It's time for a transmission fluid change, Is there a preferred trans fluid I should use in my 1999 F150 5.4lt auto, should I also change the filter? Will draining the pan get all of the fluid or should I have it done at a shop with a total fluid change out machine?

 

...and ask them about changing the filter, too.

A flush is required (typically) to remove all the filter from the torque converter. Changing the filter is a different issue. Ask your favorite shop(s) about both issues and see who will combine the services at the bets price.

Synthetic transmission fluid makes a good difference for me; I use Mobil-1 where it meets the specs. Vastly more resistant to breakdown under heat and stress, so I really like it. However, "your mileage may vary".

 

Part of the answer would depend on which transmission you have. The 4R100 needs regular Mercon whereas the 4R70W needs Mercon V.

Dropping the pan only allows you to drain from the transmisson itself but not the torque converter. The torque converter has its own drain plug. If you drop the pan and drain the torque converter, you get about 90%-95% of the fluid changed.

You can also disconnect a line from the transmission cooler and start the engine to pump fluid out. (I haven't done that myself so I can't offer specific advise)

The transmission flush is the most thorough but I don't trust anyone enough to let them drive my truck, let alone maintain my $2000.00 transmission. I'd rather do it myself.

I feel that it's important to drop the pan and change the filter for the first fluid change because there will be a lot of metal shavings on the magnet as a result of the transmission break-in.

I'd say do it yourself.

Get a Motorcraft filter. They are very good filters. Also get enough
fluid to get the job done and really BIG bucket.

Since it's not critical to change the filter at every fluid change, it's a very good idea to get either a new transmission pan with a drain plug or buy a drain plug kit. This way all you need to do in the future is remove the drain plug for the transmission and torque coverter to change the fluid and you won't spill a drop.

If you get a drain plug kit, you can remove your pan and take it along with the plug to a shop and have them drill a hole in the pan and weld a nut into the bottom of the pan for a secure hold.

There's really nothing else to it. With a drain plug in the pan, it'll be easier than changing the motor oil.

 

How would I determine which transmission I have??? When I do change the fluid I will be changing the filter, and cleaning the metal shavings off the magnet inside the oil pan. I see draining the converter takes awhile to drain. Will draining all the fluid out of the trans and the converter damage the trans and or pump, or is it like changing oil and having no pressure until the pump fills all the lines.

 

HI!... REDLINE D4 synthetic fluid.

 

The 4R70W will have 14 pan bolts while the 4R100 has 20 I think.

 

Inside the driver's door opening is a blue tag. Under TRANS is either a "U" or an "E." If you have the "U" it's a 4R70W. If you have an "E" is is an E4OD.
No, it won't damage anything. It is just like changing the engine oil.

Mark

 

I don't see the word trans on my tag but I do see the letters TR is this where I should be looking??

 

"TR"= yup that's it.

 

MAX,
THANKS FOR THE INFORMATION. MINE HAS THE LETTER "U" BY THE TR ON THE DOOR TAG.

 

then it's MERCON V for you...

 

You're Welcome !!

 

My tranny dipstick has Mercon V printed on the top of it so I assume I have the 4R70W as was mentioned. This thread helped me realize what I have also.

Thanks guys.

 

What is the difference in the 4R70W and the 4R100 besides the number of drain pan bolts?

Thanks

Mike

 

They're completely different transmissions. The torque rating is different as well; "70" is 700 ft./lbs. and "100" is 1000 ft./lbs.