42k miles on my 18. I've only put on 14k. Previous owner didn't tow. I tow heavy often and thought it would be a good idea for a trans fluid change. Question is, what method is suitable? I'm sure dropping the pan and changing the filter is best, but is it really necessary at 42k? Fluid exchange is about half the price, but is it effective? I used to do all of this work myself on past trucks, but dropping a pan on a 2018 is a PIA and refilling isn't much better. Are there any other effective DIY options?

 

IMO exchange it now and every 30-40k. You won't have to touch the filter for a very long time, if ever. These filters are much more efficient than the filters of yore, they don't really need to be changed out that often.

 

Just did mine with a fluid extractor through dipstick hole. Was able to suck out 7.25qts. Refill with some 3/8" id tubing run through engine bay to a funnel.

 

Considering the 'normal' service interval, I had wondered if the filter could stay in longer before a change.

 

I'm surprised you got that much out. When I watched Ford Tech on YouTube I thought he said he only got 5 or so quarts out by dropping the pan. Maybe I misunderstood. Last time I serviced a transmission was a 4r70w. Those were designed to allow for the torque converter to be drained too, but I want to say I was able to pull at least 10 quarts out of that one. ​​​​​​​I have a big fluid extractor and could easily set-up a funnel from the top side. This might be my best option if the filter can handle another 30k.

 

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​I drained a little under 7qts from mine, though I put almost 8 back in to get the level right.

 

I was surprised too.
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what extractor did you use?

 

I assume you did this with a cold trans. By chance do you remember how long the truck sat before extracting the fluid? Just wondering if that had something to do with the volume you pulled out. Or maybe it depends on the cooling system??

 

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