Transmissions

[96 Vortec]

My 96 just ticked over 80,000 miles and I have never opened up the transmission for any service.

 

I know several people who think that at this point in time, since I have had no troubles, that I shouldn't mess with it.  They say that I'll have more trouble if I do change the fluid and filter.

 

I am really not sure.  My last k1500 had 120,000 miles on it when I first had the transmision serviced.  I had the transmission rebuilt at 150,000 cause of a nasty vibration at specific rpms.  The problem is what caused me to have the transmission fluid changed the first time.  However, it turned out to be only a temporary fix.  The tranny shop said that there is a band in there that was pretty burnt up.

 

What do you guys think about servicing it?

[Shaners]

I honestly believe in regular service at recommended intervals.  You don't run your engine oil for 10K just because there is still oil in the pan...

 

The oil in the tranny breaks down, and the filter becomes plugged just the same as in the engine.

 

I'd have the tranny serviced ASAP.

 

There's no doubt in my mind you could run the tranny 120K on the original oil, just as there is no doubt in my mind that you could run the engine 25k-30k on the original oil, but that tranny fluid gets contaminated also, but not as fast as the motor oil does.

 

IMO, drop the pan, spill fluid all over you and the floor, replace the filter and refill it.  You'll only get a little over 1/2 of it out because the torque converter won't drain into the bucket.

[TheScaryGuy]

Dump it, have a clutch and manual tranny put in.  Then you just have to change the oil every 100,000 or so.  No filters is cool!