Truck is nearing 100k. 94 to be exact, and I want to get the fluid changed in the trans. I got the truck not to long ago, and not sure if previous owner ever changed fluid. Truck is a 2002, with 5.4.
With that said, what is the recommended way. I've heard that once you run the trans that far without a fluid change, that if you get a flush it can really mess some stuff up. But with the service, they dont get all the fluid out, and I think Im starting to have tc problems, and want to make sure the old crap is out.

I was planning on doing the service myself if I had a tc drain plug, but while truck was at dealer, I asked them to check, and they said no drain plug on my 02. So thats why I'm confused on what to do now. Any suggestions.

 

Drop the pan and replace the filter. Then install a Mag-Hytec pan with a drain plug. Now flush the system and replace all of your old fluid with new fluid. Think about using a high grade synthetic. In my cars, I've used Royal Purple, Lucas Oil, and Red Line. I've heard that Mobil 1 & Amsoil are also very good.

 

Go ahead and change the fluid. I am not a big fan of flushes, but there are apparently machines that do a good job. The filter does need to be changed and the pan cleaned as well.

Darrin

 

I did the 30K mile trans fluid change on my 2001 5.4L truck. It had a converter drain plug, I don't think yours does as Ford stopped puting them in. I would suggest installing a converter drain plug, have to drill & tap it in the converter. This is the best way to end up with clean tranny fluid. About half of the 12 quarts of merconV is in the converter.

Before I dropped the pan I syphoned about a gallon of tranny fluid by sticking in a 1/4" poly tubing in the tranny dipstick, started the syphon and let it drain overnight. This leaves 2 or 3 quarts in the pan and makes it easier when dropping the pan so you don't spill it. Clean the magnet in the pan & change filter.

Some of the 04 and newer trucks have been having tranny failures after the flush. I prefer installing a converter drain plug, drop the pan, clean pan & magnet & new filter. Now the fluid is clean!!! This is the way its been done for many years.

Traded my 2001 for a 2008 this summer

 

I totally agree on dropping the pan and washing whatever crud and small metal particles are in there first thing, and change the filter while there. Personally, I'd be a little leary of trying to install a drain plug in the torque converter. It could throw the torque converter out of balance and the wall may not be thick enough to tap decent threads into. That's just my opinion, I quess if enough people have sucessfully installed a TC drain plug take advice from them. I don't really like the flush idea either, without a TC drain plug I just drop the pan and change roughly 40% of the fluid more often. Not a great solution, but the way I do things.

 

With the Mag-Hytec pan, you simply open the drain plug. You could do that once a year if you wanted.

 

I'd recommend you go get the fluid exchanged with a machine such as a T-Tech. This is not a pressure flush, it uses the tranny pump to move the fluid.

 

Where would I find someone who has a t-tech machine? Dealers usually carry those?
Even if I got a mag hytec, wouldn't I still only be draining the fluid in the pan, while the fluid stays in the tc.

 

Dealers, tranny shops, quick oil change joints.

 

You can drain the Mag Hytec with greater frequency; which keeps the fluid in your tranny fairly fresh. The other advantage is that it is deeper, holds more fluid, and has cooling fins.

 

Ok, called around, and can't find a place that says they have a fluid exchange machine, they have the ones that flush, but not something similar to a T-Tech. But I called the local sears auto, they didn't know what type they had. All they said is the machine is made by or called Shift Right, and the car has to be running when they use it.
Now if I remember correctly, for a flush, the vehicle doesn't have to be running. So is their maching an exchange machine?

 

If it's running, it's an exchange machine. The tranny pump is moving the fluid.

 

Awesome, thanks for the help.
I looked up those mag hytec pans. They look nice, but... It was 300 plus dollars for the trans, and I think around 300 for the diffs each. I think I'll spend the money on a tuner instead. Trans already has 94k, Don't think it will last long enough to justify the pan. I can get 4 or 5 exchanges for less than the cost of the pan.

 

Go ahead and get the fluid flushed. Bg products has great products to use when doing this and you alao get FREE coverage of up to $2500 for trans repairs if it is done at rregular intervals of 30k. These flusher machines work excellent and eliminate alot of converter shudders and other issues. Go to bgprod.com and find a local dealer.Your local Ford dealer would be the best bet. Go to the guys that know your truck. Jim

 

I do not recommend flush chemicals in a transmission, just a straight fluid exchange.