Have 2004.5 3500 5.9 diesel dually. Has a 48re. my manual that came with the vehicle says that the trans holds 4 qts/ The factory manual that I have says that it holds 4 qts. My trans had 8 qts in it and it wasn't overfilled. Did that drain my torque converter as well??? How much does my torque converter hold? If not what do you recommend doing to change the oil out of the torque converter.

 

Just pull the pan and drain. It will all come out. Mine took 6.5qts to fill. I'd say just add 4 at first and then keep adding a quart here and a quart there while the truck is warm and in neutral until you're at the full mark.

 

The trans actually holds around 16-18 quarts. The TC doesn't have a drain plug on it. The only way to get all the fluid is to do a "fluid exchange". I personally just drain what comes out when dropping the pan change the filter and refill.

 

My concern is although I don't seem to be having any problems with my transmission in pulling the pan and draining the oil I have found that the oil is brown and looks like dirty motor oil. Doesn not seem to smell burned however.
It concerns me about leaving that is remaining in the converter. Recently purchased the truck and don't know the history of it.

 

Get a fluid exchange.

 

Okay you got the factory manual so I won't go in filter, bands, torque specs etc. There is a easy way to get all the old brown fluid out of the tq, coolers lines. After changing the filter and bolting up the pan. Add a gallon of atf4 down the dip stick tube, remove the rear line on the tranny and force a 5/8" ID hose over the flare end. I have a cheap clear vinyl hose for this. Next start the truck and place the gear selector in neutral. Have the hose going into the empty gallon jug first. When close to full shutdown and add another gallon down the dipstick. I usually use 4 gallons total for a complete fluid exchange and it is obvious when you see the color change in the hose. Just do it

 

Just an idea but you could pull a sample from the transmission and send it to Blackstone labs and get it analyzed (sp).

 

Thanks for the info. Appreciate it. Taking your advice and will go ahead and get that done. Once again thanks.

Having said that the oil was brown but didn't seem to smell burned this was probably from being overheated at one time? Whats your opinion it has done any damage to the bands or clutches. My band adjustments were ok. Thanks again

 

The only sure way to tell is to break down the trans and examine the clutch packs. Since you are not having issues a fluid change will be all. You will notice a difference in the way the trans behaves with clean fluid, my opinion is the additives degrade over time, as in any oil. Remember heat is the killer for a auto tranny.

 

Do you know how many miles you have on the current fluid?

I suggest you just change out the fluid with new........no need to "fluid exchange", imo, but you do need to change that tranmission filter. Then get on a schedule, say every 20k or every 25k and replace fluid/filter again.

I doubt your trans is hurt if it is shifting fine now.

..