First tow/with 2023 Silverado 5.3 - Total trip 539 miles

[ctechbob]

I’ve been wondering if they really get the same fluid. There are assumptions that they do, but I’m not convinced. Mine runs better hot, but it’s also had problems since 18k, has a slifhtly thickened mix of ATF in it plus lubeguard.

Mercon/Dexron ULV = Same Same

Bookmarked to the ULV section.

 

[GMBoy]

The six speeds in the previous generation Silverados ran/run warm and widespread failures were not a thing. The shifting was not butter smooth-but they didn't fail-to any large degree.
I had one (2018 Silverado)-changed the fluid at 50,000 miles ( majority of that towing-5,000 pounds) and the fluid-while not tested, visually looked real good.

Actually they tend to fail quite often. The avg miles they get is 100-125k in my experiece BUT these have been transmission with no prior service history. We have others that have had good fluid services that are still going strong. Maintenance is key here and we often install the upgraded trans temp kits to run them cooler for longer life. I don't see any benefits to warmer trans temps especially since it degrades much faster once into the low 200's.

 

[GMBoy]

There are aftermarket tanks that require modifications to the truck. But of course-a larger fuel tank will affect payload numbers. No larger ones offered on the half-tons by GM to my knowledge.
So yea-with the OEM tank you are looking for a gas station before 200 miles. You have to find a station, then you have to find a station you can get in and out of.
The gas/stations with mini marts are not my best friend-especially in the West where Real Estate tends to be a premium-the gas stations are more compact. If you can't get a pump at the end-you need to go somewhere else.

The gas station comment is dead on - that 200 mile range loss is substantial. I have had to pass a station before because I couldn't get in with my RV attached.

 

[Gus_Mahn]

6L80E's don't normally fail within 100,000, But failure rate goes up exponentially after that.

The gm 6L80 transmission failures seem to be related to the lock-up TC friction material failing. Ford 6R80 6 speeds also have TC issues seen a shudder, but I don’t think there’s any history of transmission failures related to the Ford’s TC.

 

[clinebarger]

6R80 converters will make all kinds of noises before it completely fails.....6L80/6L90 are quiet quitters.

 

[CKN]

The gas station comment is dead on - that 200 mile range loss is substantial. I have had to pass a station before because I couldn't get in with my RV attached.

Yes-that's why you start looking when you are at a half-tank. I do miss the 36 gallon tank. However-it's not like I tow constantly. But the trips tend to be longer. Have a three week trip to Colorado coming up.

I don't miss the downshift from 10th to 3rd on the Interstate-and the loud bang, loss of power and "check 4 wheel drive" message that comes with it. And the sloppy-inconsistent 2nd though 6th gears in the city.