Bought the truck with 90k miles. thoughts on changing the Transmission fluid?

 

check the color, but if the dealer didn't do it, or you have no history - for sure change it. If the truck was used for towing - change it unless it looks brand new.

 

tow hooks in front and trailer hitch in back are in unused condition, so i fully believe it was not used for towing. And yes, i have no history on the truck.

 

change it, use full synthetic ATF and drain the torque Converter. there is a 7/16 (i think) plug on the torque converter... rotate engine to find it.. there is about 6 to 8 quarts in converter alone

 

OK, get the truck up to temp and check the fluid while it's running. See if it looks clear, should be red, not brown, shouldn't smell burnt.

It's pretty simple to change the fluid and filter yourself - you just won't get it all out of the converter. or you can take it too the dealer.

 

This is tried and true. I have used it on my F150 and Excursion. Remember there is no plain Mercon now. Mercon V has been reformulated for use in the 4R100.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/article/...nsmission.html

 

Helpful link!! thanks.....Im gonna do this prolly this weekend!

 

Nice part is, don't have to jack it up. I did my oil this past weekend, and just rolled under with ease, on the creeper, and had a few inches to spare. Rolled right past the tranny plug to the engine plug, from the rear.

 

Only up until the second half of the 02 model, IIRC.

 

so my 01 should have the plug?

 

It should if I'm correct. But you should check to be sure. Your TC will have a rubber plug on the bottom if there's a drain hole.

 

All bellhousings have a rubber plug in the bottom, whether or not there is a drain plug in the torque converter.

Ford stopped installing drain plugs in the torque converter in August, 2001, which is shortly after the 2002 model year started. All 2001s left the factory with a drain plug in the torque converter.

 

You haven't posted anything where I haven't learned something. Just crawled under my truck and sure enough...

 

What brand of full synthetic Transmission fluid are you going to use?
~Gage~

 

Here is a cut and paste from the Mobil1 website

The synthetic base oil enables excellent performance even in the severest of operating conditions. It offers outstanding gear shifting and power transfer performance versus conventional ATF fluids. The inherently high viscosity index and stability of Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF help protect against thermal breakdown at high operating temperatures, while still providing outstanding performance at very low ambient temperatures.

Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF combines high-performance synthetic hydrocarbon base oils and a superior balanced additive system to provide significantly higher levels of performance above conventional fluids. This unique, advanced technology provides long drain capability, excellent friction retention, and low-temperature fluidity. Further, it helps to improve overall transmission durability and cleanliness. Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF is also compatible with conventional ATFs.

Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF is formulated for use in most North American, European and Asian vehicles.

* Approved for Allison C-4 applications

* Exceeds JASO 1-A performance standard

* Also suitable for use in vehicles that specify the following fluid requirements:
o Audi G 052 025-A2, G 052 162-A1
o BMW LA2634
o Esso LT 71141
o ETL-7045E, ETL-8072B, N402
o Ford* MERCON*, MERCON V, MERCON LV
o All 2005 and earlier GM vehicles**
o Honda ATF-Z1*
o Hyundai SP-II, SP-III
o Idemitsu K17
o JWS 3309
o Kia SP-II, SP-III
o MAN 339F, V1, V2, Z1, Z2, Z3
o Mazda ATF-III, ATF-MV
o Mercedes-Benz 236.1, 236.2, 236.5, 236.6, 236.7, 236.9
o Mitsubishi Diamond SP-II, SP-III
o Nissan Matic-D, Matic-J, Matic-K
o Subaru ATF
o Toyota T-III, T-IV
o Voith 55.6335.XX (G607, G1363)
o Volvo 97340
o ZF TE-ML 03D, 04D, 09, 14A, 14B, 16L, 17C

* Not recommend for CVT applications, MerconŽ SP, Ford Type F
** Mobil DEXRON-VI ATF is recommended for 2006 and newer GM vehicles and improved performance in 2005 and earlier vehicles, wherever DEXRON is specified.

Automatic transmissions should be checked for proper fluid levels at regular intervals, and the fluid should be changed at manufacturer-recommended intervals. However, this may vary due to your vehicle's operating conditions. Some manufacturers recommend more frequent changes of transmission fluid under severe driving conditions, such as heavy traffic, hot weather and trailer pulling.