Food Truck Transmission Swap: Fleet Repairs in Spokane

Written by the Motorplex Team
Offering in-shop and on-site fleet services in Spokane and Washington State. 

At Motorplex by FleetEasy in Spokane, we see all kinds of fleet vehicles come through our doors. From brand-new diesel trucks to older workhorses that have served local businesses for decades, we’re happy to work on them all and specialize in small business fleet repairs. Recently, our technicians worked on a 1995 Chevrolet P3500. It’s an older model that’s become a favorite base for food trucks and small delivery fleets thanks to its strong chassis, roomy box, and reliable powertrain.

This particular Chevy P3500 had been converted into a food truck for a local kitchen and catering business. It was still working hard in the community until the transmission started acting up.

Our team started with a transmission diagnosis and a full courtesy inspection to assess the truck’s condition. The inspection revealed several age-related issues, including multiple oil leaks, worn suspension bushings, a leaking hydro-boost, and minor electrical and lighting issues.

When our technician dropped the transmission pan, they discovered burnt transmission fluid and more clutch material than normal. Thankfully, there were no metal shavings or chunks, which are signs of catastrophic failure. Still, it was clear that this transmission had reached the end of its service life. A full rebuild or replacement was the right move to keep the vehicle safely on the road.

A complete transmission replacement is a significant repair decision, especially for a 30-year-old truck. However, for many small business owners, investing in a known, reliable vehicle is often more cost-effective than starting over with something new. The cost of fleet repairs, even when significant, can be worth it in the long run.

Food trucks, in particular, rely on familiar setups, custom layouts, and specialized electrical and plumbing systems that would be expensive to recreate. If the frame, engine, and core systems are still in good condition, replacing a transmission can extend a vehicle’s lifespan by years. In this case, the customer decided to invest in their trusty Chevy and have the transmission replaced.

After the new transmission was installed, our team began topping off the automatic transmission fluid. That’s when we discovered another issue: a leaking transmission cooler. Closer inspection revealed that the lower fitting threads were damaged. This was likely due to age and corrosion, not cross-threading.

Finding a replacement part for a 1995 model wasn’t easy. Only two dealerships in the entire country had the correct transmission cooler in stock. We had the part expedited from Nashville, covering the shipping cost ourselves to help the customer get back on the road as quickly as possible. We want to ensure our customers have a positive experience, because we know that needing fleet repairs can feel stressful.

Once the new cooler arrived, we completed the repair, pressure-tested the system, and sent the truck owner on their way. If you see that yellow truck around Spokane, treat yourself to something delicious! 

For decades, Motorplex has been proud to support local businesses and fleet operators across Washington State, and continues to do so from our Spokane shop. From ongoing fleet maintenance to small business fleet repairs, our certified technicians provide honest diagnostics, transparent communication, and cost-effective solutions to keep your fleet vehicles running at their best.

No matter what your fleet looks like, you can count on Motorplex in Spokane for the same level of care and expertise that helped this 1995 Chevy P3500 stay on the road and countless customers since we started this business back in 1993.

Contact us to book a service appointment, and remember that we offer 24/7 emergency services, including towing and mobile fleet repairs.