DIY transmission flush..

~$34 for a case of napa “premium performance” dexron III/mercon ATF and the quick disconnect tool set: http://www.napaonline.com/MasterPages/NOLMaster.aspx?PageId=470&LineCode=SER&PartNumber=3530&Description=A%2fC+%26+Fuel+Line+Quick+Disconnect+S et and the job is done. If you use the disconnect tool for the cooler fittings, you need the light blue 3/8” (9mm) one. The cooler lines are 3/8”. I couldn't get the trans line out with the tool, so I wound up popping out the E-clip with a pick. Turns out the line was just kinda stuck in there. The tool would have worked. These lines are a PITA work with as there is not a lot of give being plumbed solid. It took some force even with the clip removed. The line you want to remove is on the right side (passenger side) of the radiator. That's the cooler feed line. Once disconnected, I shoved a pc of vinyl tubing over the trans line so I could route it into a gallon jug. Once you start the truck, the jug will fill up FAST! So get a helper to start/stop the truck for you. I didn't do that the first time and couldn't kill the ignition in time. The drain tube started to spit & sputter, blew out of the jug, did the crazy-dazy, blasting ATF everywhere! These 4L60E's must have a hi volume pump as they will pump a gallon of warm ATF in around 10-15sec. You will get almost exactly a gallon of ATF out each time before it runs dry. Pump'er out just until it looses prime, stop the engine, fill it up with 4qts and repeat. I did it 3x. At button up time I couldn't get the trans line reseated into the radiator fitting. The napa quick disconnect tool worked like a charm for that. The tool allows you to concentrate the force in the right place & the line snapped right into it's seat. Cleaned everything up, took her for a spin and she shifts smooth as silk. The factory ATF didn't look bad @ 20Kmi, but being the second owner, I wasn't going to be happy until it was outa there. I'll do a pan drop & filter change somewhere over 36Kmi. I'm sure the pan magnet has some crud on it, but I've never seen one that didn't. As far as the filter goes, I've never seen one of those even near to being plugged, but that will get changed anyway when ever the pan gets dropped.

Joel

the quick disconnect tool set: [napaonline link]

Joel,

That link shows five plastic adaptors(?). I don't see how those help get the metal lines out of the cooler. Do they fit some tool? Do you have to buy that tool separately? What do the plastic pieces do?

TIA...

The tools are split so you can spread them apart and snap them over the line. If you lay them on their side, they are shaped like this: ___[|]___ You shove the shoulder side into the fitting and it (is supposed to) spread the E-clip open just enough for you to pull the line out of the fitting. The tool slides into the area between the line and fitting. I found it easier to pop the E-clip of with a pick. The tool proved to be extremely useful in seating the line back into the fitting with the E-clip installed.

G/luck
Joel