Just bought 2003 Z71 w/145,000 miles. Fluid change question...

[Bcox]

Bought a 2003 Z71 Tahoe. I don't know if the transmission fluid, transfer case fluid, differential fluids, etc have been changed or replaced. Should I go ahead and do this since it has 145,000 miles on it? Also do any of you recommend just going to a Valvoline to have this done??

Thank you

 

[quest51210]

But your supplies online and diy,

 

[David Paul]

But your supplies online and diy,

This, good way to learn your new ride.

 

[95escahoe]

I'd do all fluids, tranny, transfer case, front and rear diffs, power steering, if you can't do it yourself bring it to a shop skip Valvoline worst place you could bring it


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[rndsommer]

I did all mine at 110k. The transmission shop mechanic told me if the trans fluid didn't look good before the service he would recommend against it. I guess if the old fluid looks burnt and smells funny a fluid change might just speed up the eventual breakdown and cause customers to blame him and the shop. That being said I would do all the fluid changes.

 

[Denali2k8]

My new to me Denali is an 08 with 80k on the dash. At 100k I will be doing the whole rundown of fluids too. The previous owners seemed like they took care of it, but to ensure it runs another 100k, I will be doing it all. Trans, transfer case, front and rear diff, etc. Nothing wrong in some good insurance. Fluid change NOW is cheaper than replacing parts later.

 

[95escahoe]

I did all mine at 110k. The transmission shop mechanic told me if the trans fluid didn't look good before the service he would recommend against it. I guess if the old fluid looks burnt and smells funny a fluid change might just speed up the eventual breakdown and cause customers to blame him and the shop. That being said I would do all the fluid changes.

If that's the case on the trans just drop the pan, replace the filter and fluid and do no tranny flush


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[pcowner]

do you guys see any problems with the stock cooling liquid, w Dexcool, I see people blame/lawsuits this additive for internal problems, do you replace it?

 

[pcowner]

I called around to replace some liquids inmy 09 Tahoe 135k, it's about $500 parts and labor. I'm aiming for Amsoil, (at least in transmission).

 

[SnowDrifter]

do you guys see any problems with the stock cooling liquid, w Dexcool, I see people blame/lawsuits this additive for internal problems, do you replace it?

I did mine with Universal yellow. I'm disenchanted with dexcool.

 

[Tonyrodz]

I did mine with Universal yellow. I'm disenchanted with dexcool.

Why? I have dexcool in my 03 with no issues. I flushed it maybe 2-3 yrs ago.

 

[SnowDrifter]

Why? I have dexcool in my 03 with no issues. I flushed it maybe 2-3 yrs ago.

See enough of them with ruined cooling systems. I'd just assume stay away, stick with tried and true, and change it every 4 years

 

[Bombsquad85]

So even tho the owners Manual says dexcool it doesn't matter? That's cool I'm gonna change my coolant soon and wasn't sure if it mattered

 

[95escahoe]

do you guys see any problems with the stock cooling liquid, w Dexcool, I see people blame/lawsuits this additive for internal problems, do you replace it?

If you maintain it like you should you'll have no issues, some people don't change it when they should, let air get in the system, mix non Dex with it, all a matter of preference I still run Dex with zero issues


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[95escahoe]

So even tho the owners Manual says dexcool it doesn't matter? That's cool I'm gonna change my coolant soon and wasn't sure if it mattered

You can run non Dex if you like many people do just make sure to flush it good and get all the Dex out if you leave any in there it will gel up


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[Bombsquad85]

You can run non Dex if you like many people do just make sure to flush it good and get all the Dex out if you leave any in there it will gel up


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So just run a bunch of water through it before adding coolant right? Until it comes out clear

 

[pcowner]

95escahoe,

Smart, very smart..

 

[pcowner]

So overall, should I just ditch GM and go with Toyota/Honda/Subaru/Volvo ?

I've had Honda Civic for over 16 years, and didn't know where is what in that and didn't change any transmission/spark plugs until earlier this year.

 

[95escahoe]

95escahoe,

Smart, very smart..

What are you talking about? if your buying a high mileage truck first thing you should do is all your fluids, even if they look good that way you know when they were done and have some kinda idea of when they should be done next, I'd rather spend a lil extra money on doing the fluids then a month or 2 down the road need a trans etc.


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[pcowner]

I'd probably saw someone post about a transmission fluid change on a different thread. Makes sense.