02 Z71 Tranny issues

[jscott7100]

On monday, 4-25, I am going to have my trans rebuilt for the third time. All 3 times, the same problem. The drive shell. First time it went, there was 53000 miles. 2nd time, 73000 mi. This time 88000 mi. . The 2nd rebuild, the shop put in the " The Beef ". It is an aftermarket beefed up drive shell. Anybody else having this problem or have any recommendations.

[clinebarger]

Its called a Sunshell. A "beast" sunshell is a really thick unbalanced piece of China junk, They hold up well in low rev/high torque situations.

A harsh 1-2 shift and can cause the sunshell to break right at the sungear input splines

[jscott7100]

Any suggestions before I pay this guy another $1700 monday

[usmcchevy]

Welcome to the site! Has the same guy rebuilt it every time? What are your main uses for the truck? Towing? Any mods to engine? What conditions did the trans fail each time? Sorry for so many questions, just trying to find the common denominator.....

[jscott7100]

Chevy rebuilt first time. No mod's done to truck. Stock 5.3, (327). Very little towing and when I do tow, it is my 7x12 enclosed trailer with my dresser inside and not very long distances. Same guy that rebuilt for the second time has it now. Did not fail under any specific condition.

[clinebarger]

A broke Sunshell does not normally require a complete rebuild if it was done right the first time. Components such as clutches, valve body, pump and torque converters will NOT require replacement to correct this.

A Beast sunshell would NOT break in 15000 miles unless....
A. Your abusing it.
B. He put a USED/stock Sunshell in it.
C. It wasnt built right.(even then 15000 is not right without having other problems)
Heres what "normally" happens when it breaks. Ive seen some early "soft" sunshells with stripped splines.

[jscott7100]

Thanks for the reply. Just got off the phone with tranny guy. Just going to install sun gear. The only abuse this truck sees is the occasional towing of my 7x12 enclosed trailer with my 2001 HD Ultra inside. It has never been above 85 mph. I am figuring there there is more to it than just the sun gear but my tranny guy says NO.

[usmcchevy]

I agree with them missing something. There is no reason a stock truck that is used like it should, should be doing this. Only advise would be a different builder (little late now) or buy a core trans and have them rebuild that one and replace your entire trans. Good luck man, I really hope they find the problem for you.

[jscott7100]

Rebuild done. only replaced the sun gear. Said they took the "BEAST" out and put the "MONSTER" in. Never heard of that one. $671 later and gave me a 90 day warranty on the gear. If this happens again, will not be going back to this builder. Builder showed me the gear. If you look at the picture above. mine actually broke out about half of the darker circle. The actual gear was in perfect condition.