Quote:
Originally Posted by ucfperspicere
Probably a combination of cheaper to produce and encourages owners to bring it to Ford for service (make more money). They are a business, after all. 
Yes, but make sure your truck is in neutral first. 
I don't remember whether the original got cross-threaded or what, but I had to get a new one last time I did mine. Had to use a roommate's car to drive to the dealership. Probably good to have one handy, then you can return it if you don't use it. BTW, any standard $0.50 1/4" drain plug will "work," but the center of gravity may be a little different for plugs with a hex head.  Not sure if that tiny bit will make a difference for TC longevity, but with how infrequently this needs to be done a new factory plug is affordable.  |
The dealer doesn't want you servicing your transmissions. In the later years they even took the filler pipe away. Around 01 the TC drain plug vanished too. Some vehicles did have a drain plug in the pan, it could be stock.
Having the transmission in neutral makes no difference in turning the converter over.
Alan