[VAC] Re: Installing a trans temp gauge

[EEmer59728@xxxxxxx]

Hello All,
I have been lurking on this thread with great interest. My 1998 1500 Suburban 
is in the local shop waiting to have the trans problem diagnosed. First gear 
shifts at the top of the RPM range and no reverse. I had it serviced 2 weeks 
ago and the dealer said the fluid looked OK, we pulled the Sovereign about a 
700 miles over the weekend to my college reunion in Indiana. Friday at lunch 
I had the rear ends and transfer case fluids changed, I made it 12 miles home 
before it started acting up. I have pulled my 1968 Sovereign about 22,000 
miles of the 66,000 miles on the truck. (the 1959 Traveler 500 miles). I pull 
in OD for the most part unless the terrain requires a down shift, just as the 
owners manual allows. The 2 units loaded and together weigh about 13,500 lb. 
The truck has a factory trans cooler and over heating has not been a problem 
(no gauge to verify).

I told the mechanic (local shop that does better work than a dealer) if we 
were going to have to rebuild or replace that I want to "beef up" the trans 
and add a gauge. Now the question.... How do you "Beef Up" the trans in this 
situation? I am not real keen on changing the rear end at this time, $$$$$ 
and I have a good idea that the trans repair will trash my fun money. Any 
recommendations?

Also with the mushy brakes, I too had the same problem, the master cylinder 
went on my way back from Denver this summer after putting up with that 
problem for most of the year. It started around mid winter last year and the 
Rockies did it in. With the new one installed (in North Platt, NE, nice guy 
and great campground that sent me to him) I have never had that sinking 
feeling that I can't stop. Might want to consider replacing it.

Thanks
Ed
WBCCI/VAC 4425
68 Sovereign
59 Traveler
98 Suburban (replaced at the moment with 1981 Jeep CJ 5... it better not snow 
until the truck is ready)