fluid change question

[biggrey]

My '02 F-150 is past due for a fluid change so I'm gonna do it next weekend. I've got a TC drain bolt (must be an early '02) so I'm thinking about just draining the TC, dropping the pan, and refilling the whole thing. I've seen the instructions at http://www.ford-trucks.com/article/i...nsmission.html. Is it really necessary to disconnect the line to the radiator and run the fluid out with the motor running? How much old fluid an I going to leave behind by skipping this step? It seems like a PITA, and I'd imagine there's a risk of damage if you run the tranny dry. How do Ford dealers do this? I can't imagine they run the motor to drain the fluid. Oh, and one last question. What are the torque specs on the TC drain bolt and the pan bolts? Thanks!

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[BLUE20004X4]

I never have done it, and besides, they have all that fancy stuff. You aren't leaving half a quart behind by not, so no biggy. This stuff is pretty forgiving in that most people forget to change it and still go many miles. I would drain the pan, TC and replace the filter and be done. I also upgraded to a TCI pan because my attempt to install a plug in the original pan failed, long story, and it looks cool, has extra capacity, and a plug, and fins and is stronger. I did use the original gasket, as it's reuseable, yours should be too! Good luck and that's all you need, of course others will add to this or just disagree. C Ya.

[biggrey]

Ok, I found enough old information on just draining the pan and TC that I think that would work fine. Sounds like I'll get about 12 1/2 quarts out that way and that's good enough for me.

I can't find torque specs for the pan bolt and TC drain bolt anywhere. Can someone please post these?

[Justin B]

Originally Posted by biggrey

Ok, I found enough old information on just draining the pan and TC that I think that would work fine. Sounds like I'll get about 12 1/2 quarts out that way and that's good enough for me.

I can't find torque specs for the pan bolt and TC drain bolt anywhere. Can someone please post these?

Biggrey,
Assuming you have the 4R70W trans, according to the 2001 F-150 “Ford Workshop Manual,” (it’s a huge, 2-volume manual, Ford Mo. Co. branded), the torque specs are as follows:

Pan bolts: 12-15 Nm (9-12 lb/ft)
Torque converter drain plug: 10 Nm (89 lb-in).

Hope that helps,
-Justin

[biggrey]

Thanks Justin, that's exactly what I needed.