I need to change my trans fluid and filter.
Is changing the fluid that drains out and filter enough, or should I have it flushed and if I have it flushed should I change the filter before or after flushing?

 

If you are talking about the pickup in your signature there is a drain plug in the torque converter that should be drained. That and dropping the pan will get almost all of the oil out of the transmission.

 

Like the other guy said, drain the TC and panetc.

While you have the pan off, be sure to inspect the fluid for excess particles. Rice size metal bits can be bad. pepper flakes, say less than a teaspoon full is relatively normal and just clutch material. The magnet should have just a light coat of grey fuzz. The fluid should be dark red and smell nice and chemically.

Be sure to be careful when you remove the filter O ring(IF you have one) when you change filters. Gently tighten any screws you see on the under side of the valve body, what you are really looking for is loose ones.

If you want to be picky, disconnect the lines to the tranny cooler and blow it out with air.

To make things easier next time, you might consider putting in a drain plug. B&M makes a nice one. Note that torquing it to their spec often crushes the plastic washer, so I torque till it looks right and is snug. On my 94 E4OD, there is already a spot in the pan that wants a plug, Ford just never drilled it out and put a plug in it. There are disadvantages to a plug... They can catch on off road stuff and rip a hole in the pan, that's bad. Or they can be a source of leaks, a PITA. For city driving, they are a good option since the next fluid change will be much less messier.

BTW, get your self a really big(5 gallons or so drain pan) especially if you plan to drain the converter, and get a bag of kitty litter for the inevitable spills.

Good Luck,

Jim Henderson

 

Thanks for the replies this weekend it’s going to be changed. It looks ok I have never changed it since I’ve had it.