Transmission Flush?

[bogart219]

Yellow all,
I just bought a 04 ranger edge 4x4 supercab 4.0 with 98K miles on it. I believe when the guy I bought it off of got it about 50-60k miles ago, he had the radiator and transmission flushed. I was wondering if I should have the tranny flushed again or just change the fluid and filter and not have it flushed. I remember reading in other forums here that you have to watch flushing because sometimes it could cause bigger problems. What do you think? Thanks!

[Davescort97]

With 40k-50k on the tranny flush it would be a smart thing to do it again. I agree with you. Flushing an older vehicle with a lot of miles loosens up some of the awfulest sludge and debris you could imagine. Then filters and pumps start failing. I, and this is just me, believe in disturbing sludge as little as possible.

[bogart219]

Yeah, I think I'll do a fluid change and filter. Thanks!

[rum runner]

You can do it yourself and save a few bucks. The bottom transmission line (on your radiator) is the return line. Drop that line in a bucket. Drop the tranny pan and drain about 3 qts. hot (I always install a tranny pan plug, get'um at NAPA). Change your tranny filter. Re-install the pan. Add 2-1/2 3 qts. to transmission.

Start the engine until transmission pumps about 3 qts. into bucket. Shut engine off. Add 3 more qts. Do this until fluid looks clean. Your transmission probably holds 10 qts. I usually flush with about 12 qts. Some people dump all the tranny fluid at once, it's up to the individual.

Be sure to use the correct ATF. If it calls for Mercon V, use that only. If you have really dirty fluid (where a huge difference is noticed in shifting) reset your PCM by disconnecting your battery for an hour.

If your transmission isn't operating properly.......try this before taking it to the shop. Add 6 oz. of Auto-RX, drive the vehicle 1000 miles and flush the tranny fluid per the above process. Auto-RX.com

I have heard that Sea Foam Trans Tune works well.

Just trying to save yall a buck, times are hard man.

[bogart219]

Originally Posted by rum runner

You can do it yourself and save a few bucks. The bottom transmission line (on your radiator) is the return line. Drop that line in a bucket. Drop the tranny pan and drain about 3 qts. hot (I always install a tranny pan plug, get'um at NAPA). Change your tranny filter. Re-install the pan. Add 2-1/2 3 qts. to transmission.

Start the engine until transmission pumps about 3 qts. into bucket. Shut engine off. Add 3 more qts. Do this until fluid looks clean. Your transmission probably holds 10 qts. I usually flush with about 12 qts. Some people dump all the tranny fluid at once, it's up to the individual.

Be sure to use the correct ATF. If it calls for Mercon V, use that only. If you have really dirty fluid (where a huge difference is noticed in shifting) reset your PCM by disconnecting your battery for an hour.

If your transmission isn't operating properly.......try this before taking it to the shop. Add 6 oz. of Auto-RX, drive the vehicle 1000 miles and flush the tranny fluid per the above process. Auto-RX.com

I have heard that Sea Foam Trans Tune works well.

Just trying to save yall a buck, times are hard man.

Hey Rum, thanks for the detailed instructions. I think I can handle this