Rebuilding transmission at 850k miles, preventive plus or potential waste of $?

2007 Volvo 780, Eaton Fuller 10spd auto-shift, D12 465hp, 824k miles presently. Purchased at just under 600k.

Please don't hijack my thread into a auto vs manual argument guys....I've driven both and heard it all.

I was considering having my transmission rebuilt simply as a preventive measure. According to an Eaton Fuller tech they are designed to last 1 million miles under normal operating conditions. But I don't know if this truck may have been abused the first 600k miles of its life. I recently had the fluid changed and was told there was no excessive metal flakes or anything abnormal. It still shifts just fine in my opinion as well. I certainly do not abuse it. It acts odd on occasion, shifting up or down too soon or too late, one very odd thing is when starting from stop going downhill, even the slightest downgrade, it seems to take two tries or two engine revs to shift into 3rd. Perhaps that's the trans telling me I should have just started in 3rd? I rarely use the manual buttons, I figure let the computer do what it's designed to do. The most noticeable thing is the feeling like it's grinding out, or just about to slip out of gear at times, it's very hard to describe in words, it just feels weak I guess. The strangest thing is the 8th gear issue, when I am very light or bobtailing there is a very noticeable vibration while going through 8th. The eaton tech said that transmissions do not produce a vibration so that must be an issue in another part of the drivetrain, driveshaft imbalance maybe? One more thing, when I'm cruising if I put just a bit of pressure on the clutch pedal it vibrates pretty rough-depending on how much pressure I apply of course-only did that as an experiment. Is it possible that all these quirks could be the clutch wearing out?

I should mention I do not presently drive in the mountains, I only go from Indianapolis to Laredo and back.

Simply put, should I just put in a new clutch or consider just rebuilding the thing? I figure it's time to do one or both, don't want to break down and add $1,000 tow bill onto the cost. I do plan on keeping it for as long as she'll keep running effectively. I've had laboratory oil analysis done and it appears I have a solid engine. Mpg's are very respectable for its age. 7.5-8 when empty or very light and no major wind, 5-6 when heavy and running hard.


Any advice is much appreciated.

 

I knew this was unavoidable, another old timer hater. Thank you for shutting up. This is exactly what I was hoping to avoid in this thread. Why even bother responding? Is your life so terrible that you have to argue with everyone about everything? I hate arguing, but I hate ignorance and being incorrectly corrected much much more so I will take your bait...

FYI-Never once did I call my transmission an automatic, I said AUTOSHIFT. Which is what the manufacturer calls them. Eaton Fuller trademarked the name AutoShift for this line of transmissions. At the time, the automatics were called UltraShift. Check for yourself.

http://www.roadranger.com/rr/ProductsServices/ProductsbyCategory/Transmissions/PCT_357158

Volvos aren't real trucks eh? That is funny. What exactly is a real truck? Please do enlighten me.... Volvo is the only truck manufacturer that hasn't outsourced any of its American operations. All Volvos on the road in North America are built in Virginia. And please, don't make the argument that one is more reliable or has more problems than the other. Be reasonable man. All trucks have problems, all makes, all models, and you know this. I'll admit, this truck wasn't my first choice. But it was the best deal around at the time I was ready to purchase when you factor everything in. Amenities, looks, mileage, interior/exterior condition, willing lender, and of course price. Sure I would rather be in some 550hp 13spd or whatever. Who wouldn't? But this was my best option and I've grown to like it. Think what you will OT.

 

Thank you for the kind reply. Yes, I imagine the shop where I was going to have the rebuild done could handle the inspection. I trust them much more than the Volvo dealer here in Indianapolis, they have a good rep and are Eaton Fuller authorized/endorsed or whatever.

As a matter of fact, I have had issues with my ride height in the past. Replaced the valve and the sensor bar once already. I will have that checked out as well.

If you ever break down near Indianapolis, try to get to Palmer Trucks in Terre Haute. They are very kind and honest. The shop in Indy, not so much...

 

Thanks Pablo. For the most part it shifts well. No jerking, no slipping. Guess I will take it in to have the clutch and ride height inspected first, then go from there if other problems are detected.