Ive got a 96 suburban, (labeled 2500, VIN says its a 1500) with a 6.5/4L80E combo. 228,500 on the clock. Trans never been touched. Not sure its even had a transmission fluid and filter change. In first gear when taking off i hear a whirring sound, sounds like an old electric motor spinning up or an old school bus/heavy duty box truck transmission (you know the funny noise they make in first gear). It doesnt slip any, no early or late shifts. All is fine except that noise which is barly noticable over the noise of the diesel, and latly with the heater motor on all the time i dont hear it much at all. The transmission has pulled many miles with a trailer probably never more than 8,000 pounds or so tho. The truck has every fluid cooler known to man, including a big trans oil cooler. The fluid is red but you can tell its a little dirty. I cant tell if it smells burned or not..... it stinks...and all trans fluid stinks...i cant tell the difference. Occasionally when i left off the throttle i feel a thud. The trucks been wrecked before and fixed so i suspect an engine or a transmission mount. (Will a trans mount do that?) Does it sound like i need to be saving for a new transmission? I am only 22 y/o, just bought the truck from my boss for cheap. Love the truck but i am poor. I am trying to start my own business which will involve pulling a 5,000 or 6,000 pound trailer around daily mostly in town. I just need this thing to last until i get to making some decent money and then i can take care of it along with the injectors, exhaust, glow plugs, and ECM upgrade that i want, plus getting the AC fixed. Now, does it sound like i have something to worry about (do i need to start saving my pennies?) Or is the noise i hear normal and a fluid and filter change be all I really need (seeing as its never had one)?? Little bit confused here. I may take the truck on vacation later this year also, 2000 miles round trip. I dont need to get half way there and lose a transmission. Id really be screwed then. What would the expected cost be to have one of these rebuilt??
Thanks ahead of time guys. I need an idea on whats going on and what im in for.
Thanks ahead of time guys. I need an idea on whats going on and what im in for.