4th gear slipping

[Larry N]

I have a 2000 gp 3800 stock with 145,000 miles. The tranny shifts good all the way to 4th gear, after warming up it slips in 4th gear and also a noticeable whine. the trans appears to be full with no leaks however its very hard to tell on the dipstick on the level. it is not black, but not really red? It appears to be really thin and hard to tell the level. If you shift it back to third it does ok. I guess I'm asking is it worth having it drained with one of those newer machines that replaces all of the fluid and maybe adding a quart of Lucas oil or just drag it
to the the tranny shop and see whats going on. I really hate to sink a bunch of money into it, as you never know whats next.

Thanks for any help or comments.

Larry

[cerick08GP]

Unfortunately your tranny needs a rebuild, your 4th gear clutch hub is toast. It going bad is independent of your fluid condition. The new hubs are hardened to prevent this.

You will be able to drive a while like this (sans 4th gear), but be assured you are on bowered time. Your looking at about a 1k repair bill, changing your fluid or adding Lucas won’t help at all at this point.

[Larry N]

Yeah, Its kinda what I figured but I was wishing something more easy on the pocket book.

Thanks

Larry