i purchased an '02 with 90k miles on it a couple months back. everything has been great, no trouble, and i got a good report back from the engine oil analysis, and complete inspections.

i have not had anything done to the tranny, and i don't know the history. next week, i'm going to pull a 9-10k # trailer 1,800 miles. i would like to have the tranny serviced before hand.

i don't know much about this tranny, except not to hot dog with the juice.

couple questions.... what service should i have done? i was thinking flush & filter. is the only filter the red spin on? any special statements or requests i should make to these guys that normally work on regular trannys? will most shops have dexron-III & filter?

thanks.

IIRC the Ally has 2 filters: the external red spin on and another inside the pan. Absent any maintenance records I would do a complete flush and change both filters at 90k miles. Too bad you can't contact the former owner to find out what was done. :o: Experienced tranny mechanics would likely do a visual and a smell test of the ATF, I'm not that well versed! ;)

I had my tranny flushed using the "Hoot method" and used Transynd ATF, it ain't cheap! You should be able to pick up the red filter for $9-$12, I don't know what the internal filter runs. JJ :)

how do you get ur filter for 12 bucks i paid 50 for mine

how do you get ur filter for 12 bucks i paid 50 for mine
Try buying from the Diesel Place vendors they will treat you right. :D

Or at the very least go to the Allison dealership. The first time I went to buy the filters the Chevy dealership wanted 25-30, but the Allison dealer had them for 7. That has been a couple years ago, so maybe they have went up a bit. Besides, it is just cooler going into a "big truck" dealership to buy parts than going into the chevy dealer.

The big ding the chevy dealer wants to do is charge you 2 hours labor to replace the spin on filter. Even if they are doing a tranny flush. I went round with them and when I finally told them to leave the new fitler in the box on the back seat, they agreed to install as part of the tranny flush.