Hey guys. Gonna start with a story:
I offered to tow my gfs dads race car, along with his golf cart in my bed, to about an hours drive away. No biggie. I wanted to put that ol 460 to the test! We got to the drag strip and parked and unloaded. A track worker pulls up and says "Hey buddy, your leakin somethin! Theres a trail leading up to here, looks like antifreeze." So I crawl under it... no antifreeze. Look around for the source and sure enough... tranny was gushin fuid. Her dad says its more than likely the front seal. I wanted to punch something!

Now for my question: The reason it blew is obvious... I was towin about 6000 lbs. But arnt these trucks rated for more than that? What would cause it to fail besides hauling a big load? Is it just because it was old (140,000 miles)? Or did I just overwork it? I pull heavier trailers every now and again and dont wanna go through the huge headache of pulling the tranny after every haul...

 

Old fluid, worn seal and an undersized/dirty/plugged transmission cooler. These trucks often have all 3 unfortunately.

 

Yea I figured there was some underlying cause... I think it has a bigger trans cooler though. Its got one on there and it looks non-factory.

 

well you figure the seal is likely the original one....1992.....2012....20 yrs old.
age takes it toll on these things.we kinda have to expect it.