I just finished doing this fluid and filter change for my transmission, and I read a lot of threads on here along with watching a couple videos about the job. It wasn’t that bad except I’ve always had trouble reading the fluid level on auto transmission dipsticks. It just isn’t as exact for me as checking your engine oil level.

Of those who have done this (not a flush), I’m curious how many quarts of fluid you ended up adding. Eight quarts seems to be a pretty common starting point, and I ended up putting in nine quarts, which looks like it’s right at the max fill line when the transmission temp is about 190*. Then I measured what I took out, and I filled two gallon jugs and one quart container. I had just a little bit left over in the old filter too. So it was encouraging to see I matched what came out with what I added. I may have gotten more out than normal because I parked the truck in my shop last night and never started it before draining the transmission. So in theory I may have gotten more fluid out of the valve body by letting it sit overnight.

Again, those who have done this, please post your quantities because I was looking for a thread like this and couldn’t find one. Thanks.

 

Mine took 9 1/2 qts when I did the trans yesterday, I wanted to flush mine like the Amsoil guy Steve Smith did in his vid but the quick connect fitting was giving me hell so I quit before I broke something.

 

i think I just did 8 or so quarts if I remember correctly.

 

Well, I guess there isn't as much interest in this as I had when I was prepping to do the service. Oh well, I tried.

On a positive note, my truck appreciates the new fluid. This morning I checked the level at a cold idle, and it is exactly just below the lower line of the normal range, which is where I've seen the cold level is supposed to be. Today was the 2nd drive, and it was noticeably smoother when cold, and the shifts seemed better when up to temp too. The fluid I took out was a darker rusty color. Didn't smell burnt. The magnet donut in the bottom of the pan had the normal amount of fine metal attached to it that you see in video. Truck has just under 63k miles.

 

I need to do the same to mine, I'm at 52k. I always read these threads even if I don't reply absorbing data and taking notes of any issues I should look out for.

I understand the gasket is reusable, would it be a good idea to have a replacement on hand just in case? And what brand of fluid is everyone using?

 

I've read that doing a fluid and filter change at our mileage isn't required, but for around $100, I decided it was worth pulling the fluid to look at it, changing the filter is never a bad thing, look at the magnet donut, and see if the change helps the occasional harder cold shifts.

As for the gasket, I was surprised that the tranny pan had the fact that the gasket is reusable stamped right on it. I just cleaned both sides of the gasket, and it worked just fine. I bought the replacement filter at Autozone, and it came with a rubber gasket. So I guess I've got a spare, but I'd hate to fiddle around with that rubber gasket while installing the pan. The OEM rigid gasket automatically lines up with all the bolt holes. You don't have to worry about misalignment like you would with a rubber gasket.

I used Motorcraft Mercon LV just to stick with the original fluid since there's still about 8 quarts in the system that didn't get changed.

 

I just use Motorcraft Mercon LV. As for the gasket, there's no need for a spare one. Unless you decided to bend the living snot out of it for no reason.
They are well constructed gaskets. My 96 E4OD had one also.

As to not requiring the change, why not? It's cheap insurance.

 

Where is everyone sourcing Motorcraft LV? Is it available locally? LV is LV right i don't want to go on a wild goose chase if another brand is available.

 

I have bought it on Amazon before but now I go to the dealership where I have an account. A guy knew my cousin so set up an account for me. I get a discount
I buy it by the case.

 

Buy it from the dealership, should be 6.00 a quart.

 

I did a spreadsheet once to figure out how many drain and fills would it take to replace 100% of the tranny fluid.

the number came out to 17 drain and fills.

understand that draining just the pan, puts you at about 50% new fluid and 50% old fluid.

drain and fill it again, and you have 75% new and 25% old

drain and fill again and you have 87.5% new AND 12.5% old

repeat the process and after 17 drain and fills, you would have gotton 100% of the old fluid out.

 

Yeah but if you drain it early like I did at 30k mile intervals, the fluid will never be out of spec. The resident trans expert @Mark Kovalsky agreed with me. I sent him PMs and that's what he told me.

Edit

I can't remember his exact words but he said what I was doing was good maintenance. Maybe he'll cone here and comment.

 

I think I remember his comment..............60k fluid changes are acceptable and 30k changes is all the better. I myself plan to do changes every 50k

 

You know me, dirt....

I'm overkill buddy.

 

Nothin wrong with that! And to quote a guy in a youtube video I once watched......"You Do You Boo Boo"