Transmission Question for a new time buyer

[Greg_Stein]

I'm looking at a 2003 2500 5.9L. Around what mileage usually dos the automatic Transmission need to be rebuilt?

 

[RVTRKN]

With 2003, I'd just budget a upgrade to a Goerand (spelling) upgrade and be done with it, if it's a 48re.

 

[cerberusiam]

There are too many variables to say definitively. Some might get +300k before issues arise, others cannot get 20k from them. All depends on how they used, driven, and maintained.

 

[jgillott]

Our 04.5 has something like 340K on the original 48re. What makes it more impressive is that it is a plow truck and has been worked extremely hard during its life. I think what has made the difference for us is frequent trans maintenance and an operator that knows how to work the truck without killing it.

Depending on how the previous owners cared for the truck, it could last as is for quite a while.

 

[Greg_Stein]

What kind of general transmission maintenance other than fluid changes should I look out for?

 

[Prairie Dog]

Band adjustment.

 

[cerberusiam]

Front band adjustment on a regular basis, fluid exchange on a regular basis, upgrading the gov solenoid, and changing out the OE transducer every fluid exchange.