I bought everything to change my transmission fluid and filter last week. I have the 4r70w. I got under there and started going to town. Took off the pan and filter. Let everything drain. I grabbed the box for the new filter and guess what, they gave me the wrong filter. I bet it's for the 4r100. I told the guy exactly what I needed. The new filter was way too long and there would be no way for it to work. So I put the old one back. It has about 30,000 miles on it. I finished the rest of the change, including the torque converter. So now my question is, how bad is it that I re-used the filter? I am thinking of pushing the auto store to give me new fluid when I take back the wrong filter. Suggestions?

Thanks everyone.

 

Ford's only recommendation for changing the transmission filter, is to do so if it's clogged.You don't need to change it. I wouldn't worry too much about it. You should probably change it next time though and never worry about it again. While you're at it, install a drain plug on the pan so it's a simple process next time.

 

What is the best way to install a drain plug? Is there a particular brand of part to use? Can this be done at home, or does it require any welding/brazing? Is there a suggested place or position on pan? Thanks

 

B&M makes a drain plug. You drill a hole in the pan and screw it in. The best way to do this is to have a nut welded to the inside of the pan so that there is no risk of the bolt stripping, and slipping out. I can't think off-hand where to put it but I don't recall anything in the transmission hanging down far enough that it would interfere.

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