Hey guys I have a quick question about my s-10.I think I have transmissin problems .1st the tranny fluid is not red in color it is a reddish brown.Also and this is the wierd part it seems to run well with just me in car but with a passenger it feels like it is working alot harder and almost like a dragging feeling.It is my daily driver and has never given me any problems it does have 213000 miles but the tranny has always been really strong and never given me any indications that it was wearing out.I plan on changing the fluid and filter this weekend IU will also probably put some addative in it as well.My question is would just a passenger add enough weight to affect the tranny like that or does it sound like something else .Also if you have any suggestions that wiill help me get the most life that I can out of her please let me know.Thanks as always you guys are super helpfull and very informative keep up the good work:beer:

Has the fluid every been changed? This is what I do on every tranny I own,, drop the pan and weld in a 1/2 20 thread nut, find a spot where the drain plug wont hit anything, weld in the plug so you can drain the pan easily. Put in new fluid along with the Lucas tranny additive run it 500 miles and drain the fluid and put in new, it may help,, but with 210,000 plus you got your moneys worth out of that tranny,, matty man:beer:

drain the fluid- replace the filter- make adjustments per a service manual. It may be too late if the clutches are shot- OR take it to a trans shop and have them test the line pressure and do a service on it. This may or may not solve the problem. It sounds like its on its way out. I would stay away from Additives. They usually dont help and only serve to drain your wallet. good luck:smileyb:

Yeah, if the clutches are really worn it's a crap shoot. Hard to say about yours though. Most places have the drain plug kit for the pan, and it's worth the effort to put one in, making oil changes easier, and less messy.
Change fluid and filter and see how it goes. The idea of the trans working harder with a passenger in your truck is a mystery, and kinda strange.

reddish brown,,, and it smells like............?

If the fluid is toast, so is the trans. Don't go crazy spending money on fluid and filter,, I think it will be wasted effort. If it's a budget daily driver,, hit the u-pick it junk yards and see if you can score a trans cheap.

drop the pan check for metal in the pan, should be a bunch of worn clutch and band dust, if your lucky only the filter may be plugged, Fresh oil, filter gasket and run till warm then go drive. I've seen some real trash run anther 50k. If not, you're going trans shopping anyway!:poke:Good luck!! additive won't save a dying trans !!!!!

I know this sounds wierd but I really think that it may be something else the tranny shifts out smooth and it has never gave me any problems.Also the fact that it only does it with a passenger in car or at least it is very much more noticable makes me wonder .while I was driving earlier it only seemed to do it at low rpms if I applyed a little gas and got it out of that rpm range it is fine.It also seems more like vibration I am begining to think that mabey the u v joints may be going bad.My real question is why would some one else being in the passenger seat make such a big diference in preformance.150 more pounds doesnt seem like it would add that much more strain on the trans but it does lower the truch a couple of inches .What could that be affecting to change the feel that drasticly.

With the miles you have the chances are your just about done with the trany. But if you can change the fluid and filter on your own, (dont get it flushed), go ahead and do it. Check to see how much material is in the pan, and do ahead and put it together and drive it. Drive it and take it easy on it, and if it seems better take it for a ride with your passenger. It could be it is so close to going out, teh extra 150 shows up.

If you think it's a U-joint problem, jack it up (safely) and shake the drive shaft by hand to check for looseness/play etc. Also, the tail shaft bushing in the transmission could be worn/loose, causing some vibration.
Sounds like you are not really sure what's causing your problem. So you will have to look closer for the problem.