installed or having the rebuild done by a franchise like Aamco where you can get warranty work out of state.
Or, roll the dice and be prepared for contingency. Jasper prices are pretty consistent across the country so the quote you get at home will be about what it will cost you to replace it on the road. Be sure you have Good Sam or other roadside service that will tow the burb AND trailer if you decide to roll the dice.
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44,029 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 13, 2025