Need new rear main,replace tranny? 179k

[02ncHoe]

I recently developed an oil leak on my 02 Tahoe 5.3. It has 179k original miles on both the engine and tranny. Local shop replaced the oil pan gasket and the leak was still there. Before the repair they told me it could be the rear main. My question is with the given mileage, should I just replace the tranny? It would only be about another grand to do it. I'd hate to replace the seal and then have the tranny go out 6 months later. It's my daily driver and has been serviced religiously. Truck is in immaculate condition inside and out. Definately worth going ahead with the repair in my opinion. Was quoted 850.00 to replace rear main. Shop said they'd give me a break on that since the oil pan gasket wasn't the culprit. Any opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[OR VietVet]

IMO I would do it as long as you get a good warranty on the trans, you trust the shop and the vehicle is something you plan on keeping till it rusts off the frame and that it meets all your needs. If you don't you will drive around and stress yourself waiting for the other shoe to drop plus the bill will be more later. If you can afford it, do it. Make sure the trans lines and cooler are flushed. Make sure you get a new/reman torque convertor with the trans. You have pretty much already stated why you should do it anyways.

 

[ezdaar]

jebus! 850 for a main replace! omfg im in the wrong business.

 

[02ncHoe]

I failed to mention its 4wd can I still use my transfer case? Thanks for the replies. Am I getting bent over for 850.00? Everywhere I've gotten a quote it's in that ballpark.

 

[ezdaar]

They probably quoting 100$ a hour or so plus the 20$ part..

If your going to do rear main, do input shaft seal on trans at same time (another 20$). Its same procedure to get to it.

Addition, Given the trans and rear main are aprox 9" apart from each other. there shouldnt be Any increase in Labor cost.

Shit man! get yourself a 350$ Circle D 2800rpm convertor also! its in same place! wake that big ***** up!
Add in a vette sero (20$) as well. all these parts are accessible when they pull back the trans to do rear main..
Will save ya ALOT of money.

Replacing trans is a tough call. Granted yours has high mileage, but a reman could be even worse.
Its your call. Personnaly, I will never use a reman trans from any shop other than a shop who specilizes in performance transmissions.
Or a bran new one from someone like summit or jegs.

 

[02ncHoe]

No doubt labor is the largest chunk. Wish I had the equipment and time to try and tackle it myself. That's why I figured I'd be better off replacing the tranny and getting more bang for my buck and knowing it's good to go the distance. I plan on keeping the truck til the wheels fall off it.

 

[ezdaar]

If your going to keep it foreeevvvveeerr..
you have two options..


Do a 4l80 swap and never worry about trans problems again. this can be a plug n play swap.
Or
Buy a built performance trans, cost varies wildly on these. based on the shop name.. and the parts they put in..


Start reading bruh... check out performance trucks.net.

 

[OR VietVet]

The good quality AC Delco rear main seal setup is more than $20. The labor is a lot and you can reuse the transfer case, of course. Any exposed seals on that would be a good time to replace while down. Use a Jasper reman trans and you will not be sorry except is more money but the quality is top notch. No need for performance if this is just a family vehicle because the Jasper trans will hold up fine. When Jasper does any rebuilding they install all updates in to any component they are working on and that is an automatic. You do not have to ask for it. Get their torque convertor, too. No need to do the input seal on the trans unless you are not replacing trans and you decide to reuse your existing trans. If you reuse yours do the output seal and tailshaft bushing and check the yokes that are removed attached to the shafts. Your call.

 

[ezdaar]

My bad, I guess I like to over do it sometimes..
I just hate having to do little 20$ fix's here and there costing multi thousands in labor over many years, vs all the little 20$ fix's at once and just a alil over a grand, right from the start and never think about it again.

As far as not replacing a input shaft seal when its right in your face while doing rear main. well that's just beyond stupid.
Pls never say that again.

 

[OR VietVet]

No, I said if he REPLACES the trans no need for the seal replacement since will be with new trans. I said yes to seal replacement if he does NOT replace the trans and reuses his existing trans. At least that is what I thought I said. LOL!