I am more than likely over thinking this. But in my 2500 Avalanche with the 4L85E in it, what transmission fluid would be best to use? I have read Dex VI is a poor choice as these old transmission don't like it much, you can end up with torque converter issues? I read Maxlife or other universals are a good option, then others say it's not. It seems Dex IIIH is still produced, which I think is the closest available that came in it originally. In the end, just don't want to mess it up because I overlooked something. Fluid in it looks pretty nice and red, but I think the PO did dump and fills only and never changed the filter since it has a drain in the pan.
2002 Avalanche 2500 transmission fluid
- Thread starter Wingo
- Start date
It doesn't have an Allison transmission.
Since it has a drain plug, that means it is very easy to change the ATF, so you can do it more frequently, and that will help prolong transmission life too.
Any modern synthetic LV will be fine for your Avalanche, including Dexron VI and Maxlife.
If you still insist on something thicker like the old Dexron III was, there's Redline D4 and M1 ATF
It doesn't have to. He's saying you can use TES 668 in your 4L85E
Any modern synthetic LV will be fine for your Avalanche, including Dexron VI and Maxlife.
If you still insist on something thicker like the old Dexron III was, there's Redline D4 and M1 ATF
It doesn't have to. He's saying you can use TES 668 in your 4L85E
Oh, gotcha. Thanks! Lot of people think it has an Allison since it has the 8.1L in it, I misunderstood. I'll check it out.Since it has a drain plug, that means it is very easy to change the ATF, so you can do it more frequently, and that will help prolong transmission life too.
Any modern synthetic LV will be fine for your Avalanche, including Dexron VI and Maxlife.
If you still insist on something thicker like the old Dexron III was, there's Redline D4 and M1 ATF
It doesn't have to. He's saying you can use TES 668 in your 4L85E
I think in reality any fluid such as Dexron VI and Maxlife will be fine. The main thing is getting fresh fluid in there.
I have been running Mobil 1 ATF in my older GM's for years (87 Buick GN with the 200 and 94 Corvette with 4L60e) It's a universal fluid but being synthetic it was better than the Dexron IIe that was called for at the time. So I been running it in these cars since they were brand new. Everything else I use Maxlife mostly if it meets spec. You really might be better off just running the Maxlife and it is not very expensive so drain and fill once, then do it again with filter change.
I have been running Mobil 1 ATF in my older GM's for years (87 Buick GN with the 200 and 94 Corvette with 4L60e) It's a universal fluid but being synthetic it was better than the Dexron IIe that was called for at the time. So I been running it in these cars since they were brand new. Everything else I use Maxlife mostly if it meets spec. You really might be better off just running the Maxlife and it is not very expensive so drain and fill once, then do it again with filter change.
I am leaning toward the Maxlife or regular old Valvoline Dex/Merc conventional. I am usually not a fan of universal fluids, but max life may be the exception.
AZjeff
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That's kind of a unicorn Avalanche, did you just get it? Miles and condition? Photos mandatory. Nothing like a 496 torque monster 
I vote Maxlife. Currently on sale for $51 on Amazon for 3) 4 qt jugs. Its DexVI compliant. I dont believe its as "universal" as it meets the minimum requirements for that labeling. (if that makes sense)
Dex VI isnt as well stocked around here as it used to be and its way more expensive to the Maxlife.
Dex VI isnt as well stocked around here as it used to be and its way more expensive to the Maxlife.
Had it for a couple years now. It was low miles, 68k when I get it it, but from New York. It was a basket case rust wise, and I have done quite a lot of fixing because of it. New fuel lines, pumps, etc. Outfit I got it from did some lipstick fixes on the fenders and rockers. Has a lot of Bondo that will fail at some point. Funny enough, the bottom door seams are flawless, figure that out. It's far from perfect that's for sure, but I figure I'll get some years out of it before sending it down the road.That's kind of a unicorn Avalanche, did you just get it? Miles and condition? Photos mandatory. Nothing like a 496 torque monster
Best picture I got at the moment. I have none handy that include the whole thing for some reason.
Autozone currently has the Valvoline Maxlife Multi-Vehicle priced $35.99 for the gallon jug.
That's a cool truck.
I live in NJ and go to NY frequently. It's criminal how they now use this brine solution on the roads when it might be icy. I swear you can literally hear the rust forming on metal when this crap gets on it. Thankfully modern newer trucks use much better underbody coatings, but yea, a 2002 vintage truck is going to suffer a lot in that environment.
On topic: Yep, I vote Maxlife too.
I live in NJ and go to NY frequently. It's criminal how they now use this brine solution on the roads when it might be icy. I swear you can literally hear the rust forming on metal when this crap gets on it. Thankfully modern newer trucks use much better underbody coatings, but yea, a 2002 vintage truck is going to suffer a lot in that environment.
On topic: Yep, I vote Maxlife too.
That's a ripoff. Much better price at Walmart...or almost anywhere else.
Maxlife Multi-Vehicle at Walmart $25.92 per gallon.
All 2500 Avys were 8.1. There's several running around here.That's kind of a unicorn Avalanche, did you just get it? Miles and condition? Photos mandatory. Nothing like a 496 torque monster
I had an '03 Burb with the 8.1 and 4L85E and 4.10s. Was horrible towing in CO. 2nd way too low, 3rd not enough and/or you couldn't force it to stay in 3rd. Wheelbase too short for big loads, although I never used a WD to be fair
An Ally woulda been fantastic. Manual even better. But not the easiest swap.
I sold the vehicle, it just couldn't do anything well that I needed.
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