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Transmission Fluid Change

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Nboogades

Transmission Fluid Change

Good Morning Everyone,
This is around my third post so far and just wanted to let everyone know that I’ve felt extremely welcome so far and really appreciate all the help as I am new to working on vehicles.
My question today is about transmission fluid changes. I’ve heard friends say before that changing trans fluid isn’t always a good move because some metal shavings and chips inside the fluid can actually keep the transmission running better than if they weren’t in there. My intention today is simply to drain the fluid in my pan and replace the pan gasket, then put new fluid in. I figure since it’s not a full system flush and I will only be replacing that fluid was in the pan, everything that’s still “stuck” in the trans will stay there. I was wondering what others opinion on this is. Additionally, i want to make sure I’m using the correct fluid. I have Dextron VI fluid on hand right now, but I think Ford originally called for Dextron III. Will VI still be compatible with my 86 f-150 302 C6 4x4?
Thanks,
Nick

1986 F-150 XLT Lariat 4WD 302

Gary Lewis

Re: Transmission Fluid Change

Administrator

Glad you are finding the help you need.

But I strongly disagree with those who say not to drain a transmission. You don't want bits in the system, and draining the system helps to get them out so you won't have any. That's because the place where you drain is well below "the system" so there's no chance of them getting there by you draining it - assuming you clean the pan well. And, you want to get new fluid in there as the friction modifiers in the fluid quit working over time, as do the chemicals that keep the seals soft and pliable. I have a story about that if you want to see it.

However, you are in for a real treat when you drain that tranny. Try as I have to NOT make a mess, I have made a huge one each time I've done it. So I've vowed to NEVER drain one w/o installing a drain plug in the pan while it is off, if not replacing the pan with one that has a drain plug in it already.

Also, while in there you need to replace the filter. And, the tranny itself holds less than 1/2 of the fluid. You need to drain the torque converter to get the rest of it. Pull the little cover in front of the torque converter and rotate the engine by hand w/a 15/16" socket on the crank pulley's bolt and soon you'll see a little drain plug.

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Dad's: '81 F150 Ranger XLT 4x4: Down for restomod: Full-roller "stroked 351M" w/Trick Flow heads & intake, EEC-V SEFI/E4OD/3.50 gears w/Kevlar clutches
Blue: 2015 F150 Platinum 4x4 SuperCrew wearing Blue Jeans & sporting a 3.5L EB & Max Tow
Big Blue: 1985 F250HD 4x4: 460/ZF5/3.55's, D60 w/Ox locker & 10.25 Sterling/Trutrac, Blue Top & Borgeson, & EEC-V MAF/SEFI

Nboogades

Re: Transmission Fluid Change

Thanks Gary! And yes I do have a filter so I’ll put that in too. Now about the fluid, will my Dextron VI work for my transmission (C6)?
-Nick

1986 F-150 XLT Lariat 4WD 302

Gary Lewis

Re: Transmission Fluid Change

Administrator

Yes, I think so. I say that because AC Delco says, with the bolding mine:

ACDelco GM OE DEXRON-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid is the most recent release in the well-established DEXRON series of automotive transmission fluids. It provides consistent shift performance, even in extreme conditions. DEXRON-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid is suitable for use in vehicles that specify the following requirements: fully licensed and approved by GM, recommended for use in GM transmissions model year 2006 and newer calling for DEXRON-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (replaces DEXRON-III and DEXRON-II(E), or recommended for any other vehicle manufacturer that calls for DEXRON-VI, III, or II(E).

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Nboogades

Re: Transmission Fluid Change

Awesome, thanks

1986 F-150 XLT Lariat 4WD 302

85lebaront2

Re: Transmission Fluid Change

Administrator

In reply to this post by Gary Lewis

Gary, a tidbit of information. Chrysler has a newer Fluid out, ATF+4 that they are recommending for all their automatics in place of Dexron. It has a friction modifier like the old Ford Type F did. It might do well in any transmission where Dexron was specified.

Bill AKA "LOBO" Profile

"Getting old is inevitable, growing up is optional" Darth Vader 1986 F350 460 converted to MAF/SEFI, E4OD 12X3 1/2 rear brakes, traction loc 3:55 gear, 160 amp 3G alternator Wife's 2011 Flex Limited Daily Driver 2009 Flex Limited with factory tow package Project car 1986 Chrysler LeBaron convertible 2.2L Turbo II, modified A413

grumpin

Re: Transmission Fluid Change

85lebaront2 wrote

Gary, a tidbit of information. Chrysler has a newer Fluid out, ATF+4 that they are recommending for all their automatics in place of Dexron. It has a friction modifier like the old Ford Type F did. It might do well in any transmission where Dexron was specified.

That’s interesting Bill!

Dane
1986 F250HD SC XLT Lariat 4x4 460 C6-Sold
1992 Bronco XLT 4x4 351W E4OD
1998 GMC Sierra SLE K1500 350 4L60E
Arizona

Gary Lewis

Re: Transmission Fluid Change

Administrator

In reply to this post by 85lebaront2

Yes, that is interesting. Thanks, Bill.

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile