I want to drain/fill the tranny to include the torque converter. I searched and found that on pre '01 models (mine is an '00) the converter can be drained. My question is how do I get the drain plug to the bottom so I can drain the converter? Can it be rotated by hand? Also, it should take 16-18 qts correct? Thanks for the help.

 

socket on the big nut on the front bottom pully..18 qt's

 

Thanks. Tranny in neutral or does it matter?

 

In park would be the safest.

Otherwise, doesn't matter.

Pop

 

My truck is a 01 and I just drilled a 5'16 hole and tapped for 1/4NPT.

 

Great idea but with my luck the drill would slip hit the fins bend them and the day would be over.

 

Its not that bad, you'll be gett'n peed on before you go thru. You could use a small pilot drill first I guess. I've beed drink'n oil all my life, you get used to after a while.

 

How much does anyone estimate that new plug puts the TC out of balance?

Think it might affect the front bushing's lifespan?

Pop

 

Probably not enough for anyone to notice. But if really concerned, you could put a second one 180 degrees opposite. That would make it easier next time to line up.

 

That's it. Shazam. I have often thought about Pop's ? and whether the ones with stock plugs were balanced. That solution was so simple I couldn't even come up with it. Damn. Good stuff.

 

Would never drill and install a plug in TC before reading this. What a great idea and easy solution to out of balance problem. And yes, it would be out of balance whether you noticed it or not.

 

Photos of exactly where the plug was drilled would be helpful.

 

Why not just use the method posted earler on chaging your tranny fluid by disconnecting the most aft line on your transmision (return from cooler) put a clear hose on the line, start truck, You get the idea! Its posted!
Rich

 

Here it is:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/article/...nsmission.html