I recently bought a used 98 F-150 with a 4r70w trans. My truck only has about 28k miles. Should i change the fluid soon? How do i drain the fluid out of the torque converter? Should i take my truck to the dealer and have the tranny flushed instead? I heard they don't even take the pan off the tranny. --also-- I was lookin at the front of my truck and i didn't see an aux tranny cooler? Does Ford not install these? Should i add one? Are they difficult to install?

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1998 F-150 XLT 4x4 SC 4.6L Auto, Class III hitch, Pioneer Premiere deck, Boston speakers

 

I beleive it is a 15/16ths bolt on the front of the crankshaft pulley. But first there is a flat metal plate on the trans. bell housing. mine was held in place with 2 small bolts. Take that cover off, then take your breaker bar with the right sized socket and slowly turn the engine until you see a small "plug" on the torque convertor.( many of the newer trucks have a rubber cover about the size of a golf ball that covers the convertor.) Remove this plug, drain completely and then make sure that you install a new trans filter and you should be as good as new. I would do all of this if you don't really know the history of the vehicle. If you haven't ever done this kind of job yourself, get a mechanisc friend to help or take to a trans shop, because it can be pretty messy. BTW, it will take anywhere from 12-15 quarts of trans fluid to refill your trans if you do all of what I mentioned. Good luck with it..Trans cooler is a great idea, especially if you tow, or live in a hot climate. If you don't have one, and you meet any of these 2 categories, then I would spend the money and get one installed, they really are cheap insurance. Any trans shop could do that....

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2000 F150 Lariat Supercab, Oxford White/parchment,157"WB, 5.4, 4R70W,single fact. CD premium sound, remote keyless entry, full leather, 3.55 LS,SRW, Class 3


Mobil 1 5w30 oil with Motorcraft FL-820s
K&N Filtercharger
Penda Bedliner
Solo Radar Detector

[This message has been edited by woodswalker1 (edited 05-02-2001).]

 

Go for the flush. Most oil change places do it & it costs about half as much as at the dealership. The sooner the better.