98 5.4 4X4, How dificult is the process of changing out the fluid and filter on the tranny? I see a drain plug in the back of the pan, and it appears all of the bolts that hold the pan on are fairly easily accessible. When you get into the pan, how difficult is it to swap out the filter? Doesn't look too hard, but I'm wanting to know what surprises may be in the job. Also, approximately how many quarts of fluid should I expect the tranny to drain with a pan drop only fluid change, and what fluid do you guys reccomend? Also, my transfer case seems to be leaking around the vehicle speed sensor, it only looks to be held in with a bolt, does this come out easliy and is there a gasket or is it silaconed in? And just for giggles, what are some of your opinions on doing the total fluid exchange thing at the dealer? Local ford dealership has this months special of $99.95 for the job.

It is also time for my front and rear axles to get new juice, I can get the fluid for the front and rear at any autozone, but what friction modifier should I use? Everything I find sources back to the dealer. And somewhere I heard that there is something else that you can put into the rear pumpkin to get more miles out of the limited slip unit. I thought I heard a bit of noise back there the other day, and I thought I saw a thread here about some other additive that can extend the service life of these units.

Thanks folks.

 

Go get a Haynes manual from autozone for ~ $15, it will help with some of these basic questions...mine helps alot

ROLL TIDE!!!!!!

 

I changed all the fluid in my '99 4x4 last year...including torque convertor and it was about 19 quarts if I remember correctly. The owners manual should provide that info...or do a search on the board.

It only took about 1 1/2 hrs to do the tranny/torque convertor. The gasket is reusable (for once or twice at least). So your only gonna be out $25-$35 or so for say 10 quarts of good tranny fluid (I used pennzoil for about $2.50 qt from pep boys) and an hour or so of your time if you just do the pan only.

I used Redline for my differentials. The rear called for synthetic and the front for regular gear oil but I used the appropriate weight synthetic in both. I also used the Redline friction modifier in the rear. The Ford dealer can also sell you the friction modifier but its more expensive ($5 for Redline).

All together its only a half day project for you if your up for it. Plus it will be less than $100 in parts if you diy.