Tranny Questions

[rooney77]

I posted in this forum since I'm not technically having any problems. Here's the questions. I'm always nervous with auto trannies since my old E4OD kept going out on me even through several rebuilds. Anyway, my current truck (in sig) has 180,000 miles on it and I assume the tranny is stock. Carfax claims the truck was a fleet truck so I would guess it had regular maintenance. The tranny works great, as far as I can tell. I want to make it last as long as possible though. I've read about the Amsoil ATF but I've heard that changing the filter and fluid if it's never been done is a bad idea, is this true? I'd rather assume poor maintenance than good is why I ask. Also, will the Sonnax Tricumulator valve bodies really help extend the life? I'm nervous to mess with it, my if it ain't broke don't fix it mentality. Basically I'm looking for tranny survival tips since it works well already, my only complaint is shift times And I don't have any gauges yet, saving my pennies for some. Sorry for the long post.

[Nosparkplugs]

Changin oil and filters is not bad. Some think flushing them is bad if the fluids in bad shape because the poor fluid might be holding it together and putting pressure throught there might loosen it up. Dont know about the valve bodies. A bigger cooler and guage are really important since heat kills transmisions. I change my fluid every 20000 or so and still have the original at 165000 but its doesnt shift like it used to.

[NCHornet]

There is so much internet BS out there on this subject. It is true that a trans with 150K that has never had the fluid changed could be held together by all the residue from the clutch packs and grime, and flushing could allow it to fail sooner. But the new fluid didn't cause it to fail, it was on borrowed time already!! I always suggest proper fluid and filter changes, especially if you don't know the history. You can do a flush in your driveway. The dump and fill is not a good idea, all you are doing is mixing old fluid with new. Make sure you use only Mercon/Dexron III fluid. It hasn't been made since June of 07 so you might want to buy a couple extra cases. I prefer a tuned VB over a spring kit, this will shorten the shifts which means less contact with the clutch packs, which has to equal longer life. Heat is the biggest killer of auto trans, so a temp gauge is a must if you are towing, if you see sustained temps over 200 you need more cooling. At almost 200K your trans has led a long full life already!!

NCH

[CHUCK]

Like Kevin said, heat is a killer. Definatly an aftermarket trans cooler is highly advised. I've got the 6.0 trans cooler, dropped my temps about 25*.