4.4 TDV8 transmission service

[Mjak42]

Had the 2011 vogue for just over a month now, the pre-purchase mechanic that inspected it said good idea to get the transmission serviced, I live in Warragul in Victoria and the local transmission guy is South Gippsland Transmission services, I emailed them to ask about the service and this is the reply,
“Hi Mike,To service the transmission in your vehicle the pan needs to be replaced and possibly drop the sub frame of the vehicle so in that case we will need to check.
Allowing for a new pan and filter assembly and service the transmission you will be looking at approximately $850, but really need to check first.”
your thoughts would be appreciated, as I am going to be towing a caravan a fair bit, is an aftermarket cooler a good idea? Or temperature gauge for transmission. Caravan is only 17.5 ft and 2.4t so not a big one. Planning on doing 3 month trip to Perth and back in September. Car is 179,000 klms so am also looking at replacing airbags/struts as it still has original’s fitted. Thanks in advance

[Graeme]

The gearbox pan drops straight down with only a protection tray to be unbolted.

I limit torque converter slip especially when taking-off towing my 2.5T van to help keep oil temperatures down by manually shifting to prevent premature up-shifts that then cause TC slip. I've never added an oil cooler to any vehicle although only my current 4.4 TDV8 L322 and previous 3.0 D4 had auto gboxes.

I replaced my rear shocks at 110K then very recently the fronts at 140K, both with Bilsteins. The Bilstein front use Dunlop bags and bearings which isn't noted anywhere.

[Mjak42]

Thanks again for the advice Graeme, found on here about A&B transmission in Dandenong, flicked them an email and they do the service and full diagnostic on transmission, I’m fairly handy but I think I’ll leave the transmission to the experts.
where did you get the airbags from, was going to get the Delphi (BWI) ones from Island 4x4 in UK, lot cheaper than what I’ve been quoted in OZ, also ordering the Gap IID tool direct from Gap in Canada

[Graeme]

I bought from Duckworths, who can supply genuine, BWI or Bilstein.