I have a 1999 Silverado 5.3 LT with the towing package (which includes the trans cooler). I don't tow things other than a bike rack ... wanted the package for the cooler.nAbout 230,000 miles.
Over the past few years, I've been periodically chasing down an oil leak, and it IS leaking less now after changing the valve cover gaskets, the o-rings on the cam and crank sensors, the oil pressure sending unit, and the oil pan gasket. The trans shop insists that it is the rear main seal that is still leaking... about $800 to replace separately, or a few hundred more than a full trans rebuild. The trans is fine ... for a while I was thinking perhaps I should proactively rebuild the transmission, but that (with the rear main seal) would run about $3300.
It is not leaking a lot ... a few drops a day. Doesn't use any noticeable oil compared with when it didn't leak (maybe one quart between changes). I just hate leaks. THink it might be worth changing the seal ... or am I just wasting money if the trans is toward the end of its life? I notice nothing wrong with the trans, but don't know how long they last.
Or just let it leak?
All thoughts are appreciated.