Hey All,
'07 FX4 w/122k. I've been changing the tranny fluid every 30k like a good boy. A mechanic said to absolutely not have the dealer back flush the tranny w/the BG cleaner and transfuse the fluid. They don't change the filter, just replace the fluid and back flush the tranny. I think they get $200.
I have had that done twice though.
Now, I've been going to a local tranny shop and for $99 they drop the pan, change the filter and replace only about 5- qts of fluid.
It is NOT about the money but what will make the truck last as long as possible. I'd like to keep this truck indefinitely w/the original drivetrane.
I've been changing diffs and xfercase every 50k w/synthetic and just started to use Amsoil at 100k for everything but the tranny.
Any thoughts?

 

Yes. Take it to a shop that has an exchange machine. This looks like a flush machine, but it's passive. It hooks up to the cooler lines and is operated by the vehicle transmission pump with the engine running. Amsoil would be an excellent choice for fluid.

 

I wouldn't use any cleaners in my transmission. And no, they did not backflush your transmission. It is impossible to backflush a transmission. They can flush a transmission, but backflush is impossible.

I agree with glc, above.

 

Thanks guys.
Do you think dropping the pan and changing the filter is un-necessary if the fluid is flushed?

 

Yes I do. The filter is lifetime. If there is enough junk in the filter that it needs to be replaced, the transmission has already failed.

 

OK Thanks,
So the truck has 123k and have been doing it every 30k but haven't had the dealer "flush" it since 60k. Would you wait until 150k then have the dealer do it? Again, they use a BG cleaner when they flush it.
Thanks

 

Do NOT use the BG cleaner.

 

If it's only been 3,000 miles since the last fluid change I'd wait for 150,000 miles. I would NEVER use a cleaner in my transmission. If you want to, that's your decision. Maybe you know more about the cleaner and transmissions than I do.

 

Just my 2cents, I just had my transmission rebuilt, my old transmission guy said Never flush or use cleaners in your tranny period.

 

I just serviced my trans and installed this drain pan made by Dorman. Now just drain and refill any time you want. FILTERS are NOT lifetime!!! They are paper filters, Not screens. If you don't want trany problems, change the filter every 30K. FLUSHING doesn't clean the magnet or filter. Just my nickel! (4R75W Trans) http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Auto-Trans-Oi...-/351351356358

 

You obviously don't know who Mark, the guy who said the filters are lifetime, is.

But I will tell you this, he is absolutely correct. Consider that the transmission is sealed and that this isn't an internal combustion device that generates it's own residue. Where is whatever is supposedly clogging up the filter coming from?

D

 

Take one out an cut it open and you will see the stuff in the fiber filter. Why do you think so many people are having problems with their trans. Because all they do is flush jobs and NEVER Clean the Magnet or filter. Clutch and metal particals had to go somewhere as the trans wears. The magnet can only do so much, and when its full, that goes thur the filter. Did you ever wipe off the trans dip stick and see black on the rug w/ clean fluid?? Thas what ends up clogging the filter. If I was a trans shop, I could not pay my bills just doing flush jobs, I need trany jobs. Some trans have brass screen filters in them. You can flush those! As for me and my trans, I will always drop the fluid & change the filter

 

sorry about the spelling!

 

GLC , The Amsoil site shows many different choices for auto trans fluid, is this the right one for an 05 with auto-trans :

Signature Series Fuel-Efficient Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid
A fuel efficient automatic transmission fluid recommended for GM, Ford and Toyota transmissions where lighter viscosity oil is required. Provides the same excellent protection and performance as AMSOIL ATF. Recommended for vehicles requiring GM DEXRONŽ VI, Ford MERCONŽ LV and SP, Honda DW-1, Nissan Matic-S and Toyota WS fluid specifications.

 

Nope. That's for I think 2008 and later. Use the product finder:

http://www.amsoil.com/mygarage/Vehic...150%20PICKUP+5

These are the only 2 listed for a 2005 4R70/4R75:

Signature Series Multi-Vehicle Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) (ATFQT)

OE Multi-Vehicle Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid (OTFQT)

I would use the ATF.