To Flush, or not to Flush, the 4R100
Thread Starter
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MUST GO FASTER!!!!
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 1,538
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From: Arizona
To Flush, or not to Flush, the 4R100
So i have had the truck a while now, runs stupendous, Zero issues other then an O2 sensor i need to replace sometime soon. No leaks other than a tiny little seep on the diff cover, but that too, will be remedied soon.
The Trans has no leaks, no visible seeps, and never misses a beat even towing.
I have not changed its fluid yet, and i have no record of when it was last done, so do i leave it alone and undisturbed, or do i get it flushed and filter done, or do i just have them drop the pan, change the filter, and the fluid in the pan, or don't touch fluid at all?
@Mark Kovalsky Your input would be much appreciated.
The Trans has no leaks, no visible seeps, and never misses a beat even towing.
I have not changed its fluid yet, and i have no record of when it was last done, so do i leave it alone and undisturbed, or do i get it flushed and filter done, or do i just have them drop the pan, change the filter, and the fluid in the pan, or don't touch fluid at all?
@Mark Kovalsky Your input would be much appreciated.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 994
Likes: 367
From: Republic of Texas
The full fluid exchange after the pan filter is an easy job. If you drop the pan for the filter then just refill with the 7 quarts you are only doing about 1/3 of the fluid and it is a partial change. Not knowing the history I would go for the full exchange and maybe an external filter setup.
There are a few write-ups on the procedure just search. The fluid exchange takes about 25 quarts maybe a few less depending on how things go. If you have a few remaining you can also do the power steering system as well while you have your tools out.
The entire job should not take more than a few hours.
Also note:
There is a difference between a fluid exchange and a flush. A flush requires equipment and filters to heat everything up and clean the system. Most shops claim they do flushes but in reality they are just doing a warm fluid exchange.
There are a few write-ups on the procedure just search. The fluid exchange takes about 25 quarts maybe a few less depending on how things go. If you have a few remaining you can also do the power steering system as well while you have your tools out.
The entire job should not take more than a few hours.
Also note:
There is a difference between a fluid exchange and a flush. A flush requires equipment and filters to heat everything up and clean the system. Most shops claim they do flushes but in reality they are just doing a warm fluid exchange.
Thread Starter
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MUST GO FASTER!!!!
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 1,538
Likes: 356
From: Arizona
Good info but not exactly what I was asking, I'm concerned that the fluid change could upset the seals or other bits in the trans and lead to issues down the road, I have a 1500 mile trip in December that I don't want to break down during.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 994
Likes: 367
From: Republic of Texas
That is not how I read the post...
If you have no issues with the transmission new fluid will make it run better and new fluid will not effect seals or cause leaks.
Some complain that when they changed filters and fluid it started having problems. Simply doing basic maintenance will not cause a transmission problem if you have problems after doing maintenance the problem already existed. The old fluid causes more problems in the long run.
The pan gasket should be reusable but I replace mine every few pan drops as they do wear out.
If you have no issues with the transmission new fluid will make it run better and new fluid will not effect seals or cause leaks.
Some complain that when they changed filters and fluid it started having problems. Simply doing basic maintenance will not cause a transmission problem if you have problems after doing maintenance the problem already existed. The old fluid causes more problems in the long run.
The pan gasket should be reusable but I replace mine every few pan drops as they do wear out.
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 7,460
Likes: 85
From: Kent Station, WA
You should be able to do the Mark K method in the tech folder. Change the filter while your at it too.
If your transmission is smooth, shouldn't have any problem changing fluid. When I bought my truck it was rough shifting, drained the pan and replaced what came out. Hard shifting went away. A couple years later I changed all of the fluid.
If your transmission is smooth, shouldn't have any problem changing fluid. When I bought my truck it was rough shifting, drained the pan and replaced what came out. Hard shifting went away. A couple years later I changed all of the fluid.
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 12,052
Likes: 1,550
From: Media PA
Do the Mark K approved full flush, tales of trans issues following a flush are old wives tales, new fluid can only help, any "new" issue was already there brewing.
