changing trans fluid
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
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changing trans fluid
currently changing trans fluid in 98 f-150 ext 4x4. motor is out and torque converter is draining in bucket as we speak. should I replace plug with new or wrap with teflon and reuse. Any tricks for getting the front trans seal out. I'm replacing it. What trans fluid will a 4r70r use. Is it a good idea to weld a plug in the drain pan for easier fluid changes. If so, does anyone know where to get a plug assembly for this? thanks in advance, Jordan
New User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 9
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From: AZ
Your 4R70W transmission takes about 13qt's of Mercon V if you do the T/C too. Mercon V is synthetic and kind of spendy...you have to use it though, other Ford ATF's won't work. I think you could use Amsoil or Redline synthetic if you want to though. A drain plug kit (B&M makes the one I bought) should be available at any auto parts performance store. It shouldn't run you more than $5-$8. Installing one is a matter of personal preference. Also, you use a 1/2 inch drill bit to install one in the pan. I'd say having one makes draining the pan easier and less messy. I did not put lok-tite or teflon on my TC plug either and it has not leaked. Sorry I don't know anything about help with your main seal. 
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,417
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From: Durham, NC
Originally posted by PaulC
WAIT: Does the 4R70W use Mercon, or does it use Mercon V? I always thought the former. Best to find out before you change the fluid!
WAIT: Does the 4R70W use Mercon, or does it use Mercon V? I always thought the former. Best to find out before you change the fluid!
http://www.ofoc.ca/garage/TSB%2001-15-7.pdf
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Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,013
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From: Cajun Country
1997-4R70W-Mercon
1998& up 4R70W-MerconV
I use AAMCO synthetic blend MerconV because it prevents the infamous shudder and my transmission shifts alot better with it too.
Joe, just because the converter has a plug does not mean you cant put one in the pan. By draining the converter it wont drain the pan.You still have to remove all the bolts and the excess will spill out the pan......a big mess without a drain plug!
1998& up 4R70W-MerconV
I use AAMCO synthetic blend MerconV because it prevents the infamous shudder and my transmission shifts alot better with it too.
Joe, just because the converter has a plug does not mean you cant put one in the pan. By draining the converter it wont drain the pan.You still have to remove all the bolts and the excess will spill out the pan......a big mess without a drain plug!
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see post "changing tranny fluidin a 1997 F150" (currently on page 3). According to those guys, you can put mercon V in a 1997 4r70W. And that is as per mark kovalsky, the ford transmission engineer. From what is posted there, i wouldnt flinch at putting Mercon V in my 97 4r70w.
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Joined: Oct 2003
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From: DC
Fitter,
I understand what you're saying about the plug. I figured that since I could get a significant amount of fluid out through the torque converter, I wouldn't mess with trying to put a plug in the pan. I didn't want to worry about it leaking or have interference issues with the plug hitting the valve body. Having the convenience of a plug (either on the converter or the pan) allows me to increase the frequency of the fluid changes because the main reason for me not changing the fluid more often is the mess of dropping the pan.
I understand what you're saying about the plug. I figured that since I could get a significant amount of fluid out through the torque converter, I wouldn't mess with trying to put a plug in the pan. I didn't want to worry about it leaking or have interference issues with the plug hitting the valve body. Having the convenience of a plug (either on the converter or the pan) allows me to increase the frequency of the fluid changes because the main reason for me not changing the fluid more often is the mess of dropping the pan.
