I have an 01 f-150 xcab with a 4.6 and 4r70w tranny. I was thinking about doing a tranny flush and filter change, i've read the directions in the tech articles and have a few questions.

1) My truck doesn't appear to have any accesible way to drain the fluid, by that I mean I have hard lines that go from the tranny to the radiator cooler to the aux factory added cooler and then return to the tranny. Where would I tap in to?

2) Has anyone had problems with getting air in the tranny after doing this?

3) How do you keep a steady stream of fluid in the tranny?

Any help or advice would be nice. I really don't want to have to go have it done.

Thanks

 

The trans on the 5.4 has a drain plug in the pan but the 4.6 does not. You need a nice large large drain pan. My 1998 F150 was the 1st vehicle I ever had that actually had a drain plug. Just take the bolts out on one side of the pan and then work your way to the other side loosening as you go. This will send the fluid at least one way until it drains down. There should be an access plug to a drain plug in the torque converter. Takes a little patience to turn the engine by hand using the gear teeth on the flywheel tho.

I used mobile one synth in mine. Took a lot 12 quarts don't remeber fur sure tho.

I read some interesting info either on amsoil's or royal purple's web site. check them out.
Here is another how to link that helped me. It will also link you to a how to on draining the converter. You might have to register to view. Good how to's but their forum is not my cup of tea. Sorry can't post the link. Don't have the mandatory 25 posts. Try a google.

 

I've changed my fluid it's pretty simple.

Just take the top transmission line off at the transmission and connect a clear hose to the end of the line. Use a clear hose so you can see when you start to get air bubbles in the fluid. Have someone start your truck while you look under to see the clear tubing. You will see a steady stream of fluid right away. After a few seconds you will see a lot of air bubbles, stop the engine and look inside what ever your using to catch the old fluid and estimate how much fluid you have lost. Then just add the same amount to the transmission. Just continue this until you have added about 10 or so quarts of fluid. Then start the truck again and put the truck in gear slowly so you stay in each gear about 2 or 3 seconds and then do the same to get back in the parking position. This removes the fluid in your touque converter. After you finish reconnect the transmission line and check your fluid level and add as needed.

I have had no problems with air.

I used about 13 quarts.

I have a 97 f-f50 with the 4.6 and auto transmission which I believe is the same as you have.

If you take off the wrong line you'll know right away. Fluid shoots out pretty fast if you got the right one.

You don't have to change the filter, it should be good for over 200,000 miles. I have 140,000 on mine. After I changed fluid I could tell how much smoother my truck shifts gears.

 

I drain the torque converter on my 01 F150 5.4 4x4 4r70w first. Then put the drain plug back in on the torque converter and started it for about 30 seconds and drained it again. This drained about 11 quarts and left about 1 quart in pan.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comfficeffice" /><o></o>

Reuse the factory gasket its reusable. Torque the torque converter drain nut to 110 in lbs. The factory recommends using a new torque converter nut. I reused the old one and torque it to 100 in lbs and used some blue loctite on it.<o></o>

When adding ATF MERCON V add about 5 to 6 quarts. Start engine and shift through the gears. Then add about 5 to 6 quarts again. <o></o>

I think my 4R70W took about 12.5 quarts.<o></o>

 

One more method, and the one I am using on all my vehicles, is to get a oil syringe, like at NAPA for $10, and about 6 feet of clear hose to put on it. Insert the hose into the tranny fill tube and suck out all you can. Refill with an equal amount. It is quick, little mess, and you don't get an ATF shower. Also if it is time to change the filter when you drop the pan you will not spill a drop, cause it is already sucked out. I agree with the other post, filters dont need changing very often, 100k will do nicely for our 4r70w's. I usually get about 4 qts this way, and do it every year or so.

 

Thanks guys for the replies and help,

Still a question or two By top transmission line, where does it come into the tranny at? And do I have to have the tranny pan off to get at the torque converter or is it located where the black plastic cap/plug is in front of the tranny? I started to trace back the lines and can't see where they end up at.