Hello and many thanks in advance for your thoughts opinions, etc. 1st post, long time reader. I've learned a TON here, and so - apologies in advance if a few of my questions have been answered elsewhere
We have a 2017 Sierra Elevation with the 5.3 and the 6 speed, 78k miles. We do tow a large boat a few miles on level ground once or twice a month, with the accompanying boat retrieval @ the launch ramp, etc.
From the many posts, videos, etc, both here and across the www, it seems the stock torque converter is by far the leading root cause of early transmission failure, due to self-destruction.
I just siphoned out and replaced the 2nd gallon of Dexron VI 1,000 miles after the 1st gallon and plan to do a 3rd gallon @ 80k. We also installed STL010 thermostat kit, which lowered temps ~35degf. We also have the Range AFM Disabler plugged in. All that together is an amazing upgrade in performance, wow!
No real transmission performance issues noted outside of what appears “typical”; routine RPM “flairs” between shifts, a a very minor hesitation here and there, etc (which may have disappeared with this 2nd gallon ATF replaced). But I am almost certain I experienced one significant 2-3 second “shudder” event at about 40 mph; “...WTH was that?!”…
I’m trying to get ahead of this seemingly unavoidable pending torque converter failure (and the accompanying total tranny replacement), and so was thinking about buying a billet TC and have a local shop do just the TC swapout. Hopefully it's not too late...
I do know also there are other internal parts & components that should also be checked/replaced while the trans is out, but I was hoping to just do the TC for this project for now, thinking I’ll cross that other bridge (going into the internals) when I get there…
Thank you for your opinions on:
⁃ Is this a sane approach or are there other significant internal issues I should absolutely address while the trans is out? Or are the additional concerns these more “optional” at this point, seeing as there do not appear to be any other issues lurking?
- Lol, or are there additional major issues lurking that I'm ignorant of...
⁃ Anything else I should have them do in the TC area or general exterior while the trans is out, (replace seals, etc.)?
⁃ Important - Could any of the known-but-deferred for now potential maintenance issues damage the new TC should they occur in the future?
- Any recommendations for a TC close to stock specs? Or perhaps a mild performance increase with an otherwise stock 5.3? I plan on keeping this truck, hopefully my last vehicle for ever.
Realizing you all get tired of answering many of the same questions over and over, I thank you most kindly in advance for sharing your time, expertise, etc. Best wishes - Rob
We have a 2017 Sierra Elevation with the 5.3 and the 6 speed, 78k miles. We do tow a large boat a few miles on level ground once or twice a month, with the accompanying boat retrieval @ the launch ramp, etc.
From the many posts, videos, etc, both here and across the www, it seems the stock torque converter is by far the leading root cause of early transmission failure, due to self-destruction.
I just siphoned out and replaced the 2nd gallon of Dexron VI 1,000 miles after the 1st gallon and plan to do a 3rd gallon @ 80k. We also installed STL010 thermostat kit, which lowered temps ~35degf. We also have the Range AFM Disabler plugged in. All that together is an amazing upgrade in performance, wow!
No real transmission performance issues noted outside of what appears “typical”; routine RPM “flairs” between shifts, a a very minor hesitation here and there, etc (which may have disappeared with this 2nd gallon ATF replaced). But I am almost certain I experienced one significant 2-3 second “shudder” event at about 40 mph; “...WTH was that?!”…
I’m trying to get ahead of this seemingly unavoidable pending torque converter failure (and the accompanying total tranny replacement), and so was thinking about buying a billet TC and have a local shop do just the TC swapout. Hopefully it's not too late...
I do know also there are other internal parts & components that should also be checked/replaced while the trans is out, but I was hoping to just do the TC for this project for now, thinking I’ll cross that other bridge (going into the internals) when I get there…
Thank you for your opinions on:
⁃ Is this a sane approach or are there other significant internal issues I should absolutely address while the trans is out? Or are the additional concerns these more “optional” at this point, seeing as there do not appear to be any other issues lurking?
- Lol, or are there additional major issues lurking that I'm ignorant of...
⁃ Anything else I should have them do in the TC area or general exterior while the trans is out, (replace seals, etc.)?
⁃ Important - Could any of the known-but-deferred for now potential maintenance issues damage the new TC should they occur in the future?
- Any recommendations for a TC close to stock specs? Or perhaps a mild performance increase with an otherwise stock 5.3? I plan on keeping this truck, hopefully my last vehicle for ever.
Realizing you all get tired of answering many of the same questions over and over, I thank you most kindly in advance for sharing your time, expertise, etc. Best wishes - Rob
