Hey all-
I have a 99 f150 4x4 5.4l. Not really sure what tranny I have. Any way I have hit 56,000mi. and want to get the tranny serviced. Can I do a fluid exchange (dump pan and converter) or take it to a shop and get it flushed?? I have some worries about the flush. I have herd that that can loosen up gunk and the tranny can start to go. Any truth to this?? Also I am going to go with Royal Purple. Since I also have a travel trailer that is around 7,400lbs.
But the Synthetic would probably loosen up stuff also?? so would I need to do another fluid exchange to get rid of the gunk. What would you all recomend? I can do the exchange my self But would need to take it in to do the flush. don't want to spent the extra money if it really isn't needed. But will if the truck will be better off....

 

Your 99 F150 comes with a torque converter drain plug making it possible to do a complete DIY transmission fluid swap. You'll need 12-14 quarts of fluid and a new filter, the gasket on the pan is reusable. Opinions on whether or not to flush an older transmission vary, let's just say if you're able to drop the pan and drain the torque converter yourself you'll have no worries about any stirred up debris and save a load of money. If you're towing 7400lbs I would recommend using a synthetic Mercon V fluid, Royal Purple should work fine.

 

just change it yourself, w/ TC drain you can get out 12 of 13 qts...

 

Just change it yourself, Buy a filter, the seal is reusable.. pull and clean the magnent on the bottom of the pan, then wipe out all the grime on the bottom of the pan. reinstall the pan bolts loosely, i would invest in a inch-pound torgue wrench and alternate half torque in a star like pattern then to full torque per maintenance manual... I don't have the manual with me but if you need the torque speck i can look it up for you. I have changed my transmission fluid around 5 times, its simple.. I only use Mercron V, dont let anyone tell you that you can use regular fluid with an additative.

 

Should I drain down the torque converter??? so I dont need a flush just a fluid change??

 

I never have and i have almost 193,000 miles on my tranny. just buy a new filter for it dont use the pan gaket that comes in the kit reuse the original one as long as it is serviceable... if i remember right the pan bolts are torqued to 40 in-lbs.

 

It's important to drain the torque converter. Half of the trans fluid is in there. Why only change half of the fluid? That doesn't make any sense.

 

Makes sence to drain it, I however just never have, coming up on 193,000 miles now... I coming due for another filter/fluid change, will check out my manual to see if it covers draining the torque converter... knowing my luck as soon as i do ill get another 1000 miles and have to get a tranny overhaul haha

 

At 193k, your tranny doesn't owe you a cent - and it's possible that it could go at any time regardless of maintenance quality.