Is it true that the transmission on the 5.4 3V engines never needs to have the fluid replaced?

If so, how can this be?

 

Most transmissions have a breather tube or some other means of letting the tranny breathe. But when exposed to outside elements it tends to get "dirty" So being sealed means no outside elements can enter, but of corse you can still take off the pan and filter.

 

Ok then why does it have a dipstick?? To check and add fluid (when changed) I would guess.

 

so could I take the breather hole right off the transmission pan and not wreck the transmission?

 

I never heard that. Original service info for the transmission was at 100,000 miles, now changed/updated to each 60,000 miles. If you ever look at the fluid and pan magnet the first fluid change, you'll be glad you did it.

The current model trucks supposedly have "sealed" transmissions that can't be serviced. At least not the traditional pan drop way.

 

All I can say is it never hurts to be overly cautious when it comes to your transmission. I have an '05 FX4 S.Crew w/ the 5.4L V8. It had a lifter/rod ticking when I bought it, but ran fantastic! Over the years we added a programmer & a cold air intake. Recently, dropped a brand new 5.4L V8 in her & WOW of course there is always a flip side... The dreaded domino effect! All those years of hard shift really put a strain on the transmission. On Father's Day, while pulling our 4 wheeler, truck suddenly went into "limp home" mode! For the last month, the ol girl has had every system tested & every possible cause investigated. I'm sad to say as of today, I am on line looking for transmissions. I would really appreciate any leads on salvage yards, after market suppliers, or just plain ol moral support that ya'll can provide. Thanks!

 

Where do you get a brand new 5.4 and how much?

 

You can't get a "new" one, just remans.

 

No, the motor is new.... You can get crate versions thru Jasper. Granted, it's not a new from the Ford factory, but it is a new motor just built by another mfg. & a lot of the bugs worked out. We're now in day 2 of the tranny rebuild & waiting not so patiently, keeping fingers crossed that they don't find any more issues.

 

By definition, a Jasper "crate motor" is a remanufactured engine.