Ignorance is bliss. Or it is 'til something fails. Reading previous threads, I thought I ought to check and make sure I had the tranny where no fluid change was required, as I didn't know there were two types in F150's. 'turns out of course I do NOT have the E4OD4R100, I have the 4R70. While I've changed the oil religiously every 3000mi, here I'm lookin' at 86K and I've never done a thing to the transmission.

So, after banging my head on the desk a few times I guess I can be glad there's no _apparent_ damage from this utter lack of maitenance; the truck still shifts fine, no shudder or leaks, fluid level is OK and looks/smells normal as far as I can tell.

My question is what to do next. Will a simple fluid and filter change suffice? Can I expect to discover some as yet undetected damage?

Thanks for the forum ... learnin' lots.

 

I think the general opinion of this forum will be this...

1) Go ahead and drain the old fluid including the torque converter.
2) Remove the old filter.
2) Remove the magnet from the pan and clean it.
3) Add a drain plug to the pan if desired.
4) Install the new transmission filter.
5) Add new fluid.
6) Drive it for a few thousand miles.

New fluid has detergents that can cause the filter to clog as it cleans the transmission...

http://www.synthetic-lubricants.com/...%20Service.htm

7) Drop the pan and replace the filter again.
8) Add some more new fluid.

 

All trannys require fluid change!!

 

Thanks temp1. Judging by the lack of any other meaningful response, I'll assume you give the consensus.

Regarding:

All I know is my '98 Model Year F150/250 Service Guide states: "...E4OD transmissions have no normally scheduled fluid change requirements."

*shrug*

 

Keeping the transmission fluid cool extends the life of the transmission and transmission fluid.

http://www.tciauto.com/tech_info/tra...expectancy.htm

The quality of certain transmission fluids today can also extend the period of time before a fluid change is required.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by 98blu4by
[B]Thanks temp1. Judging by the lack of any other meaningful response, I'll assume you give the consensus.

I agree with temp1. Good idea.