E.B. Cornburner
Explorer Addict
- Joined
- April 20, 2007
- Messages
- 1,135
- Reaction score
- 7
- City, State
- Oshkosh, WI
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 2004 Eddie Bauer
Finally I got the time and ambition to do my tranny service. Got a filter from Carquest and a case of Castrol-branded Mercon V ATF and had at 'er this morning. It's not bad to do at all...Pop the drain plug with a 22mm socket, and let the majority of the fluid drain out, then start taking out the pan bolts with an 8mm.
Once cracked open, I saw it wasn't all that bad looking in there, a little iron "fuzz" on the magnet, and the fluid was a bit dark, but I've seen a lot worse. Installed the new filter (2 bolts hold it in), and buttoned everything up. The gasket is re-useable...Don't use the one supplied in the kits...They're junk.
Now on to the fun part...Filling the bastid. I actually bought the fill tool from OTC just because, but a 1/8" NPT threaded hose fitting is the same thing. Take a T-30 Torx socket and remove the inner plug from the drain plug, and install the tool. Then, one pint at a time, I filled it with a common suction gun. It'll take about 3 quarts initially, then you have to start it and shift it thru the gears.
Now, with it running, it'll take an additional 3 quarts, give or take.
Having a hoist is almost a necessity doing this service...I couldn't imagine doing it on the ground.
Took it out for its initial road test, and the difference was astounding...It shifts like liquid silk now! Definitely something that needs to be done more than the recommended 100,000 miles on these even in light duty service, such as mine experiences.
I also did the transfer case and power steering fluids since I had extra Merc V on hand now. Surprisingly, the transfer case fluid was blacker than the ace of spades! I took a half quart or so and dumped it right thru to help flush it out, then refilled it with fresh fluid. Don't know if it improved anything, but judging by the look of the fluid that came out, it definitely needed to be changed.
The power steering fluid looked fine, but I changed it anyhow. Figure it can't hurt anything.
I have 86,000 miles on the ticker, and it was definitely overdue IMHO for the ATF and transfer case services. If your mileage is close, I'd make it a point to get them done soon.
Once cracked open, I saw it wasn't all that bad looking in there, a little iron "fuzz" on the magnet, and the fluid was a bit dark, but I've seen a lot worse. Installed the new filter (2 bolts hold it in), and buttoned everything up. The gasket is re-useable...Don't use the one supplied in the kits...They're junk.
Now on to the fun part...Filling the bastid. I actually bought the fill tool from OTC just because, but a 1/8" NPT threaded hose fitting is the same thing. Take a T-30 Torx socket and remove the inner plug from the drain plug, and install the tool. Then, one pint at a time, I filled it with a common suction gun. It'll take about 3 quarts initially, then you have to start it and shift it thru the gears.
Now, with it running, it'll take an additional 3 quarts, give or take.
Having a hoist is almost a necessity doing this service...I couldn't imagine doing it on the ground.
Took it out for its initial road test, and the difference was astounding...It shifts like liquid silk now! Definitely something that needs to be done more than the recommended 100,000 miles on these even in light duty service, such as mine experiences.
I also did the transfer case and power steering fluids since I had extra Merc V on hand now. Surprisingly, the transfer case fluid was blacker than the ace of spades! I took a half quart or so and dumped it right thru to help flush it out, then refilled it with fresh fluid. Don't know if it improved anything, but judging by the look of the fluid that came out, it definitely needed to be changed.
The power steering fluid looked fine, but I changed it anyhow. Figure it can't hurt anything.
I have 86,000 miles on the ticker, and it was definitely overdue IMHO for the ATF and transfer case services. If your mileage is close, I'd make it a point to get them done soon.