I have a 1995 F150 5.0L Auto 2WD with 180,000 miles. I am going to attempt to change my transmission fluid this weekend. I am experiencing the torque converter chatter and I am hopeful that a fluid change will help. But I have some questions. I have a 14 bolt pan and a transmission code "U".

1. Is it a bad idea to try and siphon some fluid out through the dipstick before dropping the pan?

2. If I decide to drain the torque converter, how hard is it to get the drain plug to line up? I read some messages about turning the crank by hand. What is the best way to do this?

3. How much fluid should I expect to replace?

Thanks for the help.

S.

 

The code means you have the 4R70w transmission. 4 speed, RWD, 700lbs of torque.


Sucking some fluid out the dipstick won't hurt anything, but you'll never get it all out and is not a substitute for properly draining the pan.

I'm not familiar with the 5L motor, but if any of the accessible pulleys have nuts on them, just crank one with a large wrench. If not you can use the starter, just be very certain you "flick" the key just long enough for the starter to engage, but not start the motor. This is chance that the plug will line up and you can't "flick" the key too many times, eventually the motor will start in that time.

Slushboxes take a lot of fluid, there's lots of places through all it's clutches and crap for fluid to hide. You particular trans holds about 14 quarts, but you'll need a little more than that for purging and final top-off. Buy 15 to be safe.

See here for a good walkthru.

 

Easiest way is to have a helper watch for the plug as you simply rotate the engine with a wrench on the crank pully.

Adrianspeeder

 

Before you start, buy a drain plug kit. It's cheap, easy, and really reduces the mess next time.



And be sure to use the correct fluid - MercV, according to the latest TSB. To read it, find it in this thread (p.2, IIRC).