In the owners manual for my 01 SuperCrew it states to change the transmission fluid at 30k, which my truck is at now. No mention of changing the transmission filter, which it seems is common practice.

Since I hate doing my own service, my question is:

should I let my oil change place do it where they use machine to pump out then replace the fluid, which means they don't open it up
<or>
take it to a shop that will drain it the old fashioned way and replace the filter at the same time?

Thanks and sorry for my display of ignorance on this subject.

 

No igmorance at all. A commone question and split opinions.

My opinion, is at the first service, replace the filter and do the drain thing. Although the pump method will get more, you need to get that filter changed and claen out the bottom of the pan.

After that, I would think the pump method would be more than fine.

FYI, I'm running Amsoil ATF now and I installed a 4x4 pan with a drain plug so I'll be draining everything and doing mine the old fashioned way!

 

I would say the same. You need to drop the pan, at least on the first service. Need to replace the filter, clean the pan and the magnet. You can also drain the torque converter via the rubber plug under there. Just rotate converter till you find the plug through the access. I got 13 quarts out of mine, which is pretty much a complete change of fluid.

I have the 4R70W, things may vary depending on your tranny.

Good luck,

Toby

 

One other thing. Basic ATF is relativly cheap. When I serviced mine I also installed a Transgo so in trying to adjust the kit, I dropped the pan 3 times in 3 days.

The benefit to doing the same thing even if you are just servicing it? When you drain it, you'll still leave at least 1-1.5 quarts in the tranny that you can't get out. (clutch packs etc.) By driving it a couple of days and draining and refilling it again, you'll at minimum, greatly dilute the little bit of ATF left in the tranny so draining it again we leave it as close as you can get to a flushed tranny. I think there's an evenb better benefit in that you may flush it out better and may get even more "dirty" ATF out.

I went back with Amsoil so I felt good that I ran 24 quarts of new ATF through it before I closed her up for good with the Amsoil.

It's probably overkill, but to me it was a cheap way to ensure I had the tranny cleaned out fairly well.

 

I think the filter should be changed at the firt 30K at least. Then you could probably get by with just the fluid. When I did mine I took a look inside the filter hole. To me it looked pretty grey, like the thick coating of stuff on the magnet. Besides, it really isn't that bad of a job and some shops will dispose of the old fluid for you. Matter of fact, considering the mess I usually make changing the motor oil (bad filter location), I'd say the tranny fluid change is easier.

Do it yourself and put in a drain plug or have your favorite mechanic do it and still put in the plug.

 

Thanks all for the replies, I'll be taking it down to the mechanic for the fluid AND filter change.