Hey folks I already purchased the filter for my 97F150xlt 4R70W AT.

My main question is with the original 20,458 miles on it should I just drop the pan, change filter clean magnet, and refill or should the torque converter be drained as well? The fluid according to 3 different opinions looks great. No burned smell or discoloration at all. My concern is just that it is 10 years old and my thinking is to "refresh" or bathe the tranny in fresh Mercon V fluid. Or just change the filter and refill to whatever 5 or so quarts was changed from simply dropping the pan.

And I am correct in choosing the Mercon V correct? I imagine the fluid in there now is just Mercon.

Thank you guys!

 

I would do the converter as well - since you have a drain plug.

Mercon V or better yet Amsoil if you plan on towing at all , Amsoil will knock the temps down quite a bit I found..

Even though Ford updated the seals in 98 - synthetics can be used for the earlier transmissions ..

 

You can get almost all of it out by draining the TQ as well as dropping the pan. You might as well do it all while you are there making a mess.

 

Which fluid is cheaper? What type of Amsoil?? I found Mercon V at Napa.....

Thanks!

 

a 97 with only 20k on it???.where did you find that deal?? did you buy it new??

 

My grandfathers truck

 

Merc V - way cheaper

 

Good cuz that what I planned on buying! jbrew, does the transfer case (im assuming its the really big oval type case after the trans), fill up from the tranny as well or does that take its own fluid and should I be worried about that?

Thanks!

Also, how do you go about draining the 4x4 front diff?

 

The transfer case takes it's own fluid. 2 quarts of mercon/merconV should do it. Might want to buy 3 incase your like me and like to spill all over.

There is a drain on the bottom of the front diff to drain. You can't miss it. 2 jugs of 80/90 should be enough. 75-90 will work too if you want synthetic.

 

Thanks Rock Krusher! Does the tranfer drain similar to the front diff. and does the front diff require that limited slip additive like the rear diff required?

THANKS GUYS!

 

Yup the transfer case drains similar to the front diff. There are 2 plugs on the case that have big square holes in them. Just take a 1/2" ratchet with no socket on it and it will fit perfectly in the holes to remove the plugs. You may want to use a short extension. Once you look at it you will see what I mean.

No the front does not need the LS modifier. Unless of course you had a limited slip put in the front of it. If it's stock then no you don't need it.

 

Great news thank you so much, I do appreaciate it.

 

Ya just use mervonV for the transfer case and i would put a good synthetic in the front dif.I know i had to use 4x4 alot when i lived there

Oh and don't throw away your tranny gasket.The original is reusable and much better than the ones in the kits IMO.

Do you do any deer hunting up there?

 

Hey Kevin, alright I'll keep the gasket that came with the Hastings AT filter tho, just in case....

Yeah, my dad and I hunt alot up here, and yes 4x4 is really a necessity up here, as you already know!

This truck has only been in 4x4 a few times but I figured I'd change all the fluids.

 

You are definitely on the right track with draining the pan and TC. Regardless of how the fluid looks, it is old. You are smart to change it out. I'm glad I read this thread. It's already time to order more Amsoil ATF.

I read on some 4x4 forum that it is a good rule of thumb to drive 10 miles per month in 4 wheel drive. I don't know if it is true or not but what the heck. I have a gravel road nearby that is 2 miles long and is a straight track. I do it to the end and back about twice a month since it is just out of my neighborhood.

You bowhunt? Rifle? Crossbow? Muzzleloader? It's all fun to me.