Silly Transmission question

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Jan 24, 2006 | 10:54 PM

Caplax40

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More Turbo

Joined: Jan 2003

Posts: 554

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From: Boise, ID

Silly Transmission question

I have a 1998 Ranger 4x4 XLT with the 3.0L engine and 5-speed manual transmission. I remember hearing that these transmissions were one of those "sealed for life" units that doesn't require a fluid change. Is this accurate?

Jan 25, 2006 | 06:07 AM

Dan Robertson

Laughing Gas

Joined: Apr 2004

Posts: 819

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From: Northern Maine

My 98 Ranger 3.0 is only a 2 wheel drive but it has a fill and a drain plug in the transmission. It has 153,000 miles and I have changed the fluid in the transmission once so far. I would crawl under it and take a look if I were you. My bet is that you will find that it has plugs. There should be one on the bottom and one on the left side about 1/2 way up. My old Tempo has no drain plug but it still has a fill plug. When replacing the clutch and I had the transmission out and on the floor, I dumped the old fluid out the fill hole. Where there is a will, there is a way. One more thing, and this is my opinion. Your question was not silly. If you dont know the answer to something, one way to find out is to ask someone else. Therefore, the only silly question is the one that you dont ask. Good Luck.

Last edited by Dan Robertson; Jan 25, 2006 at 06:15 AM.

Jan 25, 2006 | 08:44 AM

jimw411

Elder User

Joined: Nov 2004

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From: Ventura ,ca. (near L.A.)

I change mine every 25k when i change the coolant and fuel filter and rear end fluid. I'd rather change $10 worth of fluid then not change it enough and buy a $1000 trans. Also make sure your shift rail plugs aren't leaking, they usually do once you get over 100,000 miles, they are notorius for it.

Jan 25, 2006 | 08:55 AM

Biwanylo

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Joined: Jun 2003

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Are the shift rail plugs hard to replace ?

Jan 25, 2006 | 02:17 PM

JD717

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Joined: Jul 2005

Posts: 966

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From: Hudson Florida.

IMO, the only stupid question, is one not asked. I'd change the fluid, cause I dont think I've ever heard of a tranny thats "sealed for life" they WILL require some maintainence work to keep em going, and operational, just like the motor.