I know you are somewhat limited on what you can physically do yourself, but other than getting down on the ground under the EX to pull the pan, change the filter and replace the pan this is a pretty easy job. I'm not sure if I would fully trust a shop to follow the full procedure and not just do a pan drop and refill and charge you for a flush. Do you have a teenager or buddy that could lend a hand for the ground work?
When I did the first flush I took advantage of the situation and also swapped out the stock trans cooler for the larger 6.0 cooler. I shound be about due for another flush around this time next year, we have travel plans that include thousands of heavy towing miles scheduled for '22.
I know you are somewhat limited on what you can physically do yourself, but other than getting down on the ground under the EX to pull the pan, change the filter and replace the pan this is a pretty easy job. I'm not sure if I would fully trust a shop to follow the full procedure and not just do a pan drop and refill and charge you for a flush. Do you have a teenager or buddy that could lend a hand for the ground work?
When I did the first flush I took advantage of the situation and also swapped out the stock trans cooler for the larger 6.0 cooler. I shound be about due for another flush around this time next year, we have travel plans that include thousands of heavy towing miles scheduled for '22.
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Thread Starter
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MUST GO FASTER!!!!
Joined: Aug 2020
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From: Arizona
OK, so im going to get the fluid and filter taken care of as covered above when i find a good place to do that.
Next job i want to knock out before the trip is the Diff cover leak, seems like if im going to have the cover pulled anyway, might as well replace the factory cover at the same time with something better. I was looking at these, open to suggestions
https://liftkits4less.com/catalog/pr...IaAtfxEALw_wcB
Next job i want to knock out before the trip is the Diff cover leak, seems like if im going to have the cover pulled anyway, might as well replace the factory cover at the same time with something better. I was looking at these, open to suggestions
https://liftkits4less.com/catalog/pr...IaAtfxEALw_wcB
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Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
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From: Northern California
Change and flush the fluid.
if your trans is going to go it will be because it is already worn out, Not servicing it contributed to this, changing the fluid is required and not the cause of failure.
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 12,052
Likes: 1,550
From: Media PA
OK, so im going to get the fluid and filter taken care of as covered above when i find a good place to do that.
Next job i want to knock out before the trip is the Diff cover leak, seems like if im going to have the cover pulled anyway, might as well replace the factory cover at the same time with something better. I was looking at these, open to suggestions
https://liftkits4less.com/catalog/pr...IaAtfxEALw_wcB
Next job i want to knock out before the trip is the Diff cover leak, seems like if im going to have the cover pulled anyway, might as well replace the factory cover at the same time with something better. I was looking at these, open to suggestions
https://liftkits4less.com/catalog/pr...IaAtfxEALw_wcB
I don't think that cover would pass Gale Banks testing, he did a whole series of videos on how oversized aftermarket diff covers don't flow correctly to properly Lube the gears, his cover solution is very expensive though......... I have the '08 OEM finned aluminum diff cover which is the correct size and shape for gear oiling, and it's cheap! Also have the Lube Locker reusable cover gaskets.
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,725
Likes: 2,651
From: SE Florida
I would never have a shop do a flush if they use any chemicals in the trans. That's bad news.
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 7,460
Likes: 85
From: Kent Station, WA
OK, so im going to get the fluid and filter taken care of as covered above when i find a good place to do that.
Next job i want to knock out before the trip is the Diff cover leak, seems like if im going to have the cover pulled anyway, might as well replace the factory cover at the same time with something better. I was looking at these, open to suggestions
https://liftkits4less.com/catalog/pr...IaAtfxEALw_wcB
Next job i want to knock out before the trip is the Diff cover leak, seems like if im going to have the cover pulled anyway, might as well replace the factory cover at the same time with something better. I was looking at these, open to suggestions
https://liftkits4less.com/catalog/pr...IaAtfxEALw_wcB
Does your truck have a limited slip? Fluid with modifier worked for me.
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 3,096
Likes: 534
From: Rock Hill, SC
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 1,293
Likes: 164
The newer diff covers from the newer sterlings fit fine, I think I put on one from an 07 or 08, can't remember now. Anyways you'll need longer bolts and the fluid capacity is slightly less than what was in their before. But supposedly the fins make up for the cooling.
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 12,052
Likes: 1,550
From: Media PA
That looks to be the one I have and others are commenting on, but they went up in price, I think I paid about 50 bucks for mine.