Transmission Damage ???

[AvalonJohn]

Guys,

Have a 99 Winnie with 3.8. Transmission rebuilt at 65K, now has 132K on it. For last 20K (2 yrs) the tranny has had a slight shudder when shifting between 30 - 40 mph range. No always but on and off. Seems to be more frequent in hotter weater like the Summer. This year it seems to have gotten worse. More frequent. I've read where a transmission flush and a tranny cooler may get rid of the shudder because it reduces the heat of the fluid which breaks it down? Does the suddering I've had for the last couple years do damage to the tranny ? In otherwords, is this a waste of time because there is damage which a cooler and new fluid won't help ? I have inspection coming up and know I need strutts and at least one ball joint. If the tranny is damaged no reason to dump $700 for repairs.

Thanks,

AJ

[wiswind]

Best advice that I can give is to exchange the fluid with all new Mercon V rated fluid.
This is more than a pan drop and refill which gets about 6 quarts at best.....
The total capacity is 12.25 quarts......I would run 14 quarts through......I have pictures that show this step by step in the pictures that the link in my signature takes you to.

[AvalonJohn]

Wiswind,

Thanks for advice. Went to trans guy yesterday. Said best thing to do is start with a full flush and transmission cooler and go from there. Next would be to pull it and check the torque converter cluch. Said thats the problem on Winnies. I'm going to put the Mobil 1 in as well. Expensive $ 8 a quart. Anyone know the cheapest way to buy 12-14 quarts.

Thanks,

AJ

[wiswind]

From what i understand, the torque converter clutch is a major tear down of the transmission....doable by someone who knows what they are doing....but not a quickie driveway repair for the DIY person.

Sometimes you can save a little on price of fluids when you buy it by the case.
$8 adds up real fast....but WAY cheaper than the cost of a new transmission.
The Mobil 1 is a quality product......so it is money well spent.
I have used Mobil 1 in the past, very happy with it.
The past 2 changes have been Redline D4 ATF.......which is about $10 a quart......but I get the price down a little by getting it by the case......and I pick it up local rather than mail order.
You usually have to go to a racing shop to find Redline.
However, as I said.....the Mobil 1 is a great product.