Aloha folks,
I've been driving my 03' 5.3 4wd 1500 Silverado for about 7 years now and am at a cross-roads. I dont ever remember my transmission not clunking during shifting. I bought it when there was 160k on it. So 7 years later along with multiple repairs I have done myself and a couple in a shop, the transmission which started slipping about a month ago now wont shift past 2nd. I have a shop estimate for a new transmission replacement for 6400$. I bought the truck for 4600.00 in 2018. I've replaced fuel pump, oil pan gasket and pickup tube, front end parts, master cylinder, knock sensors and done general maintenance and typical repairs. Had the rear main seal done 2 years ago. Steering gear box and u joints too. I know the truck pretty good. I dont have a garage and don't feel experienced enough to do a transmission so. My big question. If my engine is running strong is she worth 4500-6600$ for a new or remanufactured transmisson? 250,000 is a good run though I've put a bunch more money into it recently maybe I should let her go. Or not? Finding a decent truck where Im in Hawaii is no small feat. Anyhow just looking for some seasoned advice or strong opinion. Mahalo!!

 

The question is Do you like the truck, what is the body like. is there rust on it? Can you find a cheaper price for the transmission at another shop? Can you find another truck for $4500 that you would be happy with?

 

I bought a reman for my 93 Sub on Ebay, had it installed, came in under 2K. Still going strong years later. I assume shipping to HI is more than WA!!

 

So the 2003 models were great year models for the 5.3 but bad years for the 4l60. Id say if the engine is still running strong I would definitely replace the transmission. Id also look into rebuild kits online and take it to a shop and have them bulletproof the trans. They make pretty affordable bulletproof kits for the 4l60. But all in all these things are gems so I'll always say fix it if your wallet is deep enough.