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Transmission Filter Question

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Old Mar 6, 2009 | 08:36 AM
  #1  
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From: SWFL
Transmission Filter Question

Hello All

I have been reading this forum and I am finding lots of great info.

My question is what is the difference between a Ford tranny filter and say, a Pro King filter? I have read repeated calls for use of the Ford tranny filter when doing the trans fluid change.

Also, what fluid do you recommend?

My veh is a '95 F250 4x4 XLT w/ a 351/5.8 engine and the E4OD trans. Rear diff is a C5 Ford 10.25 LS 410. Still trying to figure out what the frt diff is. I am new to Fords and am learning daily thanks to this fine site.

Regards
CS45
 
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Old Mar 6, 2009 | 10:25 AM
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I have never used a Ford filter (i.e. Motorcraft) on any of my transmissions and I have never (watch me put the hex on myself here) had a failure so I would say there is no difference but the price. I use whatever they've got at Autozone or Advance. Oh yeah I use the cheapest Dexron fluid they have as well. Last time I bought it at Wal-Mart.
 
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Old Mar 6, 2009 | 12:33 PM
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Even though you may be aware of this, and it's all over this site, Don't flush the tranny, and Do drain the converter.
Welcome to FTE, and don't forget to pass along your goof-ups. We get a charge out of that stuff, and it makes us wiser in the event we may need to help someone.
Again, Welcome.
 
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Old Mar 6, 2009 | 06:43 PM
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Originally Posted by HrdDrv
Even though you may be aware of this, and it's all over this site, Don't flush the tranny, and Do drain the converter.
Welcome to FTE, and don't forget to pass along your goof-ups. We get a charge out of that stuff, and it makes us wiser in the event we may need to help someone.
Again, Welcome.
you better enlighten me on this? did I miss something?
 
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Old Mar 7, 2009 | 10:49 AM
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Thanks for the responses. I think I will get the Pro King tranny filter as it's on sale at AAP this month.

One further question; is there any advantage with using synthetic fluid versus Mercon?

Regards
CS45
 
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Old Mar 8, 2009 | 08:33 AM
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I used to use Motorcraft or WIX. For the last several years I haven't been able to easily get one, so I have used the Pro King from Advance Auto. I don't have any complaints about it. I use Dexron III Mercon and usually Valvoline. I would check your owners manual, but it should say Dex Merc for fluid. My truck also have 265k miles on the original engine and transmission.
 
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Old Mar 9, 2009 | 11:24 PM
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you better enlighten me on this? did I miss something? <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->
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I believe what I meant to say is, We all make mistakes, and we learn by them. Whether they were made by ourselves or others, we learn by the outcome of success or failure and behave accordingly. So, post about the goofups and we'll learn not to do that. Either good or bad, we all learn the message.
 
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Old Mar 10, 2009 | 06:40 AM
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I think he might have been asking about the transmission flush.

Most say its a bad idea to flush a high mileage transmission.

I agree with this, but I also think the flush is a bad idea period.

Just keeping the transmission fluid clean is the most important thing.
 
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Old Mar 10, 2009 | 06:47 AM
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I have been using Chevron ATF for years. I buy it by the case at Costco and I put in everything I have that uses ATF. Its nice an cheap and I have had no problems.
 
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Old Mar 12, 2009 | 10:24 AM
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From: SWFL
Right. As a follow up I purchased the Pro King filter kit and 18 qts of Castrol Dex/Merc atf fluid. I plan on following the the directions on changing the E4OD fluid as outlined by Mark K in F250 Tech Tips.

Regards

CS45

as an add on question---> I am trying to PM a couple members but I can't seem to be able to do this. Do I need a specific amount of posts?
 
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Old Mar 12, 2009 | 10:49 AM
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the reason a ford filter is superior is this:

the filter is not bolted in, it is pressed on.

if it falls down it cause the trans. to not work.

a ford filter does not fall down.

others have.

you decide.
 
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Old Mar 12, 2009 | 10:55 AM
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I am not a fan of synthetic engine oil mainly due to the cost. But if I were to use synthetic it would be in something like the trans, transfer case, or differentials. Oil stays in them things for long periods of time so to me it's not as much a waste of money for superior lubrication.
 
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Old Mar 12, 2009 | 12:14 PM
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Originally Posted by CS45
One further question; is there any advantage with using synthetic fluid versus Mercon?
The new Mecron V is full synthetic.

It is far more important that you change the fluid and filter, than what fluid and filter you use. That being said, I always use the best fluid and filter I can afford. Now I use Mecron V in any Ford transmission, power steering pump, or transfer case that calls for atf. I have seen cheap filters cause equipment failure, especially in late model Ford truck transmissions. You will not regret paying a little more now to save a lot later. By the way, the link below outlines the process for the transmission service.

POWERSTROKEHELP.COM - The Information Source for Ford Power Stroke Diesel Owners
 
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Old Mar 12, 2009 | 12:42 PM
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I have afilter question...
I just went to replace mine, (88 c-6). Everything matches up correctly except the pickup. Both gaskets are correct and the filter is identical to the old one except the hole for the pickup is oblonged. The one in the truck is round. The new filter did not come with a pickup, and the old one won't fit because they are different shapes. Anybody ever have this happen? The box says "performance transmission filter" no brand. Not sure where to go from here.
 
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Old Mar 12, 2009 | 04:18 PM
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I would not guess, I would go with the make/model of vehicle, and get the correct part. The new part has to match the old, for the right function. A 'no-brand-performance filter' may not be for your setup.
 
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