So I keep running across stuff on here that says the 2004+ trucks have a "lifetime" transmission fluid or something. But just last week I went in to the dealership with 47,000 miles on my truck and asked what services I need/recommend to have done. I was told one of these was the transmission flushed. So I had it done. I do a little offroading in the sand dunes in the summer, and short city trips every day.

So anyways, should I be going back into this dealer and asking why they had me pay for a service that I don't even need until 150,000 miles. This dealership service guy is also saying I should get my T-case and rear differential done. I don't totally disagree because I do some high temp offroading, but I want to make sure they are not jacking me around anymore than they may already have.

Thanks for the help/info guys

 

I believe service schedule calls for 150,000 ATF change under "normal" conditions, and 30,000 for "severe" driving conditions. So it depends on your particular situation.

If you...
.....tow or haul anything heavy
.....do alot of traffic driving
.....drive in hot climates
.....etc

.....then I'd have it done every 30,000 miles.

 

I think originally it was called lifetime fluid then it changed. Dealers up here are saying every 50,000km which is just over 30,000M. I started towing last year and so I finally realized I should replace and had it flushed with Royal Purple ATF. I had @ 200,000K/125,000M at that point. I bought a 20 quart jug, so they could then also chg the transfer case.

I'm going to buy another one in spring and do it again before camping/towng starts and this time change the trans filter too.

Another good option is Amsoil ATF.

 

I would personally have it done every 30-40k miles regardless of driving conditions. It doesn't hurt to play it safe. I've heard too many horror stories of changing flushing a transmission with high miles.....could be a myth but I'm not wanting to find out first hand.

As far as the transfer case goes, I probably won't change that for a long time if ever. I don't use the 4wd much and I have never changed fluid in a transfer case in any truck that I've owned. Never had a problem yet but that could just be luck

 

I am planning on having mine done at 50K.

 

I have a blower. It's getting done every 30K for sure!

It's a perfect time to inspect for damage as the fluid tells all.

 

Isn't the transfer case always used?

 

wait wait some one correct me but dont the transfer cases use the tranny's fluid as in share it? i have a 97 4x4 maybe mine is diff.

if they do use seperate how do i change the tcase is it a drain plug.

wow i feel dumb asking these questions but i never heard the tcase and tranny used seperate fluids

 

It's two seperate units, so yes, different fluids.

Not sure about tcase on these, but on any tcase I've had it was just a simple drain plug/fill plug.

 

It does. I'm not sure exactly how the ones work in this truck but my old truck it would pretty much free spool when not locked in. So there are some parts still turning. At the same time a transfer case is not as complicated as a transmission and shouldn't degrade the fluid as quick but it should be changed as some kind of interval. Sooner or later I'll probably change the fluid just to see what kinda shape it is in. I'm at 33k miles so I'm in no big rush to do it but the transmission and spark plugs are high on the priority list though.

 

Ford sent this to me.I hope it helps.