I have 2 buddies that changed transmission fluid and had a flush performed only to have transmission crap out months later. I am aware that all good truck owners are supposed to do this but I am leary of letting my local oil change guys do this for fear of a dead truck. Advise?

 

Ive never done a flush but have changed the fluid in the pan and never a problem.

 

^ +1.

 

Depends on the mileage. Ford transmission like to be changed every 30k. If you havent had one done and the truck has over 100k dont do it..

 

I changed mine on my truck when i bought it it had 103k on it then and the pan had never been off so it was original fluid. I changed it again 10k miles later and again 10k miles after then this year I changed to Amsoil and I'm going to leave that in there for the next 5 years or so. So I've Changed it 4 times in the last 5 years. guys who get 200+ thousand miles out of there Transmissions maintain them. People who never replace the fluid have them fail.

 

If you have a torque converter drain plug, drain it and drop the pan, replace the filter. If you don't have a plug (they were removed somewhere around the 2001/2002 time frame) you can take it to a shop for a fluid EXCHANGE (NOT a flush).

 

Also I think glc was kinda trying to say this but a trans flush is what can be bad but a fluid exchange not so much.