i have an '07 with a 5.4, the truck has 34k on it and i want to change the AT fluid myself. I researched past posts and the general idea of getting the fluid out of the TC is to remove the lower cooler line going to the cooler and start the truck....

to me, this seems like a risky plan, running an oil pump with no oil? is it designed to do this? or am i reading into this wrong?

and really, i would have paid another $5 when i bought the truck for Ford to put a drain plug on the TC....

 

yup, that's the way to do it. the way i did it was to let the engine run until about 2 qts of fluid come out, then turn the engine off and add a couple qts of new fluid into the dipstick hole. then repeat until the fluid coming out of the cooler line was red.

 

Well, I think you're part right. The posts I've seen have users putting fluid back in as it drains through the dip stick whole (as tmut said) or putting a bunch in a bucket it and letting the other line on the cooler suck it up as the other line drains. I wouldn't just start it up and allow it to fully drain out.

 

I also think it is risky... It is the old way of doing it, Some E4)D trannys have a drain plug in the converter... You can tell if you have one by checking the dust cover, under the toque converter. If it has a rubber plug that pops out, you have a drain plug on your converter... CHances are you dont though.

If you have the torque shift, you have an inline filter, up by the radiator, right side. it needs changed. ( looks like a roll of toilet paper)

I pay $125 (torque chift)at the dealer, because they also check the line preassure, and that could avoid any issues, and if something happens they have history, and adj they did, as to not void the warranty

 

I think I would just have the deal do it or someone that has a machine. Just sounds easier and cleaner as much as you have to do it. Why take the chance if you are not sure and damage a $4k trans in the process. Not really sure what they cost but not cheap I know that much. LOL