Changing tranny fluid

[DaMoose81]

Im getting ready to change out my tranny fluid. Is there a write up on this or do you just drop the pan, put it back on and fill back up? Should I change the filter as well? Is there a seal on the pan that im going to need to change? RTV? Does it need to be flushed? If so, can i do that myself? Im using the Royal Purple ATF fluid when i fill her back up. Thanks!

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[DaMoose81]

oh yeah, heres the info on my truck, dont know why it only pops up on replys

and the truck has 30k on it

[DaMoose81]

nobody knows how to change the tranny fluid?

[AlsF150]

Originally Posted by DaMoose81

nobody knows how to change the tranny fluid?

Hey DaMoose,

I just did mine, but it's a 2000 F150 4x4 with a 4R70W trans. It wasn't that big a deal really.

Here's the rundown:

1. Run the truck to normal operating temperature.
2. I used ramps to give me some room, so I positioned the truck on the ramps.
3. I removed all the bolts except for the 4 corners.
4. Then I removed the 2 front bolts.
5. Made sure the drain pan was correctly positioned.
6. Then I loosened the 2 rear ones until fluid began running from the front.
When it slows, I loosen a bit more until more drains. Eventually I end up
with one corner, but I supported the pan, while loosening the last bolt until
it's removed. By that time the pan is light and I dump the rest.
7. For my model year, the gasket is reusable. I verified it was still good.
Napa sold just the filter so I replaced it. When removing the filter, in the
hole, the seal from the filter remained. You must remove it in because the
new filter will have a new one. I lubed the new seal and positioned the
filter.
8. I cleaned the pan and magnet, tossing the little plug that was knocked
into the pan as assembly. Then re-installed the pan, finger tightening the
bolts, and finally tightening in a cross pattern and torquing to specs.
9. On the 4R70W, there is a rubber plug at the bottom of the bell housing. I
removed this plug and then placing the correct sized socket on the crank
at the lower pulley, I rotated the engine until the drain plug for the torque
converter was in view. I removed the plug and drained the TC and then
replaced the plug.
10. I filled the transmission with fresh Mercon V Trans fluid.

I will say this procedure is in line with my service manual except that it does not get all the fluid in the cooler or lines. I didn't bother flushing them. I carefully added fluid until the proper level was achieved.

The truck shifts better than ever. Even though I was late on the interval, (78K) the fluid was clear, and did not smell burned. I never towed anything but my 4x8 utility trailer and do not daily drive it so I figured the service wouldn't kill it. If you have a burned smell or debris other than normal metal on the magnet, a service could be detrimental, so check with a transmission expert before commencing..

Some say they don't believe doing this maintenance saves them anything or wastes their time. I don't mind doing mine, as I get satisfaction knowing I did it right..

Good luck.

[AlsF150]

If yours has a reusable gasket, do not use RTV. In fact, do not use any sealer or at least I wouldn't. The OEM gasket is very good and unless you bent it or something, you shouldn't need any sealer.

[DaMoose81]

is it the same as an 04 and up? how do you get the fluid out of the cooler lines to do a complete fluid change, cause im putting royal purple in it. Train horns and PA speakers get 8 pages of feedback and i get one guy, weird!

[AlsF150]

Do you have an air compressor? Take a look at the transmission lines, disconnect both, blast it with air. Should clear it out.

Otherwise, disconnect the return line, start and let idle until fluid ceases to come out. Should be good to go..

[adrianspeeder]

You could blow out the lines with an air compressor, but from my research the royal purple ain't that much different so I wouldn't worry.

Also your torque converter does not have a drain so there will still be six or so quarts left over anyway.

The only absolute way to remove all the fluid is to disconnect the cooler line from the front of the trans and at idle pump out all the fluid, but again, that's overkill.

Adrianspeeder

[BlueOvalFitter]

Originally Posted by DaMoose81

is it the same as an 04 and up? how do you get the fluid out of the cooler lines to do a complete fluid change, cause im putting royal purple in it. Train horns and PA speakers get 8 pages of feedback and i get one guy, weird!

You being kind of rough on the members here,huh? Why don't you use the "search" button to find more information.Just enter "fluid change" and I bet you get many pages of post'!

[BlueOvalFitter]

Here is a write up on the 4R70W transmission,which is similar to your transmission;in fact they both use the same pan and filter.Just follow the instructions for the pan drop because yours does not have a converter plug!

http://members.shaw.ca/pferlow/transmission_oil.htm

[BlueOvalFitter]

You might want to add a drain plug for future fluid changes.I did this one myself but you can go to any parts store and buy a B&M drain plug kit for about $7.00!
Pics of my welded drain plug

[AlsF150]

Thanks BlueOvalFitter. Appreciate the info.

[DaMoose81]

I wasnt trying to be harsh, just trying to understand, i do my best to help out when i can, i try not to just ignore posts when theres an answer that i can provide. Isnt that the idea of a forum?

Thanks for the info guys

[AlsF150]

So how'd it go?

[DaMoose81]

i havent done it yet, ford is changing out the leaf springs in my truck so ill do it as soon as i get it back