Tranny Maintenance
New User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Long Island NY
Tranny Maintenance
I bought my '96 Bronco 2 years ago with 98k. I now have 139k on it. I dont know if the tranny fluid was ever changed, its kinda brown looking now. People keep telling me I might cause more problems by changing it now. The tranny runs fine now, but I drive it on the beach almost every weekend and worry about damage. I do have the tow package with a tranny cooler, if that helps.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,987
Likes: 7
From: Memphis, TN
Tranny Maintenance
The cooler helps, but you should have changed the fluid at least twice. The reason new fluid can wreck the trans is that the old stuff has absorbed all the debris it can, and now there are pockets of deposits all over the inside of your trans. When you put fresh fluid in, it can break up those deposits, flooding the trans with debris. If driven for long, the trans will be ruined. I've salvaged 3 transmissions that were neglected like that by changing the fluid & filter and then doing it again only 1,000 miles later. This clears all the old deposits before they can do any damage, and allows you to go back to a 40-60,000 mile fluid interval. Clean the magnet in the pan thoroughly both times.
If you change it, buy a HELP! 65128 Transmission Drain Plug Kit first and have a 1/2" drill bit ready before you start. While the pan is off, VERY CAREFULLY choose a location for the plug that won't interfere with ANYTHING inside the transmission and drill the hole for it. Use thread locker on the big nut.
If you change it, buy a HELP! 65128 Transmission Drain Plug Kit first and have a 1/2" drill bit ready before you start. While the pan is off, VERY CAREFULLY choose a location for the plug that won't interfere with ANYTHING inside the transmission and drill the hole for it. Use thread locker on the big nut.
New User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Long Island NY
Tranny Maintenance
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 24-Dec-02 AT 03:58 PM (EST)]Thanks for the info. I think I will do just that before I hit the beaches again this Spring. Took a look at your rig. Great looking Bronco. Where did you get those bumpers! Are they custom made or can you buy them like that? I just had an old Buick rear end me in a parking lot last week and my rear bumper is a mess. When I replace it I was considering something a little beefier.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,987
Likes: 7
From: Memphis, TN
Tranny Maintenance
http://www.webphotos.com/list_photos.asp?mi=3&smi=1&a=13217
I designed and built them. They've stood up to a LOT, and I'm really happy with them both. I had to go to F-250 springs all around, but that was mostly because of all the cargo I normally carry. I'm hoping to have the time soon to pull them off since I now live near a guy who runs a big powdercoating plant and he'll do them both for less than I could spray-paint them!
I designed and built them. They've stood up to a LOT, and I'm really happy with them both. I had to go to F-250 springs all around, but that was mostly because of all the cargo I normally carry. I'm hoping to have the time soon to pull them off since I now live near a guy who runs a big powdercoating plant and he'll do them both for less than I could spray-paint them!
