Definition of a reliable, dependable vehicle - look no more!

08EscapeHybrid · #11 05-20-2012, 08:39 AM

Any of the transmissions, as long as they're properly maintained, should last a very long time. Mine has a 4L60E, but I had it flushed & filled with synthetic ATF. I think the 4L60E's problem is once the vehicle hits 100,000 miles many people are reluctant to spend the money on proper maintenance. When mine hit 150,000 miles I had every fluid flushed & filled. It cost nearly $1,000 if I remember correctly. I know many that would not do $1,000 worth of maintenance on a 150,000 mile vehicle. Also around that time I also replaced all 4 shocks with factory correct Bilstein shocks, and had E rated Michelins installed with an alignment.

Airbalancer · #12 05-20-2012, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaxxMPG

The Allison transmission will probably outlive you, so you will want to include it in your will as a perpetual asset/possession.

The '03 transmission that failed on Airbalancer was - if it had a gas engine - probably a half ton with the 4L60E, which is an updated TH700R4 that hails back to the early 80s. Although they've beefed it up over the years, it's still a toy compared to the Allison truck transmissions.

I can't think of any reason why a well-maintained Duramax can't go half a million miles and more without major work, and the miles will be even sweeter now that you own it free-n-clear.

4speed, had a it fluids change at 60,000 miles, transfer case got a fine hair line creak it
Then with the deals last year I just got a new truck

TheStepChild · #13 05-20-2012, 07:44 PM

my 4l80 in the 99 express van is crying BAD. I dont think they (the 4l80/85) can handle the load and weight I put in the van. The 2006 dmax van I bought new, with a 4L85e went thru 3 transmissions before I sold it. All under stock power levels and thank goodness, under warranty.

08EscapeHybrid · #14 05-20-2012, 09:46 PM

That's odd. The transmission in my 2000 GMC Savanna 3500 1 ton runs flawlessly at 135,000 miles. One of the most reliable vehicles we've ever had, and we load ours heavy as well.

TheStepChild · #15 06-12-2012, 08:52 PM

Well, got back from a trip to South Carolina and retired the truck today. Last trip. 387,000 on the odometer. Worked out good. I had bought a spare Transmission a couple years back, just in case something went bad on mine. Sold it to a guy in SC, he met me at the delivery point.

I'll be going from about 75,000 miles a year to maybe 5,000 a year on the truck. Got a pile of parts I've collected along the way as cheap back-ups or stock stuff I replaced with aftermarket that I'm going to try to sell too.

Going to clean out and clear out the truck of all commercial stuff, and some toys. Move the scan gauge to the van (get ready to start seeing those mpg numbers again

) CB radio is coming out, Wilson wireless cell phone signal booster. I'll pull the seats and clean the carpets real good, get all the dog hair and food out. Allison the dog went with me on almost every trip - so much so that when the Agent would go Allison the Dog would give her dirty looks for sitting in the front seat.

Its been fun, I made some $, saw 46 out of 50 states and alot of Canada too. But it's time. I know I'm going to have withdraw symptoms and have to go on a random road trip for no good reason.

ItsNotAboutTheMoney · #16 06-12-2012, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheStepChild

I'll be going from about 75,000 miles a year to maybe 5,000 a year on the truck. Got a pile of parts I've collected along the way as cheap back-ups or stock stuff I replaced with aftermarket that I'm going to try to sell too.

...

Its been fun, I made some $, saw 46 out of 50 states and alot of Canada too. But it's time. I know I'm going to have withdraw symptoms and have to go on a random road trip for no good reason.

No better way to reduce gas consumption than not driving.

Home, James!

frv · #17 06-13-2012, 08:58 AM

End of an era, that's some miles you put on it James

phoebeisis · #18 06-14-2012, 08:47 AM

WOW- lotta miles!! HARD MILES!!
Yeah you got your $$ worth-$1100 "depreciation" per 10,000 miles.
Most folks pay $30,000 for a vehicle-and dump it for nothing at 120,000 miles-paying well over $2500 per 10,000 miles.
You made money with those 376,000 miles

GM has/had QC problems but their basic truck drivetrains are very reliable,and cheap to repair replace.
Yeah my GM has been as good as my Toyota Nissan Honda cars(and much cheaper since it was used and practically free-this ignores fuel costs but I have need of a large interior volume vehicle second car-and drive just 2500 miles yr).
Charlie
Charlie