I've got a 2002 long bed Chevy Silverado 2500HD 4WD 6.0 with a gas engine. 246,700 miles. Original engine and transmission. I love this truck, especially when I see the price of new ones. I'm 66 years old and have no desire to buy a new one. Engine has started using about 1-2 quarts of oil between oil changes. I know that the transmission will eventually go out as well. (I pull a boat and fish often) When the inevitable happens, should I have the engine rebuilt or buy another? Transmission, same question. I believe the tranny is a 4L80E. I'm retired with a fixed income, so money comes into play. Thanks.
have you priced it out?
Adding oil is a lot cheaper than rebuilding the engine. How many miles are you driving between oil changes ? Another strategy is go go with half and half..use 40 weight with the oil your using to see if oil consumption becomes less. As for the trans...more than likely it will start to slip and go out before the engine will have any problems as far as oil consumption.
Replacement would be better option. Rebuilds are not done correctly sometimes.
So should it be new tranny or used one from like LKQ?
Plurge and get a rebuilt one....that way you don't worry or receive a surprise!
Are there specialty shops around where you live that have worked on those engines and transmissions? I know some shops where I live that do specifically a certain type of engine/transmission all the time so they become really good at it. I wouldn’t hesitate to have them rebuild as long as the cost is reasonable. Not sure in your case of shops like that are around.
Precision Transmission in Amarillo specializes in those GM trannies. They also have a cool Youtube channel.