If you only want to do a partial change, all you need is standard hand tools to drop the pan and a big drip pan to catch the spillage. To do a complete replacement can be a bit trickier because 03's do not have torque converter drain plugs, it involves disconnecting a cooler line between the tranny and radiator. The easiest way to do it is go to a tranny shop that has a machine and pay the $100 or so to have them do it. That way, you also don't have the hassles of proper disposal of the old fluid.
A pan drop gets rid of about 5 quarts of the fluid, a complete replacement is somewhere around 13 quarts. Considering what fluid costs, the complete service price at most places really isn't too bad.
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2003 F150XL 4.2 short cab/bed 4x2 5 speed manual 3.55 LS
Thanks glc. Taking it to the shop is what I'll do, I'm fairly handy whith tools but I do know my limits. I want it done right, I like this truck and want it run good and last as long as possible. I hope the shifting trouble I'm having due to towwing in OD is'nt terminal. It seems to afected the OD operation only,oh and the delay when shifting from park to any gear. Any thoughts, thanks again.
It may be too late, but a complete fluid replacement "might" improve things. It beats the cost of a rebuild, which you may wind up doing anyway. I'd probably find a shop with a machine that will also do a pan drop to see what's in the bottom of the pan and change the filter. That's going to be more than $100 when you get done.
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2003 F150XL 4.2 short cab/bed 4x2 5 speed manual 3.55 LS
If it were me I'd just do the pan drop in the driveway and see what in there. If there is lots of crap I would just drive the thing tell I couldnt stand it anymore and take it in for an overhaul. if it look not to bad and it works better after the filter pan oil change I'd have an oil in and out joint suck it dry and refil it.
Thanks guys but the problem whent from bad to really bad fast. Just this morn'n,going to work I backed out my drive and when I went from reverce to drive it slipped a lot and then snapped into gear,not good. I think it may be beond a flush and fill.The fluid looks and smells fine and at the proper level. I took it to a pro, I'm just not that sure about tranys, anything eles maybe. I'll let you all know what they find.
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