transmission filter
transmission filter
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,968
Likes: 3
From: So Cal
I do not for a fact know the answer but I have never heard of an American auto tranny of recent manufacture that didn't have an internal filter. All the OEM ones I know are inside the transmission pan and require you to drop the pan to get at it. If you have never done this before, get advice, it can be messy, but not necessarily hard to do.
The filter should be changed per manual recommendation. I think most Ford Trucks recommend something like every 30-50K miles for "normal" service and 12K for towing and "severe" duty. This should also almost by default include a fluid change, at least half of it anyway. I am guessing the newer trucks have "lifetime" lubrication, baloney it if does.
Some aftermarket filters are installed on the outside of the tranny. They are pretty much mounted where ever you can find enough space. On my 94 250, there is almost no flat space other than on the wheel well under the washer bottle. They look like regular oil filters and can be easily changed. Recommended intervals I think are 30-50K miles, at least on the Permacool setup I have.
If you are a reasonable driveway mechanic, changing the fluid and filter is fairly easy and there are lots of postings with details. I recommend a very large capacity pan, some kitty litter just in case, gasket set and sealer of your choice and if your filter has one of those O rings, make sure you know how to get it in and out without gouging the heck out of things.
I also like to add a drain plug so the next time is easier and cleaner. On my 94, there is a spot that appears made for the plug, but I guess Ford saved the buck or two it would have taken to put one in. Note that they are also a potential leak and can get torn off during off roading, so maybe that is why it was left out.
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson
The filter should be changed per manual recommendation. I think most Ford Trucks recommend something like every 30-50K miles for "normal" service and 12K for towing and "severe" duty. This should also almost by default include a fluid change, at least half of it anyway. I am guessing the newer trucks have "lifetime" lubrication, baloney it if does.
Some aftermarket filters are installed on the outside of the tranny. They are pretty much mounted where ever you can find enough space. On my 94 250, there is almost no flat space other than on the wheel well under the washer bottle. They look like regular oil filters and can be easily changed. Recommended intervals I think are 30-50K miles, at least on the Permacool setup I have.
If you are a reasonable driveway mechanic, changing the fluid and filter is fairly easy and there are lots of postings with details. I recommend a very large capacity pan, some kitty litter just in case, gasket set and sealer of your choice and if your filter has one of those O rings, make sure you know how to get it in and out without gouging the heck out of things.
I also like to add a drain plug so the next time is easier and cleaner. On my 94, there is a spot that appears made for the plug, but I guess Ford saved the buck or two it would have taken to put one in. Note that they are also a potential leak and can get torn off during off roading, so maybe that is why it was left out.
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA
The big thing about changing the filter is do not put the pan bolts on too tight. If you do they will snap and be difficult to remove or worse the pan gasket will squish out and then the transmission starts leaking.
