so i did a normal pan drop and filter change, but this time i also disconnected the tranny cooler line out to install a tee for a temp sender. more fluid came out of both the cooler and tranny, but it seemed like only a quart or two. I have added a total of 9 quarts and it is still reading at the add mark on the dipstick at 150-170 degrees. does it really need more? the math isn't adding up to me and i dont want to overfill...anyone removed this line and knows about how much fluid they had to replace? i have a long drive tomorrow night so i gotta figure it out before then.
thanks guys

 

A little info about the truck would be helpful.

 

my bad... early 03, i was afraid I was adding too much fluid but 2.5 more quarts did the trick. i assume that removing that tranny line drained the torque converter more than i anticipated. just for reference, if you pull the cooler lines with the pan on a 3rd gen, your looking at about 12 quarts to refill. thanks anyways.

 

There is really no standard amount of fluid you'll lose when servicing or removing lines on these trannies.
It depends entirely on how long the vehicle has been parked before you break things open.
The longer it's parked the more ATF will drain.
Best practice is to measure how much drains and add back the same amount.

 

You did check the fluid level with the fluid Hot, in Park and on level ground?