2002 Z71 Transmission Issues

[superz]

Driving home from work tonight, pulled out in fast moving traffic and got on the gas pretty good. All of a sudden, the truck felt like it went into neutral, engine revved up, i let off the gas and then it went back into gear with a hard slam. I continued to drive 5 miles home at a slower rate. Now i don't have overdrive, no reverse and maybe no second gear (not sure, from a stop the rpm's rev really high then it shifts into the next gear, assuming third). I did a brief search on this site and saw a similar problem and it was caused by a broken sun gear??? Then the owner only had first and third gear, which i think i have?? What the heck is a sun gear??? The truck is a 2002, (bought in Aug 2001), Chevy 1500 Z71 Extended Cab, short bed, 5.3 L engine, with 155,000 miles & original everything. I am very particular with preventive maintenance and change oil and filters like clock work. Every time i change the oil (5,000 with Mobil 1) miles, i also pull the plug on the trans and drain and replace approx 3 qts of oil. I change the trans filter every 50,000 miles (using oem Delco parts) and just changed its about a month ago. Its mostly a highway driver, to and from work or sports. Not much towing (small boat and motorcycle trailer) and don't use 4x4 very much here in Texas (a couple times a year). I'm pretty sure i need to take it to the shop for a tranny rebuild but would like to know if my assessment is correct and if there are any other options i have. I plan on keeping the truck for several more years and don't want to jeopardize the quality of cheap rebuild with longevity. I don't race and don't need a shift kit or other performance item, just a good transmission and/or rebuild. Would it be worth my while to get some Vaseline and head to the dealer for a fix ($$$$ ouch, my A$$ hurts already just thinking about it) Any help you can provide would be appreciated. Thank you.

[Zembonez]

Sun Gear assy (typical)

 

I would have it towed to a good transmission shop for an estimateed cost to repair. Dealership rebuilt trans will be very expensive and is no better than having a good shop do it for a lot less money. Ask around your area and see who is reliable and trusted. I'd stay away from the national chain tranny shops myself...

[pm26]

Check with your local Chevy dealer anyway. Their quotes may be competitive and some dealership have techs who specialize in transmission rebuilding. WE have a local GMC dealer here that rebuilds transmission in his shop and I believe he is pretty reasonable.

[Zembonez]

Check with your local Chevy dealer anyway. Their quotes may be competitive and some dealership have techs who specialize in transmission rebuilding. WE have a local GMC dealer here that rebuilds transmission in his shop and I believe he is pretty reasonable.

Not a bad suggestion. I'm not anti-dealer. It's just that ours want about three times what a good shop wants for rebuilds. They don't do it in house.

[DBVille]

Look around for tranny shops or race shops that rebuild transmissions. You should be able to find a shop that can rebuild it, or swap it out - but they ain't cheap. Like others aid, also check with the dealer - a standard GM rebuilt probably isn't going to be cost competitive, but the dealer might be.

[VMax2007]

Normally, I would go with a GM rebuilt unit but these are different times, your warranty might not be valid in a few weeks after they file. Go to an established trans shop.

 

Why would filing their taxes affect our warranty?