Just remember if you change the filter/fluid you still will have the old burnt fluid in the torque converter. If you go the rebuild route look into synthetic tranny fluid. Though from what I read it should already have synthetic tranny fluid in it, maybe an aftermarket bran will hold up better. Considering the cost of the Vehicle and age/usage a rebuilt doesn't seem that pricey. Another note is your torque converter stall speed, might want look into a better or rebuilt.

http://www.levelten.com/
PRICEY: http://www.bowlertransmissions.com/default.aspx?mpid=36
http://www.transmissioncenter.net/highperflist.htm

Tough choice, I believe the number he is saying is you have a 4L65( M32,MD6-AWD )
The dealer choice sounds good with your usage situation.

 

I'd go with the local tranny guy... after all.. you said yourself he was in business for 36 years... and that's because he does things right... and it costs half as much... blow it again and you know the SUT has got to go...

if you blow it again... he will make it right... there is not a doubt in my mind.

 

the H2 has an external tranny cooler, mounted in front of the radiator. one problem though is thatthe tranny fluid isrouted through the radiator first, so it picks up the coolant heat - then goes to the cooler up front. if you don't need it to heat up in extra cold weather, you should eliminate the line through the radiator (failure point as well) and install a larger tranny cooler. the one installed is bout 12" x 8", but you could probably go a bit wider. mounting is the only issue i found when looking into changing mine - then i forgot about it and the tranny cooler is still in the box on the work bench - some day i'll get around to it.

 

Thanks for everyones comments. I am going to ask about best fluid, different stall converter, and modifications to external trans. cooler. I am going to tow it to the local trans. builder tonight.

NOTE: I do not have to remove the drivelines to tow it behind another vehicle!?! Everyone said that, since it isAWD all the time, you can not shift the transfer case into neutral and you have to remove drivelines or haul it on a flatbed truck. WRONG!According to the owners manual, under Towing, there is a section entitled, "Dinghy Towing" and "SHIFTING INTO NEUTRAL". Under these sections, there is a proceedure for shifting the H2transfer case into neutral and you can tow it behind another vehicle!!!....ChristmasEve it cost me $200 to tow my trailer ANDANOTHER $200 to have my H2 SUT hauled on a flatbed truck (both towed 78 miles)....NOW I find out that I could have towed my H2 behind my supercharged F-150 and saved $200!?!?!?![:'(]

 

Good luck... keep us posted....

 

most likely SC killed the tranny and not the towing. SCs are the biggest killer of H2 tranny's. Following a close 2nd is the internal tranny cooler in the radiator, when it bursts and mixes antifreeze with ATF fluid.

 

SUT still in shop. Asked them to change the transfer case fluid as well. Asked Magnacharger about modified program for shift kit. The existingsupercharger software does increase line pressure andchanges shift points. They said they can not modifiy program for shift kit and they think shift kits break parts (I think my supercharged F150 shift kit is saving my transmission). They did highly recommend upgrading servos.

Found multiple TSBs concerning transmission problems such as late shifting. Trans builderrecommends that with very heavy towing, I should not even use Tow Mode. He said to use 3rd. He said that after 65 miles an hour, even in TowMode, he thinks the transmission goes back to overdrive. He said,even with theheavy duty trans., overdrive will kill it.

Just saw that new SUT is rated for over 1,000 more pounds of towing than mine and has 6.2L engine instead of my 6.0L... do not know of anytrans. changes.

 

So you ended up going with your local guy?

 

Yeah, I took it to the local trans. builder. After rebuild he said, he could not tell by the parts, if it was the tow load, supercharger or low quality stock parts. He said, he rebuilds the same trans., with the same burnt upinternal partsthat haveless miles, no towing and no engine modifications. Hedid a standard rebuild and also installed larger servo and "hardermetal" parts in certain areas. He told me to turn tow mode on and put it in 3rd gear when towing heavy loads. He said in "D", over drive would kick in and kill the trans.

Last night, finally drove with6300 lb.trailer/cargo load 110 miles.No problems. Supercharger reallyimproves towing power. HOWEVER, I usedabout 3/4 of a tank of gasfor 110 miles!?!?!?!

Anyone know ofkit to remove driveshaft to front wheels and turn it into a rear 2 wheelvehicle with all power going to rear wheels,other thanthe allision trans. and transfer case conversion?

 

Glad to hear your tranny problem is fixed. I found this but again not real familiar with the H2, just trying to help you out.

http://www.performanceoffroadcenter....oducts_id=2815