Checking fluid level on 5 speed OD transmission
 

I need to check the transmission fluid level on my dad's 1992 F150. It has the 5 speed OD manual transmission that takes ATF, and a 300 c.i. 6 cylinder. I can't get under it on level ground to check the level at the fill plug--the running boards are in the way. I use ramps when I change the oil. These lift the front end about 8" or so. If I tried to check the transmission's fluid level with it on the ramps, how far off would I be? Would this be an acceptable way to check it? I don't have jack stands and don't have a good place to use them if I did.

The level shouldn't be that different lifted up, it seems like the fill plug is in the middle of the trans. You'll have to judge by eye how much the trans is tilted. It's not like you can put any more in besides what is at the fill plug..since it has to be on ramps to fill it. It shouldn't be off by any significant amount.

i agree with 91... its how i have to check my 5 speed ranger is on ramps.. and i havnt seen no ill effects of its fill level in 5 years

Thanks guys, really appreciate it.

well technically you can pull the shifter and the top plate and pour the atf in from the top of the tranny untill it runs from the fill plug hole... I just did that on my ZF542. of course this was on a f150 with extra ground clearance but I would think you could fill the tranny without it on the ramps... depends on if you want to slide under the truck without a creeper to put the fill plug back in...