does anybody know how much (1995 thunderbird with a v8) fluid the transmission hold without draining the torque converter?

I don't know the answer but if you are going through the trouble of changing the filter and fluid in the transmission, you should drain the torque converter, also. The lines going to the trans cooler should also be blown out with air to get rid of the old fluid in the cooler. There is a drain plug in the front of the torque converter. Remove the inspection cover and spin the engine until you see it. I've used a socket and breaker bar on the harmonic balancer bolt to spin the engine until the drain plug is in sight. If you want to avoid tranny problems, change all of the fluid! Like the saying goes, "Spend a little now or a lot later!" You don't just change the filter and add one quart of oil when it's time for an engine oil change do you? That's what you are thinking of doing to the transmission! One last reason to drain all of the fluid is that you probably don't know what kind is in it (Mercon)? It isn't recommended to mix Mercon with Mercon V, which is now the fluid that is recommended. Here's a link to a TSB on Stangnet. http://www.stangnet.com/images/stories/docs/sn95_TSBs/06-14-04.pdf Good Luck!

does anybody know how much (1995 thunderbird with a v8) fluid the transmission hold without draining the torque converter?

I'm not sure, but isn't there a way to empty the TC by just putting it in gear and idling for like two minutes?

That might work if you want to replace the burned up tranny instead of just the fluid!

Lol yeah I suppose. I just heard that I never tried it

97bird... are you on tccoa?

I visit once in a while.

I'm not sure, but isn't there a way to empty the TC by just putting it in gear and idling for like two minutes?

http://forums.tccoa.com/showthread.php?t=123083

Bob, To each his own. I would not do it that way and don't recommend it. It's much easier and safer to just remove the plug and let the TC drain.

Well, for whatever reason this guy doesn't want to drain his TC, this is an option.

since op has not stated miles on trans between fluid and filter changes i would disagree with total change of fluid, its not like changing eng oil. eng does not rely on friction clutches but the tranny does and if trannys clutches are worn removing old fluid with clutch material suspended in that fluid could distroy trans. if changed at proper intervals and fluid is clean then and only then would i try a complete fluid change