re: GM 8spd, are the problems really that bad?

Well I am a big time forum lurker (obviously). So I started just googling stuff and I saw that a lot of these 14+ models were having 8spd transmission issues. Hard shifting, “clunking”, driveline shuddering. It seemed GM didn’t have much of a fix for this besides some retunes to relearn the transmission, replace the torque converter, or replace trans fluid. None seemed to be a permenant fix and gm said that they were going to replace torque converts anymore until the first quarter of 2019 when they will have a permanent fix. These problems were wide spreads in the first three years of the trans. It seemed like 2017 was doing better and 2018 I guess might be too new to judge.

So I txted my buddy who just bought a 2018 premium plus (comes with 8spd) and asked him if he truck ever clunked or shifted hard and his reply was exactly this.

“The only time it does is if the truck has been sitting overnight and isnt warmed up before putting it in drive. It deep shifts through 1st to 2nd and only does it once. If I start the truck and let it run for 2 or 3 minutes, no issue”

Keep in mind he’s only been in the truck for two weeks ish.

That right there kinda put me over the edge in deciding I didn’t want the 8spd but I said I would still test drive it.

So I drove the 6spd and the 8spd side by side. Let me say this. The 8spd did not exhibit any shudder hard shifts or clunking. All shifting was nice and smooth however I can say I didn’t like it traveling through four gears when I have it about 3/4 throttle. The 6 speed was no thrills or frills and operated much the same as any transmission I have come accustomed to.

All this is to say that the 2019 8spd is supposed to have upgraded tuning and components to rid of the clunking shuddering and hard shifts. (Sounds familiar to the permanent fix previously mentioned).


This is just the information I have gathered and I tried to present it as unbiased as I could. If I was looking at a 2019 I might not be so timid about the 8spd as I really think the problems by and large have been handled well since the early models of the transmission but when my buddy told me he had experienced some hard shifting it was kinda the nail in the coffin for me on the 2018.

Gm is offering 0% for 72 mo as well on 4x4 crew prem plus, I still went with the 19.

I have a ‘16 Sierra SLT with 8 spd transmission. The clunky shifting is annoying as can be and I’ve been back and forth to the dealer about 8 times in 3 years. Changing the torque converter made the biggest change. Lower gears are the worst.

After trade and supplier discount I got about 10k off sticker on the 19.

The GM 8 speed in the 1/2 tons is a spin off by GM of the 10 speed jointly developed. The opted to modify it in order to have it available earlier and didn't think they needed all 10 gears. So Ford waited to finish the 10 speed. The both have had early shifting issues. Fords were fixed with valve body/software mods. GM's 10 speed I don't know. Fords 10 speed does not shift sequentially thru all 10 gears but finds the right gear for the moment using load, throttle position, speed, RPM, etc.

Just trying to get a ball park of what to expect for pricing.

Bump

Or anyone know of a dealership that has a bunch and offers rebates?

The ones I have talked to want nearly 40k for them, I dont see how they are ever going to sell them.

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Or anyone know of a dealership that has a bunch and offers rebates?

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Bill Smith in Cullman, Alabama (I think) has them for $37,995 with all available rebates. $38,995 if you're not a veteran. They will deliver to south MS for $400.