.....maybe it's a conspiracy?

 

I think the only time you really, truely need to change the filter is if the transmission tears itself up and fills the filter with metal shavings. I changed my filter for the 1st time at around 70,000 miles and it doesn't look any different than a filter with just a few thousand miles of use.

My current routine for changing the transmission fluid is simply opening the drain plug on the pan and draining the torque converter. This removes around 13 qts.

As for changing the fluid: I think that the link to, Peter Ferlow's site is pretty good. Anyone with a 4R70W transmission should also be aware that the 1997 model year trucks with this transmisison came filled with regular Mercon fluid, but you can and should use Mercon V if you do a complete fluid change , just like the 1998-on 4R70W. It's also worth noting that at some point (maybe 2001) Ford stopped installing a drain plug on many of the 4R70W torque converters; some received a drain plug and some did not. I think in that case, disconnecting the fluid return line (bottom) at the radiator and using the pump to drain the torque converter is your best option.

The transmission itself hold 5qts. The rest of the fluid is in the torque coverter, lines, radiator and cooler.

Changing the transmission fluid is also the messiest of all maintenance jobs I've performed.

• Have a very large bucket for all of the fluid and also lay down a plastic sheet beneath the transmission pan before you remove it.
  
• Be aware that there is plenty of fluid in and behind the filter and when you pull the filter off, it can create a big mess if you're not careful.
  
• Make sure that the orange gasket on the neck of the filter comes out as well.
  
• The fluid does stain concrete.
  
• Install a drain plug in pan. The next fluid change will be very simply and clean. B&M drain plug kit.

 

Mark, you are right. The service manual doesn't say to replace the filter, just the fluid.

Only if there is a catastrophic internal failure does Ford say to replace it.

There's just something that goes against my thought process about replacing the fluid and not replacing the filter it runs through.

I guess I'm funny that way. Oh well, it certainly isn't my only fault...

 

I think it's kinda like synthetic motor oil. You don't have to use it and for most people it probably doesn't make any difference. But if it makes you feel good , then do it. In the end, it ain't that much money. I think I paid $28 for the filter. I plan on changing it every 2 years. thats about $200 over the life of the truck. Besides, after seeing all the crud that was coating the pan I get all wiggley thinking about that stuff getting caught in the filter.