After how many miles should the tranny be serviced and what's involled and how much $$$

 

I like to have a pan drop with fluid and filter change ~30,000 miles. The Chevy dealer near me charges $80.

 

The filter really isn't necessary, but whenever I have a pan off, I replace the filter. Installing a drain plug when you first service the transmission allows for much easier fluid changes.

 

I keep threatening to install a plug, but...you know.

 

I'm getting ready to service the trans on my Rainier here at some point. I plan on welding on a nut and using a typical oil pan drain plug probably cut down. I will also be epoxying a neodymium magnet to the plug so I can monitor the health of the bands and the torque converter clutch. With regular fluid changes, I do not suspect problems with either of these areas.

 

Neodymium? Come on Kyle, don't go cheap. Get the unobtainium one.

 

Neodymium is good enough for me.

*EDIT* - You had me thinking I spelled it wrong. I just read up on them and they seem to lose their magnetism at relatively low temperatures... Maybe I will not be using that kind of magnet after all.