Never done a tranny change before. New truck ('10) has 38k on it. Should I flush it or do a complete drain and refill with new fluid? Just a daily driver and pulls a little 18' bass tracker throughout the summer 25 miles round trip. If New fluid what's the best choice?
Thanks

 

Here's what I have done on every vehicle (auto trans) that I have owned for 30 years....

At 20k miles, I change the filter (due to possible residual/initial wear particulates that may be floating inside) and disconnect the trans cooler line at the radiator, fill the pan with fresh fluid, my wife starts the engine and when 2-3 quarts drain into a bucket, she shuts it off, I refill the pan and repeat until the fluid is clear and in case of the f150, 14 quarts of fresh fluid is in.

I change only the fluid after that (unless I determine substances/contamination in the oil). The intervals vary depending on the type of trans, type of fluid and conditions, but in general, every 30k miles. Heat is a killer on automatic trans fluid and when we lived in the desert area, I changed the trans fluid at the end of summer every year.

In regards to filters, oem is fine, but I typically use Wix.

In regards to trans oil, both in sticks and autos I have always used Valvoline.

I have also never had a trans failure in any vehicle I own and typically keep my vehicles for 10+ years, with over 100k on the odometer.

 

Only use Mercon LV. It looks like Motorcraft is the only brand of Mercon LV.

 

You need to use an exchange machine on the 6 speed - it doesn't have a dipstick tube. Have the dealer do it.

 

Exchange machine for a flush or drain and refill?

 

Neither - an "exchange". Removal of all fluid and replacement of same.