Trans repair before there's an issue

[Dieselcamino]

Hey everyone, I apologize in advance because I know many are sick of the subject.

 But my 2018 1500 5.3 (30k miles) has been good to me so far! I would like to keep it that way and hearing the torque converter horror stories has me thinking proactively.

 Would having a trans shop swap out the stock converter for an aftermarket solve the majority of the issues? 

 I've also read that the truck should be reprogrammed for the new converter, is this something a standard transmission shop should be able to do in house?

 Lastly is there anything else that should be upgraded while it's out? I've read that the thermostat should be upgraded.

 Thanks in advance guys 

 

[Black02Silverado]

I wouldn't got that far but I would have the fluid changed out 100%.  Not just a pan drop but have it fully exchanged. You are at the right mileage for that. 

 

Also using a quality synthetic like AMSOIL's ATL  transmission fluid would be a step up from the factory fluid.  If interested let me know, I can quote you delivered to your door.

[diyer2]

Agree with Silverado, change the fluid. Use a fluid your happy with, the Amsoil will be an upgrade IMO. 

[14burrito]

Once the fluids swapped, either get the new tstat, flip the pill or get this.

 

https://lincodieselperformance.com/shop/ols/products/ldp-l5p-trans-cooler-bypass-valve

[pokismoki]

the stock converterter is fine,  reliability improves with removing heat from the trans, target temp should be 140-160 F.  all silverados pre-2014 never had thermostats in the transmission for a reason

 

minimize wear on the tcc in the converter by having tuner disable the lock up for 1,2,3 and 4th gear...

 

change trans fluid at 15k miles with a flush,  and now is the time to change the filter..

 

I would recommend installing a Aux trans filter to capture all metal in the system, the stock filter doesnt remove fine metal, which causes wear on parts..

Edited March 25, 2022 by pokismoki

[newdude]

3 hours ago, Dieselcamino said:

Hey everyone, I apologize in advance because I know many are sick of the subject.

 But my 2018 1500 5.3 (30k miles) has been good to me so far! I would like to keep it that way and hearing the torque converter horror stories has me thinking proactively.

 Would having a trans shop swap out the stock converter for an aftermarket solve the majority of the issues? 

 I've also read that the truck should be reprogrammed for the new converter, is this something a standard transmission shop should be able to do in house?

 Lastly is there anything else that should be upgraded while it's out? I've read that the thermostat should be upgraded.

 Thanks in advance guys 

 

 

 

I wouldn't jump on a converter so quickly.

 

I would get either the new lower temp trans thermostat from GM, or the SureCool thermostat delete kit, and then do a full fluid change.  

[JimCost2014]

3 hours ago, Dieselcamino said:

Hey everyone, I apologize in advance because I know many are sick of the subject.

 But my 2018 1500 5.3 (30k miles) has been good to me so far! I would like to keep it that way and hearing the torque converter horror stories has me thinking proactively.

 Would having a trans shop swap out the stock converter for an aftermarket solve the majority of the issues? 

 I've also read that the truck should be reprogrammed for the new converter, is this something a standard transmission shop should be able to do in house?

 Lastly is there anything else that should be upgraded while it's out? I've read that the thermostat should be upgraded.

 Thanks in advance guys 

 

Stole this from another member, and post. Gives you something to think about on the service performed. 

 

A couple of points from a shop owner:  

 

Fluid exchange is the correct procedure, and since it was a warranty job that's what GM is paying for, no more.  Assuming the dealer used a modern exchange machine it is better than dropping the pan.  You simply connect inline to the trans cooler and do a 1:1 exchange of fluid, using the transmission to pump the fluid through all gears.  It gets ALL of the old fluid out of the unit.  Whereas dropping the pan and replacing a filter only replaces what is in the pan or about 40%-50% new fluid.

 

"Flushes" are a thing of the past. The "flush" terminology earned a bad rap because the older "hot flush" equipment used machine pressure to blast fluid (and sometimes solvent cleaners) back through the trans, which could cause issues. 

 

Another benefit of the exchange is time.  It books about 1.0 hours, where a pan drop can book for about 2.0 hours or more.  On a pan drop getting the fluid level perfect is a bit of a process (warm-up time, computer temp verify, racking a second time for level check etc).  It can be a real PITA on other makes with insane procedures.  With the exchange machine it's 1:1 in and out, none of that is required.   Since labor time equals cost the price to you is much cheaper for the exchange.  If you request a pan drop/filter you're going to be paying $labor x 2.0hrs+ and fluid and filter vs $labor x 1.0 plus fluid only (or a fixed menu price in many cases). 

 

Also modern transmission filters are more of a screen and while they can benefit from service at higher mileage they are not the same as paper element filters we grew up servicing.

 

 

[diyer2]

Don't do a flush!

[Dieselcamino]

Seems like more yays than nays on doing a fluid exchange so I think I will go that route (most likely with amsoil), also going to look into the thermostat delete and external filter.  Bought the truck a year ago with 18k and it gets babied, good info guys thanks.

[Dieselcamino]

Just ordered a sureflow bypass, in the past I always dropped the pan and swapped the filter/added fluid.  Maybe it's a stupid question but everyone suggesting bringing it to a shop with a fluid exchanger, wouldn't I need to drop the pan anyway to swap the filter?

[14burrito]

1 hour ago, Dieselcamino said:

Just ordered a sureflow bypass, in the past I always dropped the pan and swapped the filter/added fluid.  Maybe it's a stupid question but everyone suggesting bringing it to a shop with a fluid exchanger, wouldn't I need to drop the pan anyway to swap the filter?

 

Curious what made you choose the sureflow vs the new 70C or pill flip options?

[Dieselcamino]

Not sure if my last post went through or not, but I chose the sureflow over the "pill flip" from some internet opinions on bypass flow of the trans cooler. I figure 45$ is cheap insurance.  Only avoided the GM 70c thermostat since if they messed it up the first time why pay them to correct their own mistake.

[Black02Silverado]

5 hours ago, Dieselcamino said:

Just ordered a sureflow bypass, in the past I always dropped the pan and swapped the filter/added fluid.  Maybe it's a stupid question but everyone suggesting bringing it to a shop with a fluid exchanger, wouldn't I need to drop the pan anyway to swap the filter?

No need to do the filter.  Just change out all the fluid.  You can do the filter at 100k. 

[Dieselcamino]

I'm new to these transmissions (last truck was a 97 powerstroke) but from a few things I have read some have claimed the magnet in the pan was full of shavings at 35k miles.  

 Maybe I'm overthinking it but I'm weighing the pros/cons of a fluid exchange vs. pan drop filter change and add fluid.

[pokismoki]

if you got metal on the magnet at 30k miles your probably due for a torque converter  if not a pump...  pulled my pan at 35k and it was clean enough to eat on, no metal anywhere on the mag