I have a 95 f150 with the 302, 4wd, and the automatic transmission with overdrive. Lately when the pickup shifts from 1st to 2nd gear there is a noticable surge/slip/bump in the shifting. Is this something serious, or would a transmission fluid change fix the problem? Also, is it worth taking to a shop to get the tranny fluid swapped, or can I do it at home?

One last question, I've heard great things about transmission coolers. Do they really help the transmission? What is a good brand to get? Are they difficult to install?

Thanks to all in advance for their responses.

Michael

 

The more "work" you ask your automatic transmission to do, the hotter the fluid is going to get. Most of the power in (from the engine) goes out the tailshaft, but some of it is converted to heat inside the transmission. A cooler will help keep the temperatures down and more consistant. This in turn protects your transmission fluid from glazing over which in turn protects the mechanicals of your transmission.

Same for an oil cooler, actually.

Thats why vehicles subjected to "severe duty" like tow trucks, flat beds, police cars have oil coolers as well as transmission fluid coolers.

For all minor slippage problems I'd change the fluid myself as a first step, and see if that helps. Fluid should be changed regularly anyway, as should the filter. Depending on the transmission you have, determines if the filter is outside or inside, and if you have to take the pan off to get the fluid out or if there is a drain. Don't fret, taking off the pan is easy, its just bolts, clean teh pan thoroughly and dry it, and put on the new gasket, then refill.

A lot of "jiffy lube" places change the fluid through the dipstick, via suction, but of course that doesn't get all the little metal filings that invariably will be on the bottom of your pan, nor does it address the filter. Its a messy, but total DIY job. Just use a really large cat litter pan to catch the fluid and you'll be okay.

Often I just undo bolts in the corners of the pan, and let the fluid seep out that way for a while until it stops, then I take the rest of the pan off.

 

This may be a super dumb question, but how do I tell which transmission I have?

 

On the door jam under the TRAN heading it says U Which tranny is this?

 

When mine starts to do that it's time for a fluid change.

Acually, it slipped going into OD a few days ago and it has about 35K since the last xmission oil change.

 

https://www.ford-trucks.com/articles/2003/1.php
http://www.teufert.net/trans/trannyid.pdf
Also, I would bring your truck to the parts house when you buy the filter so you make sure the pan gasket matches your's.