How much ATF do I need?

[Mtn8er]

Can someone tell me approximately how much ATF I would need to do a complete tranny flush...including dropping the pan to put in a new filter and shift kit? I've heard different things from different people (anywhere from 12-17 quarts) and want to buy my Amsoil ATF before my Amsoil preferred customer account expires.

 

[BrooklynBay]

It's impossible to flush out the entire system without disassembling the transmission. I think you would only need a few quarts. Do you have an external transmission filter, and extra cooler? That would take a little more fluid. A deep 4X4 pan uses more fluid than a regular pan. They also sell an extra deep aftermarket pan which uses about 3 quarts.

 

[Mtn8er]

It's impossible to flush out the entire system without disassembling the transmission. I think you would only need a few quarts. Do you have an external transmission filter, and extra cooler? That would take a little more fluid. A deep 4X4 pan uses more fluid than a regular pan. They also sell an extra deep aftermarket pan which uses about 3 quarts.

No external transmission filter but it has the tranny cooler up front by the radiator. You think 16 quarts should be enough?

 

[aldive]

When I do a complete tranny flush, I use 17 quarts of Amsoil ATF plus one more for the filter. I do not do pan drops. I do have an external filter.

 

[Mtn8er]

When I do a complete tranny flush, I use 17 quarts of Amsoil ATF plus one more for the filter. I do not do pan drops. I do have an external filter.

So you use a total of 18? Well if I'm going to be dropping the pan to replace the filter and install a valve body shift kit PLUS do the complete full system flush, how many quarts do you think I should buy just to be safe?

What's the best way to do all this? First drop the pan and do the filter/shift kit then put the pan back on, fill it back up then do the flush? Or could I still do the flush when the pan isn't filled?

 

[BrooklynBay]

When I do a complete tranny flush, I use 17 quarts of Amsoil ATF plus one more for the filter. I do not do pan drops. I do have an external filter.

The internal filter is the primary filter. The external filter is only a secondary filter. The internal filter catches a lot of stuff, and should be replaced at regular intervals. The external filter doesn't always have to be replaced at regular intervals, but is a good idea to replace at the same time as the internal one.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Mike, did you see AlDive's sticky about flushing a transmission? Here is the link: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=77507 As for the flush. Drop the pan, drain the fluid, do the shift kit, replace the filter, put the pan back on, fill with ATF, drive it a little bit, then if it feels OK do the flush.

 

[aldive]

The internal filter is the primary filter. The external filter is only a secondary filter. The internal filter catches a lot of stuff, and should be replaced at regular intervals. The external filter doesn't always have to be replaced at regular intervals, but is a good idea to replace at the same time as the internal one.

I have never seen anything on the internal filter, therefore I no longer change it. I change the external filter about every year ( and I have never seen anything on it upon disection ).

 

[aldive]

Have you considered using a computer flash to improve the shifts rather than a hardware fix?

 

[Mtn8er]

Have you considered using a computer flash to improve the shifts rather than a hardware fix?

Yeah, right now I actually have a custom torque 92 octane tune from Doug at BamaChips using my XCAL II. It did firm the shifts up a little but it's hardly noticeable sometimes.

 

[Mtn8er]

Mike, did you see AlDive's sticky about flushing a transmission? Here is the link: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=77507 As for the flush. Drop the pan, drain the fluid, do the shift kit, replace the filter, put the pan back on, fill with ATF, drive it a little bit, then if it feels OK do the flush.

Yeah I saw that, thanks though. So if I'm going to be dropping the pan plus doing a flush then what am I looking at, maybe 20 quarts of ATF?

 

[aldive]

Thats about right.

Good luck ....

 

[Turdle]

Are you going to do the "J-mod"?

You should be able to drain the torque converter-drop pan, do valve body work, and refill on 13-14 quarts.
Look for the inspection plug on the bell housing
When it is removed, you can see the torque converter-slowly rotate engine until the drain plug is facing down.

You will have to refill in increments--

 

[Mtn8er]

Are you going to do the "J-mod"?

You should be able to drain the torque converter-drop pan, do valve body work, and refill on 13-14 quarts.
Look for the inspection plug on the bell housing
When it is removed, you can see the torque converter-slowly rotate engine until the drain plug is facing down.

You will have to refill in increments--

No "J-mod", I was going to get the Baumann valve body shift kit...I'll probably do the stage 3. Well I think I'm just going to buy 20 quarts that way I have some extra "just to have."