Auto-Trans Service Intervals
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
From: Gobles, MI
Auto-Trans Service Intervals
I need your input. I have the 2004 F350 and I tow a 11,000 pound 5th wheel and presently have 15,000 miles on the truck. Should I change the transmission fluid before I travel to Nevada or wait for the recommended 30,000 mile interval.
More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 722
Likes: 22
From: New Orleans to San Diego
They have 2 schools of thought:
Ford's guidelines and something more proactive.
I tow as well and did mine at 10,000 (under warranty for a solenoid) and again at 30,000. You also have an external filter up close in the front near the passenger side front wheel.
Fluid ain't cheap but neither is a tranny and since you tow then you must have heard and felt the torqueshift doing its job and that deserves top treatment IMO.
Ford's guidelines and something more proactive.
I tow as well and did mine at 10,000 (under warranty for a solenoid) and again at 30,000. You also have an external filter up close in the front near the passenger side front wheel.
Fluid ain't cheap but neither is a tranny and since you tow then you must have heard and felt the torqueshift doing its job and that deserves top treatment IMO.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,019
Likes: 6
From: Fountain Valley
This may not be relevant to the 6.0 auto but on my 1996 F-150 auto I serviced the trans once a year prior to a towing trip with a #7000 load. After 8 years I never had a trans problem and gave the truck to my son with 130K on it. The trans oil never looked bad and the filter looked good too but there was always babbit looking material in the pan.
I am planning on doing the same thing with my 04 6.0 CC F-250 starting this summer. I now have only 11K on it but it has one tow last year and I will do it before leaving...To me it's cheap insurance. Good luck
I am planning on doing the same thing with my 04 6.0 CC F-250 starting this summer. I now have only 11K on it but it has one tow last year and I will do it before leaving...To me it's cheap insurance. Good luck
Guest
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 7,988
Likes: 55
From: north west new jersey
one of my close freinds owns and runs one of the nationally known high performace tranie shops. he always says every 20 k . and every auto. trans i have had has gone a long way. doing so.
your going on a long trip and have 15 k now. do it and play safe. esp. since you tow like a lot of fte users.
your going on a long trip and have 15 k now. do it and play safe. esp. since you tow like a lot of fte users.
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 432
Likes: 6
I don't pull, but changed mine at 29000 and dropped the pan just to see whats going on. The pan was clean as a pin. The external filter was dark grey but still no particles of metal or anything. I've been in several trannys and this is the cleanest yet.
BE
BE
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
From: evansville, Indiana
Change the fluid now. I have a 2003 f350 4x4 and pull a trailer. I go to a shop that completely recycles the trans fluid and you would not believe how dirt it was at just 15k miles. They unhook the line that goes into the radiator and use this for the the hook up to the machine. I think here in Indiana it cost me $129.00, well worth the money.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
From: Gobles, MI
Thank you for the input. Having it done tomorrow as the dealership has a special of 89.95 for our 6.0PSD's. Really do like the input from other owners on this site. Have a great weekend! 
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
