Can I really change my own transmission fluid?

[wneubauer]

I would like to swap out the factory fluid in my automatic to synthetic. I also want to put a deep pan on. The pan is not the problem, the fluid is. How does a regular guy like me get all the old non-synthetic fluid out of his transmission, and put in the new synthetic fluid, in his driveway? ... without breaking chemical spill regulations? and without wasting 7 or 8 quarts of synthetic fluid? I have searched for answers on the "all knowing" internet, and have not found them or have missed them. Any help you all could give me, especially those of you who have accomplished this task using typical garage equipment, would be very much appreciated! If this is impossible, please let me know that as well...



My basic question is how do you get all the old fluid out, and how do you know you got all the old fluid out, without burning up the transmission??

 

[Hoefler]

It is factory filled with synthetic.

 

[RHestand]

I was able to do this in my driveway on my prev. truck (6. 0 Ferd ) and I think it would probably work just as well on your truck.

Tools: Floorjack -jackstands-hand tools-drain pan.

After pulling pan and inst. new filter, I filled trans. with fresh oil (full mark on dipstick) then disconnect the return line from trans. cooler on the trans. and direct it into drainpan.

Have a friend fire the engine while you're watching old oil being pumped into pan. As soon as you see fresh oil appear, turn engine off. (color changes) Refill trans. with approx. the same amnt. that was pumped out,check dipstick with engine running in N. until full.

It worked for me.



Ray

 

[wneubauer]

This sounds like a great way to do this... . Thanks for the info.



One other question, if the factory fluid is full synthetic, why do i have to do this at 30k??

 

[Strick69]

I used a big rubbermaid container under the pan. Unbolt the pan and just be carfull and you won't spill (too much that is).

 

[tobrien]

I would like to swap out the factory fluid in my automatic to synthetic. I also want to put a deep pan on. The pan is not the problem, the fluid is. How does a regular guy like me get all the old non-synthetic fluid out of his transmission, and put in the new synthetic fluid, in his driveway? ... without breaking chemical spill regulations? and without wasting 7 or 8 quarts of synthetic fluid? I have searched for answers on the "all knowing" internet, and have not found them or have missed them. Any help you all could give me, especially those of you who have accomplished this task using typical garage equipment, would be very much appreciated! If this is impossible, please let me know that as well...



My basic question is how do you get all the old fluid out, and how do you know you got all the old fluid out, without burning up the transmission??

napa and nothern tool sells a cheap, plastic hand pump. get an extra length of tubing. . run down the dipstick tube and pump as much as you can. then lower the pan. there is still fluid in the pan but you are shouldn't spill any if you are careful.

 

[mberry]

This sounds like a great way to do this... . Thanks for the info.



One other question, if the factory fluid is full synthetic, why do i have to do this at 30k??

Because not all synthetics are created equal. If it were me, I would flush the entire trans and put in Amsoil. That's my opinion on the matter.

 

[RobertP]

Because not all synthetics are created equal. If it were me, I would flush the entire trans and put in Amsoil. That's my opinion on the matter.

i agree with that also if it were mine. but i have seen alot of guys just drop the pan and change the filter then install amsoil. with no problems to date.

 

[thejeepdude]

No need for a buddy... pull the rear transmission line (return) and put it in catch reservoir. Put truck in neutral with P-Brake on. Start truck and watch the flow. . when it starts to slow down, turn off truck. Pour 4 qts of new fluid in the dipstick. Repeat until you've cycled as much fluid through as you like. I installed a PML pan at the same time and went through 16 qts. Make sure to check the fluid level at 170-180F. I had to drain about 1/2qt back out of the pan... that would be a pain with the stock pan with no plug! When the fluid slows, it's due to the fluid level dropping below the intake level in the pan. To avoid overfilling, after the last time you reach this level, close it up and pour 3 qts in and heat it up, check level, add fluid as required, checking often.

 

[pwr2tow]

Or you could just measure the amount you drained and add back the same.

 

[mberry]

i agree with that also if it were mine. but i have seen alot of guys just drop the pan and change the filter then install amsoil. with no problems to date.

That's true, they are compatible fluids. But to me that's like buying new shoes and wearing old socks with them. Why waste the money on Amsoil if you're going to dilute it with old and inferior fluid. That's something I personally am not comfortable with.

 

[DieselFiend]

So I'm getting ready to change out my transmission fluid. Pulling the rear return line, starting the truck in neutral and letting the fluid circulate through until the fluid is new is how you flush it?

 

[JDarr]

I saw a guy get two five gallon buckets in one bucket he poured the amount needed to fill the transmission and unhooked the supply cooler line from the radiator and put the return line that also goes in the radiator in the empty bucket when the fluid was clean he said he was done reinstalled lines and was finished