Torque Converter replacement now or later

[novemberr]

Hello,
My truck is 2012 Yukon XL Denali with 100k miles. I have disabled AFM with BlackBear tune.
I recently want to do a preventative TC replacement in order to protect transmission.
This is my daily driving truck. I'm not aggressive on gas pedal.

I went to two different transmission shops and asked for opinions.
One shop said don't do it until there is a problem on TC or transmission.
The other shop would do it for $2200 include TC, Transmission service, filter, gasket, fluid and labor. This shop also allows me to bring TC and charge for labor.

Questions:
- What brand and Where can I buy an updated TC for 6L80?
- Should I do it now or wait?
- Is $2200 a reasonable offer?
- What else can be done while replacing TC? Rear main seal? Transmission mount? Engine mount?

Thank you all for any input.
Best Regards.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Lots of suggestions are available for the torque converter replacement, and folks will chime in. A billet cover is universally recommended, and I've seen the brand Circle D used a number of times here in this Forum.

The torque converter is a time bomb waiting to grenade and throw metal all through your transmission, thus destroying it. Change it sooner than later.

Yes, the items that you referenced could be changed out, while you have the transmission out of the truck.

 

[novemberr]

Thanks a lot for the advice. I checked Circle D TC. There is a Black Friday & Cyber Monday promotion for $809 plus shipping with 5-6 Week Production Time.

 

[donjetman]

@novemberr
In 2018 at 130k miles I did a Precision torque converter, trans pump seal, turbine input shaft o-ring, engine rear main seal, new starter, sway bar links, new fluid & filter, new trans lines, etc. No regrets, no leaks, it is still doing great today at 200+k miles. Here's the thread I did w/pics back then:
https://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/threads/rear-main-seal-job-pan-etc-07-yukon-denali-6-2.108334/

 

[fozzi58]

I swapped out the TC on my '17 Burb at 20k miles for a Circle D triple disc. I swear its the only reason my transmissions has not blown up considering all the abuse its taken. But Circle D, Yank, TCi or any other reputable TC will be fine.

Take your truck to dealership and see if there are any campaigns on it. On mine, there was a replacement\upgrade for the transmission fluid lines for my year and model. Never know what you will find.

I also had the hydrostatic valve removed. They sell a kit to bypass it, you can have the factory one drilled out, or you can "flip the pill" which meanes to reverse the assembly and it will bypass the thermostat

 

[kurtibm]

@novemberr
In 2018 at 130k miles I did a Precision torque converter, trans pump seal, turbine input shaft o-ring, engine rear main seal, new starter, sway bar links, new fluid & filter, new trans lines, etc. No regrets, no leaks, it is still doing great today at 200+k miles. Here's the thread I did w/pics back then:
https://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/threads/rear-main-seal-job-pan-etc-07-yukon-denali-6-2.108334/

You may consider a new. quality Rear Main Engine Seal while the Trans. is removed. Labor should be 0 to negligible. Also be sure to have the Trans. Cooler and lines flushed WELL while the lines are off.

 

[petethepug]

A ‘12 has a 6L80 that’s had had a lot of improvements since the original unit from ‘07. I’d say do a preventative TC swap because AWD & 4WD 100k major service requires the trans to come out.

Now, however, there’s another option. If your seals are in good order just swap the fluid & filter. Save the $2.5k on the trans removal and put it toward a 10SP 10L80 conversion.

Milage & performance will go up, shifts will seem to disappear and drivability will seem like a 2024 truck. Engine longevity will increase as cruise RPM will go down.

 

[alvocado]

My TC went out at 222k miles but it was showing signs before it failed. I wasn't diligent and it blew 5 hours from home with the family on board and I had to dump the truck at a GMC dealer for a week until I could arrange transport. The shop that rebuilt it was able to flush the system and it's operated like new for 12k miles. Rebuild cost was $4300.

If you drive mostly local, I personally would wait. You'll get some shudder developing when it's starting to go. If you take trips, change it preventatively.

The only "while you're in there" item that requires the transmission to be pulled is the rear main. Replace the entire rear cover with cover gasket and main seal so you don't have to pull the trans again. The GM cover and seal kit is $60 and include the cover gasket. Everything else, including the trans mount, can be done later and doesn't require pulling the transmission.