OK this will rank right up there with the dumbest of questions but I haven't been on in awhile and would like to get some feedback (you're a big dummy, has already been given)

The truck in my sig has 98K miles on it. I have done regular oil changes and done needed repairs. The one maintenance item that I have neglected is a transmission fluid change. (There is the big dummy part).

The truck was my daily driver and towing rig. It is now more of a towing rig as I bought an 89 Dakota for daily duty.

I have heard or read that many people claim that if the tranny fluid isn't changed near the rquired interval it is not wise to do it as you will loosen up junk and trash the tranny.

Now I am going to have the fluid and filter changed anyway but I would like to hear anyones experience with this issue. (first hand would be better).

Secondly, any recomendations for typical drain and change or full flush?

Thanks for your input.

Hondo

 

I would say with these synthetic fluids of today that may not be the case. If your really concerned, I would change it, leave it in a while and then change it again relatively quick. Would flush any junk out of it.

 

What I think you are refering to is the older trannies that used any ol' fluid would go for many thousands of miles (should't but did) and the burnt fluid with all the junk floating around would keep the parts working with the friction. Once the fluid is changed and the junk is washed out they started to slip real bad and needed to be rebuilt.
In your case I would make sure the fluid is not too bad but change it anyway. You "Should" be fine. I would also change it and the filter again in about 10 to 15k miles or sooner if you can. Start the good maint. intervals now.

 

Don't get it flushed! Just drop the pan, change the filter, and add back ATF +4. Drive it a while, maybe 10K-20K and do it again. and from then on get on a regular interval. I do mine every 20K.

As long as you don't flush (loosening up stuff) I would think you would be ok.

You gotta change that filter though...regardless......which involves dropping the pan.

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A FLIUD EXCHANGE is not going to harm a thing.Getting all OLD fliud out and new in is just fine.Handled thousands of this same deal.It will shift better and torque convertor lockup will be improved.At that mileage change the filter add some fliud,hook it to a BG fliud EXCHAMGE machine or similiar and get all fliud replaced including in the coolers,lines and so on.Many hundereds are done daily on many differant makes nationwide with noting but good benifits.

 

i have the tranny flushed every 30,000 miles. it costs me 200.00 bucks, which i consider cheap insurance.

 

Its not a flush.Its a fluid exchange.

 

I follow maintenance service schedule "B". Drain and refill transmission fluid. Replace filter and adjust bands. 48RE only though. Had an older chevy gasser with a 700R4 that was shifting like crap. Performed a fluid exchange and replaced the filter, shifted and performed like new.

 

Is there some reason it should not be called a flush? Seems like a flush to me.

 

Are you getting the filter changed too? You gotta drop the pan to get to the filter.

When I was at my DTT builder's shop, he had a transmission sitting on the floor that was ruined from a "Flush" Machine. He has seen it many many times.
He recommends drain, drop pan, change filter, refill. It won't get it all out but it gets enough out, particularly if you do it regularly.

Im not saying that a "fluid exchange" machine like Hounddog proposes will hurt your trans,,,,,,,,,,but you still gotta change the filter. And that involves dropping the pan.



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Its not a FLUSH because the machine has NO PUMP or pressure.Its going out and in by the trans itself in Low or Reverse.The machine is a basically a bladder and holding tank.All I ever had or saw was excellent results in two different but very busy shops over a 4 year period.Only time I had customer comments about a improved feel afterwards .