2004 Scab 5.4 transmission fluid change question
01-26-2015, 02:26 AM
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: KC Metro-Missouri-formerly WI
Posts: 281
Likes: 0
Received 16 Likes
on
15 Posts
If towing, I'd change the filter also
I also use my 06 F-150 to tow a 4500 travel trailer and changed the fluid/filter @ 30K. I was amazed on the crap on the magnet. The pan came off super easy and gasket is reusable. I used a WIX filter and Mobil 1 ATF-4 Qts. Truck seems to shift a bit smoother and gas mileage improved about 0.1-0.3. I'd highly recommend you change the fluid/filter every 30K, as you are severe service towing a trailer and this is what Ford recommends.
01-26-2015, 06:23 AM
#12
Moderator (Ret.)
Why are folks still against a flush with higher mileage? Any good transmission shop uses a low pressure flush system, so the old myth of debri clogging the valve body is no longer an issue. They will also drop the pan, replace the filter, and clean.
One post mentions comparing changing oil without a filter to doing the same with your engine oil...how about the fact that changing only the transmission oil in the pan is like changing only 2 quarts in the engine, and leaving the remainder dirty oil? That's effectively what you're doing with just a transmission pan drop; getting a few quarts of clean, but leaving several dirty quarts in the torque converter to mix with what you added with just a pan drop.
I've had automatic transmission flushes done on many used trucks I've bought over the years, and never had issues with a flush. Again, talk with the advisor, and ask what type of flush machines are used. Your ford dealer, or good transmission shop will have the correct ones.
One post mentions comparing changing oil without a filter to doing the same with your engine oil...how about the fact that changing only the transmission oil in the pan is like changing only 2 quarts in the engine, and leaving the remainder dirty oil? That's effectively what you're doing with just a transmission pan drop; getting a few quarts of clean, but leaving several dirty quarts in the torque converter to mix with what you added with just a pan drop.
I've had automatic transmission flushes done on many used trucks I've bought over the years, and never had issues with a flush. Again, talk with the advisor, and ask what type of flush machines are used. Your ford dealer, or good transmission shop will have the correct ones.
Last edited by Mod (Ret.); 01-26-2015 at 06:58 AM.
08-26-2016, 09:04 AM
#13
Junior Member
If you're not going to replace the filter, then use your extracter. That would be less messy and easier. They say the trans filter is a lifetime part, but it's so cheap, I don't see why you wouldn't. I'm not saying replace it with every oil change, but I think it would be best to change it every once in a while. If someone knows why it shouldn't be replaced, I'm all ears.
