Need advice on whether to repair/replace transmission or give up on my Yukon 5.3

dukbludvl · October 15, 2020

Hi All, I need your advice on what I should do about needed transmission repair on my 2005 Yukon 2wd 5.3L with 290k miles. Original motor. Motor generally runs fine - I do get the occasional lifter knock and my oil pressure drops to 0 sometimes (or at least the gauge says it does) when the motor is cold and I stop at a light. As soon as I get back on the gas the pressure goes back up. I also have a bit of coolant leaking into the oil - likely head gasket... but, I had these same exact issues on my old 2000 Yukon and ran it up to 400k miles.

So, my transmission lost the 2/4 band, and I've also now got a code for Solenoid A stuck on. I either need a transmission rebuild, where a local shop will pull apart my transmission and replace the bad parts and all the seals and rings ad what not -- that will run me $1800-$2000. Or, I can put in a remanufactured transmission. Looking at maybe 4k for that?

Curious to know what people think I should do. Rebuilt, remanufactured, or just sell it off for cheap. It has high mileage and the other nagging engine issues. Also has a brand new set of Michelins.

I don't think I want to invest in a remanufactured transmission on a vehicle with this many miles. Could do a rebuild, but I've read about people having issues with those.

Your advice would be appreciated.

diyer2 · October 15, 2020

Sell It.

Sounds to me like you should have sold it before this.

mookdoc6 · October 15, 2020

umm...fix gasket? Go to salvage yard yank out transmission put it in yourself turn key over and drive another 50k? Sell it for price you think it's worth currently for same price 2 yrs from now?

Edited October 15, 2020 by mookdoc6

sefiroxx · October 16, 2020

5k for reman motor, 4k for remain tranny = 150k more miles.

45k for a new truck and 250k miles.

.06/mile vs .18/mile

.12/mile for the lifestyle change (improved interior) reduced possible problems, etc

dukbludvl · October 16, 2020

Yeah, sefiroxx, I see what you're getting at. I'm inclined to find another 03-06 Yukon/Tahoe with 100-150k miles on it. For the 8-10k i'll cost me, I can probably get 100-150k miles. That's 7 or 8 cents a mile.

I'm not a huge fan of the 07-13 Tahoes. I have a 2012. Been solid mechanically, just really boring looking and super uncomfortable seats. Cheap plastics inside too. I like the looks of the newer ones a lot, but they're not as comfortable as the 00-06s. I'm 6'7" and close to 300 pounds. The way they've designed the new ones, the B pillar really hits me in the left shoulder.

I'd drive a 00-06 forever if I could.