Hey everyone. I’m getting ready to do a trans fluid change on my ’01 Lariat S-cab. The trans is a 4R70W. My first fluid change was performed by the dealer to avoid any future warranty disputes, but that’s moot now so I’ll be doing this change myself. I’ve done some searches and gathered a bunch of useful info from this site (as always), but I wanted to see what you all think about this issue.

I’m assuming the trans has a torque converter drain plug since the truck was built in late Nov. 2000.

I have a 2001 F-150 “Ford Workshop Manual.” It’s a huge, 2-volume manual, Ford Mo. Co. branded. Anyway, in the manual, under the fluid change procedures, there are the requisite instructions for draining the torque converter through the torque converter drain plug. This should be no problem, but the manual states that “A new torque converter drain plug must be used” on re-assembly.

Should I bother getting a new torque converter drain plug? I can’t imagine what would be reason for this, and I assume I’ll have to head to the dealer for the part. What do you all think?

If the trans doesn’t have the torque converter drain plug, I guess I’ll have to flush the TC using the cooler lines. Anyway, thanks in advance for any advice. Take care,
-Justin

 

those manuals will tell you to replace almost every bolt you take off, i have never replaced a converter drain bolt,
should be an 11mm, just don't overtorque it and strip out
converter

 

Ya, I figured it would be overkill to replace the plug, but thought maybe I was missing something. Will torque it to spec. Thanks for the reply.
-Justin

 

the reason it says to replace the plug,is because it has thread sealer already applied to the threads. reuse your plug and put a little thread sealer/pipe dope on it.

when you drain the TC, let it sit, it take forever to drain. when you drain the pan, reuse the factory gasket. its designed to be reused.