ATF change on 2003 Z71 Tahoe

[drfeelgood]

My Tahoe is at 50,000 miles and its time for ATF change. Was thinking of putting higher capacity aluminum pan on at same time.

What synthetic fluid? Should I update to a Dex 6?

I know the truck has a 4L60E trans. Do I have a "deep" pan on it? Any pointers on a new pan?

Thanks!

 

[sciphi]

I'd get Dex-VI or Valvoline Maxlife ATF. I've used both in my 99 Buick LeSabre's 4T65 with 84k miles on it, and prefer the Maxlife. It's full syn, and offers smoother, faster shifting than the Dex-VI did.

Also, look into an auxiliary cooler if your truck doesn't have a factory aux cooler, and a filter better than the GM felt "rock-catcher" in there.

I'd say a synthetic fluid and better cooling are more worthwhile than a deeper pan, at least IMO.

 

[JHZR2]

I always got confused by the deep pan. I think there may actually be at least three options.

I started with a mag-hytec increased capacity pan, but it didnt fit on my 98 S10 ZR2.

I then got a TCI pan, and it uses the right filters per my VIN number, which was good (apparently the non-deep pan).

I would go dex VI.

My truck came with a cooler. Id beware of excessive pressure drop adding too many inline things... if yours does not have a cooler (I doubt this is the case), then I'd install one. Otherwise if you are looking to improve, Id swap what you already have. Not sure Id do either though.

A better pan with a drain plug is the biggest benefit for simplicity, IMO.

 

[S2500Dog]

Go with a Full Syntrhetic Dexron VI and look into investing in an auxillary coller for the transmission. Also look into changing the ATF filters and gaskets for the ATF pan as well.

 

[sciphi]

If the gasket is a metal-encased rubber gasket, re-use that thing! Wipe it down well with a shop towel and re-use if it's not cracked or missing pieces. It's far superior to any and all aftermarket cork or plain rubber gaskets for fit and leak resistance.

 

[SteveSRT8]

Any Dex VI is likely to be the best choice. It's a tough spec to meet. I use the Valvoline full synthetic from my local Autozone.

Skip the deep pan. You need to extend the filter and it creates another failure point. I lost an old hot rod trans to air getting in the extension.

X2 on the cooler. The stock GM flat plate cooler will bolt right in and you can easily plumb it yourself if you don't already have one.

 

[hisilver]

A deep pan will have a shallower spot where the exhaust crossover pipe is and be deeper where allowed where the pipe does not interfere.

 

[JakeR22]

I always wondered of the Derale pans with the tubes going through them did much. I would think they would have some cooling benefit, and if you're considering a different pan anyways,