I got in a discussion the other day about the reliability of a 518 trans.. He said that a 518 has a life expectency plus or minus 130K. Mine has a BIG cooler and a Hughes converter and clean fluid and I tow a max of 12K and I am expecting this one to make it towards 200K. Is he right, or am I dreaming? I do tow in OD but only when the truck isn't working hard other wize its third gear all the way. thanks,

 

my truck used to tow a 5th wheele trailer all the time and the stock 518 lasted to 220k so thats not so bad. mine now is rebuild with a pro tourqe coverter.

 

That 130k factor is for people that don't change the fluid, filter and adjusts the bands at the recommended intervials. If that isn't done at 130k or so. You will loose the trans due to fluid starvation. The filter is pluged up.

Mine has almost 200k. I tow every once in a while. I use OD above 55 MPH when towing. I also have the 3:08 axles. I due recommended fluid changes and adjustments at 36K.

 

I would rather be rowing gears and have the extra pedal in the cab.

 

I agree,a six speed would be nice but where my wife has to drive it ocasionaly its got to be an automatic.

 

I have 235K on my stock 518and I tow a small 5th wheel with it.

 

I have the ol' 518 in mine.........all bone stock and 200,025 miles on the clock. The pickup has a gooseneck hitch and was used from time to time. The transmission shifts great and the fluid is clean.