HELP! had just purchased a 2008 Yukon Denali and I'm having transmission issues

[demonichunter7]

I have just purchased a 08 Yukon Denali for the family and I, not even 3 days later the transmission begins to screw up, refuses to reverse and I slipped gears on the highway on the second day. I've taken it to a shop and they said to fix the transmission it'll cost more than what I paid for the vehicle itself, (around $6800).

I have a few simple questions, would it not be easier for me to get a repair kit so long as the entire foundation of the transmission is solid like no cracks or anything.

Second where are some good sites to get such repair kits so I don't get scammed, I understand I'm going to be paying a hefty bill I just want the best product for the dollar amount.

Thirdly I've read everywhere the transmission itself isn't that hard to fix would it be easier for me to get the repair kit and do it myself with my father rather than allowing a shop mess with the "black box" as I understand it allot of shops don't truly know how to deal with a transmission.

The shop I've taken it too was my wife's dad's friend's place, so I don't wanna hurt their feelings but Ill be damned if I get screwed over via pay or told to replace the damn thing.

fyi they haven't figured the whole thing out yet and only received word that it is the transmission and they think it'll cost more to fix or replace then the vehicle itself... Please I need thoughts and opinions on where to turn and try.

 

[demonichunter7]

Just forgot to mention it has 200,000+ miles

 

[swathdiver]

Your local GM dealerships will sell you a reman with a 3 year 100K nationwide warranty. Prices vary by locale. $6800 seems pricey but I don't know where you live.

 

[15burban]

I've read everywhere the transmission itself isn't that hard to fix would it be easier for me to get the repair kit and do it myself with my father rather than allowing a shop mess with the "black box" as I understand it allot of shops don't truly know how to deal with a transmission.

If you don't know what's wrong with the transmission it makes it a lot more difficult to fix. No matter what it is. Firing the parts cannon at it can get real expensive and waste a lot of time. Also one's definition of "isn't that hard to fix" varies greatly. A guy like @NickTransmissions to him its probably a cake walk. To your average Joe not so much. Again though you don't know what's wrong so there's no way of telling how difficult the fix is.

 

[blondie70]

Roll the dice on one out of a junkyard....probably pretty cheap and may be a good one...maybe not ! Gambling

 

[j91z28d1]

Roll the dice on one out of a junkyard....probably pretty cheap and may be a good one...maybe not ! Gambling

this is what I'd do.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

If $6800 is too expensive, then your best bets, as mentioned above, is to (1) purchase a GM reman or (2) pick up a used one at a salvage yard.

If you have not worked on transmissions before, you need a number of special tools which you'll probably never use again for anything else, and in some cases you may need to tune the transmission to your truck, which requires additional tools.

Have a conversation with @NickTransmissions before you make a final decision on which way to proceed. Nick is our resident transmission expert, and he won't steer you wrong.

 

[solli5pack]

If your gonna do it yourself on your back in the driveway it's pretty tough...not impossible but pretty tough... most likely the trans has internal issues that you won't be able to fix at home and it will need to go to a shop anyway...

 

[Doubeleive]

I have just purchased a 08 Yukon Denali for the family and I, not even 3 days later the transmission begins to screw up, refuses to reverse and I slipped gears on the highway on the second day. I've taken it to a shop and they said to fix the transmission it'll cost more than what I paid for the vehicle itself, (around $6800).

I have a few simple questions, would it not be easier for me to get a repair kit so long as the entire foundation of the transmission is solid like no cracks or anything.

Second where are some good sites to get such repair kits so I don't get scammed, I understand I'm going to be paying a hefty bill I just want the best product for the dollar amount.

Thirdly I've read everywhere the transmission itself isn't that hard to fix would it be easier for me to get the repair kit and do it myself with my father rather than allowing a shop mess with the "black box" as I understand it allot of shops don't truly know how to deal with a transmission.

The shop I've taken it too was my wife's dad's friend's place, so I don't wanna hurt their feelings but Ill be damned if I get screwed over via pay or told to replace the damn thing.

fyi they haven't figured the whole thing out yet and only received word that it is the transmission and they think it'll cost more to fix or replace then the vehicle itself... Please I need thoughts and opinions on where to turn and try.

now you know why they sold it............................
but anyway, shop around there are cheaper better options. you would literally have to pull my teeth to pay that much I had mine custom rebuilt and specifically said I want it built "for 500hp" and with a billet TC for around $4200 and it's been rock solid. they did all the fixes extra welding, extra clutches, etc
as noted already your best bang for the buck may be a used one from a wrecking yard, some yards even install them as well. I have gone that route as well in the past.
you can get rebuilt units online with a warranty for around $2700 so that makes paying $6800 complete nonsense insane unless you know for a fact that thing is going to be able to pull a tank afterwards.

 

[demonichunter7]

now you know why they sold it............................
but anyway, shop around there are cheaper better options. you would literally have to pull my teeth to pay that much I had mine custom rebuilt and specifically said I want it built "for 500hp" and with a billet TC for around $4200 and it's been rock solid. they did all the fixes extra welding, extra clutches, etc
as noted already your best bang for the buck may be a used one from a wrecking yard, some yards even install them as well. I have gone that route as well in the past.
you can get rebuilt units online with a warranty for around $2700 so that makes paying $6800 complete nonsense insane unless you know for a fact that thing is going to be able to pull a tank afterwards.

Thank you for your input sir.

 

[demonichunter7]

If $6800 is too expensive, then your best bets, as mentioned above, is to (1) purchase a GM reman or (2) pick up a used one at a salvage yard.

If you have not worked on transmissions before, you need a number of special tools which you'll probably never use again for anything else, and in some cases you may need to tune the transmission to your truck, which requires additional tools.

Have a conversation with @NickTransmissions before you make a final decision on which way to proceed. Nick is our resident transmission expert, and he won't steer you wrong.

Thank you for the reply sir.

 

[oldchev]

Personally, I'd go with good used (salvage yard). Get a new or rebuilt torque converter.
Then...keep your "broken" one and rebuild on your soare time. Carefully, using an ATSG manual.
Oregon transmission sells everything as do others. Take your time, don't go overboard. When you rebuild, you can dismantle it and see what you need (hard parts) and expect to replace all clutch packs and seals.
I do DIY, and being it's seldom, have to proceed carefully. You'll need some special tools for clutch packs but I have made my own, although crude, did the job. You might not build a 500hp race trans but you can fix and freshen your old one and have ready. Lock up converters have clutches so replace every time. It's a ***** to do over so do it right the first time. Been there, done that.
Good luck my friend.

 

[petethepug]

If you’re near Vegas or need a vacation have Nick do your trans. Option II is have an Indi shop install a GM reman trans with an OEM GM tc or billet unit. It only hurts once when done correctly.

 

[West 1]

I did a 6L80 2 years ago, used all top quality parts, a local shop did the rebuild I did the R&R, all done for under $3000 and it worked great.