32K miles, too soon for TransGo shift kit and change from Dexron III to Dexron VI?

[JBeechcraft]

As some of you know, I now own a 2005 LeSabre Custom with 32K original miles. It's been over serviced by the dealership by the original owner, on older woman who has since passed. The transmission fluid looks fresh as a daisy and smells just fine. I'm not super happy about the transmission pan not having a drain plug so I'm "just' about to pull the trigger on the aluminum/finned trans pan from zzp with magnetic drain plug. I've ordered the GM magnets recommended in the TSB and I think I can get one on the new GM filter I just bought (of course will not stick to aluminum pan). With one or more doughnut magnets on the filter and the magnetic drain plug that's pretty much covered. I think this car has Dexron III in it now and I'm thinking about doing the Transgo shift kit with additional accumulator pistons/seals and putting in an equal amount of whatever I've drained out with Dexron VI.

What's the conventional wisdom on this? Am I just going to far with this new-to-me car? I'll do the solenoids if/when that time comes, but for now, I'd like to start life off correctly with an eye on longevity and durability. Having paid $1,500 for the car, I'm not really looking to "save" money and have NO trouble using OEM parts, or whatever is tried and true and why I turn to this bulletin board and all you sages of Buick wisdom and experience.

Thanks

 

[02LTD]

If the tranny is still shifting normally then you can skip the Shift improvement kit for now. All of the rest would be good preventative maintenance.
Just make sure you use your OEM gasket for the tranny pan.

 

[BuickGirlFromMars]

As some of you know, I now own a 2005 LeSabre Custom with 32K original miles. It's been over serviced by the dealership by the original owner, on older woman who has since passed. The transmission fluid looks fresh as a daisy and smells just fine. I'm not super happy about the transmission pan not having a drain plug so I'm "just' about to pull the trigger on the aluminum/finned trans pan from zzp with magnetic drain plug. I've ordered the GM magnets recommended in the TSB and I think I can get one on the new GM filter I just bought (of course will not stick to aluminum pan). With one or more doughnut magnets on the filter and the magnetic drain plug that's pretty much covered. I think this car has Dexron III in it now and I'm thinking about doing the Transgo shift kit with additional accumulator pistons/seals and putting in an equal amount of whatever I've drained out with Dexron VI.

What's the conventional wisdom on this? Am I just going to far with this new-to-me car? I'll do the solenoids if/when that time comes, but for now, I'd like to start life off correctly with an eye on longevity and durability. Having paid $1,500 for the car, I'm not really looking to "save" money and have NO trouble using OEM parts, or whatever is tried and true and why I turn to this bulletin board and all you sages of Buick wisdom and experience.

Thanks

there are a few things to do, nothing involving much money or hard parts besides the fluids/filter costs etc etc

 

[JBeechcraft]

If the tranny is still shifting normally then you can skip the Shift improvement kit for now. All of the rest would be good preventative maintenance.
Just make sure you use your OEM gasket for the tranny pan.

Thank you! I did order an OEM a gasket as well as the GM magnets and have the Dexron VI at the ready. I appreciate you chiming in! Always appreciate the wisdom and experience!

 

[JBeechcraft]

there are a few things to do, nothing involving much money or hard parts besides the fluids/filter costs etc etc

Go on.....I'm all ears.

 

[BuickGirlFromMars]

Go on.....I'm all ears.

dex vi fill, new differential lube pipe instead of the factory 6 piece one. this part is visible with the filter removed from trans and is a rubber hose , a couple clamps, a metal section etc. a molded assembly of one piece was made by gm to replace it. search differential lube pipe and you should find the pn

Search GM TSB pan magnet for 4t65e to replace your factory rectangle magnet with 2 circular magnets placed at specific spots, and then reuse the original pan seal and then also add an external trans cooler either in addition to or replacement of your end tank, if your coolant is in great shape then it should be piped after your end tank.
you should also use new o rings and springs when disconnecting those lines from the radiator, they are meant to be one time use

 

[JBeechcraft]

dex vi fill, new differential lube pipe instead of the factory 6 piece one. this part is visible with the filter removed from trans and is a rubber hose , a couple clamps, a metal section etc. a molded assembly of one piece was made by gm to replace it. search differential lube pipe and you should find the pn

Search GM TSB pan magnet for 4t65e to replace your factory rectangle magnet with 2 circular magnets placed at specific spots, and then reuse the original pan seal and then also add an external trans cooler either in addition to or replacement of your end tank, if your coolant is in great shape then it should be piped after your end tank.
you should also use new o rings and springs when disconnecting those lines from the radiator, they are meant to be one time use

Thanks! I'll look up the "differential lube pipe" now.

I have the two GM magnets coming. I also have a GM factory new pan gasket, but I'll be using a new transmission pan with a magnetic drain plug as well.

I have no aversion to adding an external cooler, perhaps in "addition" to my end tank (which I presume is my radiator trans oil cooler?). The new Spectra Premium radiator arrived yesterday. The coolant in there now looks great, but, I'm changing it all out and using Preston DexCool BUT I'm not sure what you mean when you say "it should be piped after your end tank."

I suppose the new "o" rings and springs (guessing spring clamps) will also be changed out.

If I have all that correct, I thank you for your time, wisdom and expertise! I'm guessing you're not endorsing the TransGo shift kit on a car with 32K miles.

Thanks again!

 

[ohioriver]

If it is shifting normally, no need for the kit.... but if the 1 - 2 shift goes clunk, (mine does) yeah maybe.

 

[JBeechcraft]

dex vi fill, new differential lube pipe instead of the factory 6 piece one. this part is visible with the filter removed from trans and is a rubber hose , a couple clamps, a metal section etc. a molded assembly of one piece was made by gm to replace it. search differential lube pipe and you should find the pn

Search GM TSB pan magnet for 4t65e to replace your factory rectangle magnet with 2 circular magnets placed at specific spots, and then reuse the original pan seal and then also add an external trans cooler either in addition to or replacement of your end tank, if your coolant is in great shape then it should be piped after your end tank.
you should also use new o rings and springs when disconnecting those lines from the radiator, they are meant to be one time use

The GM P/N for the "differential lube pipe" you referenced is: 24243134

Thanks again. Took a minute to find ANY reference to that updated/upgragded part, or it's number.