Hey Guy's,
I have a 1997 5.4L 4X4 with 90000 miles and the tranny fluid has never been changed. You hear stories about "Not changing the oil after a while because the new stuff with the cleaners in it may screw things up. Am I ok to get this service done? I'm not real worried about it, but wanna hear from you guy's with experience. I was also going to have that BG service where they blow out all the old stuff, and not just drop the pan. What do you think?

 

I think only you can answer the question, "Am I ok to get this done."

I've had other vehicles that had 90k, got the fluid changed, and didn't have any problems. You may want to factor in: Do I drive it hard? Do I "abuse" the vehicle? Is the trans. slipping now? Are there any problems with the trans. now? Does the fluid smell "really burnt"? Some friends of mine had 40K on their automatic trans. and got the fluid changed: the trans. slipped but was caused (IMO) by the way they treated their cars.

I bought my truck used, the trans had 35K on it. I bought the synthetic ATC, had the trans. shop drop the pan, change the filter, drain the tq. converter: shop charge was $68.00; synthetic ATF was $100 for the 14 quarts but will go 90,000 miles before needing the change again.

I hope this fills in the blanks for you.

 

I drive the truck real easy. I never put my foot in it. I'll do alot (maintenance) with cars or trucks, but I'm not familiar at all with transmission. I believe everything will be fine, but just wanted to throw the question out. Thanks

 

Make sure they service it with the fluid called for in the owners manual or on the dipstick (if it says). There is a difference in Mercon and Mercon V - get the right one!

By the way - you're not stationed at Pax River, are you?

 

There can be an issue with varnish buildup in the trans over time. Thing is, not everyone agrees that this is a problem because it only happens at higher miles and some claim it's time had come. It cold be a combination of both.

The problem is the new fluid has fresh cleaners that tend to break the old varnish buildup off in larger chunks that cause problems.

There are two things you can do to play it save. One, you can change the fluid and drive it a 1000 miles, and then change it again. Two you can disolve the varnish slowly with a good product of esters like Trans RX for 2000 miles then have the fluid changed.

 

I would not get a flush. Other than that you should be ok. Some say get the flush but I talked to serveral guys in the know on transmissions and they basically told me as long as you drain and replace fluid and filter at scheduled intervals you will be fine.

 

Thanks for the replies guys.

cliles55,
I use to be at Pax River, but got out in 1994. I take it you use to be there?

 

Yeah, Force Warfare 87-90 and have a son for a souvenier.

Fair winds; following seas, my friend.

Curt

 

I got there in January 1990 & got out in Sept 1994. I worked in the Control Tower. AC1