I recently purchased a super clean 2002, 5.3, Z71 with 4 speed auto. Truck has Reese hitch with 7 pin connector, so some amount of towing was done. I do sometimes notice a bit of slippage between 1st and 2nd. I talked to some friends at a gas exploration company. These guys buy pickups at the rate of 30-40 every three years. They tell me that the tranny on the 02 is really problematic. My truck has 63K on the odo and dealer service records show a transmission service at 36K. Question: Is there anything I can do to improve dependability of this tranny? ie- flush, fluid and filter change. Anything else? Go to Chevy dealer or independent transmission shop? Any and all input would be appreciated. My last two trucks a 1996 and a 2005 were both Toyota, so I'm green as grass regarding the Chevy. Thanks, Stoney

 

i had a trans flush at 60K on my 2500 series then torque converter when out at 75K

I do not think the flush caused the converter problem.

I would have a trans flush, also have them drop trans pan and change filter.
guess your truck has a trans cooler if it has the tow package, you could change to synthetic trans oil, but check first and be sure you trans will operate on synthetic oil!!!!!!!

overheating is the killer of transmissions, so other than installing a deeper trans pan or adding a larger trans oil cooler about all you can do is have the trans serviced on a regular schedule.

 

if you have to get a new transmission, put in a shift kit, that should help it last a little longer if you're willing to put up with a harder shift