Tranny Maint
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New User
Joined: Sep 2005
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Tranny Maint
I run a 2002, 7.3 with no mods and a stock auto transmission. I currently have 84,000 miles on the tranny. What are your recommendations for extending the life of the tranny? Should I just go ahead and consider a rebuild? I travel alot more these days and do not want to be on the side of the road with a bad tranny and all of the associated bills.
As always, thanks for the advice...
As always, thanks for the advice...
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,549
Likes: 14
From: Payson, AZ
As long as it is performing properly you should not have to worry about it. Proper maintenace and driving are the key.
This link is the first step to proper maintenace.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/article/...nsmission.html
Edit: The write up says not to use Mercon V. It has since been re-formulated and is now ok to use.
This link is the first step to proper maintenace.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/article/...nsmission.html
Edit: The write up says not to use Mercon V. It has since been re-formulated and is now ok to use.
Hook it, I'll pull it.
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 15,037
Likes: 4
From: Grand Lake, La.
With no mods on your truck, I would change the fluid and filter. If there is nothing wrong with the trans right now, put it in gear and go. I would not rebuild a trany with nothing wrong with it, unless you are going with major mods and power.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 269
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas
I have followed Mark Kovalsky's write-up on how to flush the 4R100 and it is very easy and, if you are careful, not too messy. I think it is the only way to maintenance your transmission. Doing only a partial fluid change (which is what you get if you only drain the pan and the converter) is doing the job half-assed. Going to a shop and doing the power flush is also not recommended especially on a higher mileage transmission. Take some additional time, and give your 4R100 the love it needs.
P.S. Sam's Club has cases of Mercon III that is very reasonable. You'll need two cases and have plenty left over.
P.S. Sam's Club has cases of Mercon III that is very reasonable. You'll need two cases and have plenty left over.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 14,541
Likes: 2
From: Dallas-Ft. Worth
I would still suggest a good shift kit or BTS or JW accumulator VB even at stock power levels. The sooner you put one of those in, the longer it will last. A larger or auxiliary cooler will help it as well. The cooler they stay the better...
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,308
Likes: 250
From: Hartford, WI
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,333
Likes: 1
From: St. Louis, Mo.
Uliman - Does our trans use Mercon 5 ? Or is 3 the same stuff -Dont know for sure but I just flushed mine w/ the mercon 5
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Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 14,541
Likes: 2
From: Dallas-Ft. Worth
It came with Mercon. Ford released a TSB last year (or I guess it was '06) saying it was okay to use Mercon V after insisting that we shouldn't up to that point. I put in Mobil1 Syn ATF (which is Mercon V) and it's working great!
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 269
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas
I thought it was the Mercon III. If I am incorrect, please someone chime in. My wife's other truck, the Burb, also takes Mercon III (I guess it is also known as Dexron III) so I'm good to go anyways.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 269
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas
My understanding is that the Mercon V is the more desirable fluid to be used since it is synthetic but that the Mercon III is the original fluid type used in the 4R100. I read somewhere that you should not mix the two types so a full flush is certainly need.
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,738
Likes: 2,666
From: SE Florida
Originally Posted by uliman
I thought it was the Mercon III. If I am incorrect, please someone chime in. My wife's other truck, the Burb, also takes Mercon III (I guess it is also known as Dexron III) so I'm good to go anyways.
In mid-2007 Ford discontinued MERCON and GM discontinued DEXRON III. You can still find both fluids, but they are getting rare.
Ford changed MERCON V to make it compatible with all transmissions that used to use MERCON, so it is now the right fluid.
MERCON V can be had as dino, blend, or full synthetic, so know what you're buying.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 325
Likes: 0
From: Wake Forest, NC
Ditto on the shift kit. A TRANSGO or a B&M shift kit will definitely improve the shift points. Also a larger or additional cooler will also help it. Heat is the number 1 killer for an automatic transmission. The cooler they are the better... Good Luck