Trans fluid change or not ?

I wish there was a video on how to do this properly

nipplesNchowder said:

I wish there was a video on how to do this properly

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There is on YouTube.

nipplesNchowder said:

I wish there was a video on how to do this properly

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This is how I do mine:
I pull the transmission cooler return line, and let the transmission fluid drain that way—it allows you to get all the fluid out of your torque converter. Moreover, I drop the pan to change the filter and inspect and clean everything myself.


I got tired of dickering with service mangers. They want to argue with you and say you don't need to change the transmission filter because it is "good for the life of the vehicle"—yea, you can kick rocks with that stupidity. Moreover, I don't like the idea of flushing the transmission with a machine. Essentially you are pushing/blasting old fluid through your transmission, which could clog the valves and/or damage something due to the metal shavings/debris that is inside the old fluid. If you are going to flush your transmission, you need to at least drop the pan first and clean everything (including changing the filter), then flush it.

Do stuff yourself and know that it was done right.

For those that are interested, this is the tool that you need to disconnect your transmission cooler line from the steel line (he mentions the tool in the video above). I got mine through Snap-On.

BenBB said:

Do it. Ideally upgrade the transmission cooler at the same time, there's a larger OEM cooler available from Ford or RPG, part number is DL3Z-7A095-B;
https://www.fordraptorforum.com/threads/upgrading-stock-oem-trans-cooler.16255/
I've read that in lieu of a "flush" that Ford recommends just replacing the cooler anyway, so might as well do it all at once. Also if possible upgrade the dipstick to PA or B&M, as the stock miniature dipstick is a hand cooker to check at operating temp

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I have that exact part on order. Don't forget to get a hose cutter tool if you don't have them already. Is there an exact measurement of how much more fluid can be added once the change is made? I have an extra quart on hand.

badm0t0rfinger said:

I have that exact part on order. Don't forget to get a hose cutter tool if you don't have them already. Is there an exact measurement of how much more fluid can be added once the change is made? I have an extra quart on hand.

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That should do it, @Gary E said in another thread it's about 3/4 quart.

If the factory fluid turns brown right away, what’s the better option for fluid?

Jonny V said:

If the factory fluid turns brown right away, what’s the better option for fluid?

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What do you mean turns brown right away? No transmission fluid should turn brown right away. I change mine every 30,000 miles and my old fluid still looks red when I change it: it is not cherry red like new fluid, but it is still red. Transmission fluid has a ton of additives and should last for at least 25,000 miles. It all depends on how the truck is used: towing, off-roading, supercharger.

When it comes to transmission fluid, I use the Amsoil ATF: https://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-prod...c-automatic-transmission-fluid/?code=ATLPK-EA

All fluids break down. Amsoil has better chemical properties that allow it to last longer than Ford's fluid. But that's not to knock Ford's fluid because it is sufficient to preserve your transmission if you regularly change it. The key is to change your transmission fluid and filter regularly regardless of what brand of fluid you use. The solenoids are really the only weak point on the Gen 1 transmissions—if you have a SC, then there are other things you should be concerned with (torque converter, clutch plates). If you keep the solenoids clean by keeping clean oil in your transmission, then you shouldn't have a problem with the transmission.

Yeah the dealer was adamant that changing trans fluid was a useless waste of time. I finally insisted at 60,000...now I’m at 74,000.

Going to be doing this SOON

SVTFordRaptor said:

What do you mean turns brown right away? No transmission fluid should turn brown right away. I change mine every 30,000 miles and my old fluid still looks red when I change it: it is not cherry red like new fluid, but it is still red. Transmission fluid has a ton of additives and should last for at least 25,000 miles. It all depends on how the truck is used: towing, off-roading, supercharger.

When it comes to transmission fluid, I use the Amsoil ATF: https://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-prod...c-automatic-transmission-fluid/?code=ATLPK-EA

All fluids break down. Amsoil has better chemical properties that allow it to last longer than Ford's fluid. But that's not to knock Ford's fluid because it is sufficient to preserve your transmission if you regularly change it. The key is to change your transmission fluid and filter regularly regardless of what brand of fluid you use. The solenoids are really the only weak point on the Gen 1 transmissions—if you have a SC, then there are other things you should be concerned with (torque converter, clutch plates). If you keep the solenoids clean by keeping clean oil in your transmission, then you shouldn't have a problem with the transmission.

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Well said. And changing the filter is important. Those 5 solenoids in there benefit from clean oil.