Hi all, yesterday I changed the trans fluid, I dropped the pan and replaced the internal filter, However, I was unable to get the housing to the external filter to budge, I even put an impact to it(just for a moment) I eventualy put the pan back on and replaced the fluid, I still have the external filter here and plan on a second attempt, so my questions are, what else would you try to get the housing loose, and how much fluid loss can I expect just replacing the external( so I know how much to buy)?

 

You won't get much fluid out of there, but you should replace the filter. I'd say it's more important to replace the external filter than the internal. I always use an impact with a 22mm socket to get mine off.

 

thanks, will give the ole impact another go...

 

I don't wish to hi-jack this thread but I have a question regarding the external trans filter.

I have a '09 F-250 SD, 5.4, 4X4, CC, LB. It has just shy of 35,000 on the clock now. I had the trans fluid changed at just over 30,000 miles and I'm pretty sure they didn't change the external filter.

Where would it be located on my truck and how tough is to change out?

Thanks guys.

 

Your truck doesn't have an external filter. Check your owner's manual for the recommended change interval for the internal filter.

 

Mark, are you of the opinion that since I am going to be towing with this truck about 80-90% of the mileage that I install one?

I think I read that there is one available though Ford that can be installed.

 

only the diesel trucks have the external filter don't they? Thats what i always see anyways...

 

Nope, I've got the external filter with a 5.4. I believe they switched from external to internal filters in 08.

 

General consensus is that you are better off with the internal filter. With the internal filter, all the fluid gets filtered all the time. With the external filter, only a portion of the fluid gets filtered, and the internal "filter" on these trucks is basically just a screen that stops large particles.

 

how can this be? As long as the truck is running the pump in the trans is moving fluid, ALL fluid will eventually get to the ext-filter no matter what and be filtered out

 

No, I do NOT recommend an external filter in this application. Don't do it!
All TorqShift transmissions from the first one in 2003 until Ford switched to the improved internal filter during the 2008 model year had an external filter.
Yes and no.

In 2008 the external filter was replaced by an improved internal filter. The improved internal filter is finer than the external filter was. It is much, much more than a screen.
The external filter is in the cooler line. The filter is a bypass design that only filter 10% of the cooler line flow. 90% of the flow bypasses the filter all the time.

When the trans is cooler than 165°F it's internal thermostat reduces the flow to the cooler by 90%. So only 10% of the normal flow is going to the cooler, and the filter only cleans 10% of that. So 1% of the total flow is getting filtered.

The internal filter is in the inlet to the pump. 100% of the flow goes through this filter any time the engine is running. And it is a finer filter than the external filter.

 

Thanks Mark.

 

I can't help w/ how to get the housing loose, but I'll agree you won't lose much fluid when you do get it. I would ask though, are you aware that you're not getting all the fluid out when you drop the pan? The only way to fully replace the fluid in a Torqshift transmission is with a heated flush machine which is likely a dealer only service.

Thanks Mark, I wasn't aware of that. Would you recommend or is it even possible to install the new filter design in an older Torqshift?

 

There's a write-up around here somewhere on changing to the new filter. If I recall correctly, you replace the filter and the pan both with the 08+ versions, then delete the external filter.

That being said, the older style with the external filter seems to work well so I have no plans on changing mine.

 

This is how it's done:
If you buy the later filter and pan it is a direct swap. Once you do that you can just leave the filter element out of the housing in the external filter.