I have an o8 denali xl AWD with 137,000 and im struggling with doing some preventive maint, ie tq convertor as it is a known failure and quite likely what went on your's. But the way you are going is assuredly the most reliable option with a 3 yr unlimited mileage GM reman trans. $5k is approx 8 months of payments if you bought a new vehicle. I do plan on doing the reman myself when it happens, i sure hope it craps in my driveway and not while towing the TT 1000 miles from the house!
Thanks for your thoughts. I wish you all the best as you tackle those tasks. I purchased my Denali at 84K miles and paid for an aftermarket warranty (expired 20K miles ago) that I bought through a dealership at the time of purchase. It was a 45K/4-year term and I ended up coming out ahead on the warranty. It was pretty comprehensive, covering my axle seals, a front differential, fuel pump, wheel bearings, battery, lower ball joints, etc. The vehicle also had quite a bit of history available right through the Carfax report. I knew it had been cared for. I've kept up with the maintenance schedule on fluids, plugs/wires, etc. I continue to do as much as I'm comfortable/confident with myself to save money... brakes, pulleys, belts, manifold clamps, EVAP parts, like updated vent valve assembly, new headlight assemblies, seat heater, etc. I never had problems with the transmission, so that was unexpected; although it had enough miles on it so not a major surprise -- just a big downer. The warranty on the reman trans gives me some peace of mind. It's the biggest single expense this vehicle has seen. I'm hoping it breathes some life into the vehicle so it can keep on going... hopefully without anything major again in the next couple of years. We still have 8 months of payments left on the vehicle (about $4,200), so putting a reman trans in makes sense, and continuing to drive it versus starting over with another vehicle. Plus, it's just a really great ride.
