can i just park my truck down hill and open the petcock to drain all the rad fluid
?also was told buy a tranny shop not to monkey with the bands ????
any and all help is great----thanks guys!

 

I put a bucket underneath and took the lower radiator hose off; removing the passenger battery made it easier. It was faster and I was afraid that if I opened the petcock on the radiator, the seal would tear and it would start leaking after I close it. If you do the hose method, you'll need some really big pliers or a special tool for the hose clamp. Either way will work fine though.

A tranny band adjustment shouldn't be necessary. If your truck is shifting fine right now, don't mess with them as they are sensitive and it's a pita to keep dropping the pan to re-adjust them if you don't get it right.