Transmission service advise

[CrapaTaurusWrecks]

I'm about to change the transmission filter and fluid in my 1996 Taurus GL with a Vulcan engine and AXOD tranny. The car has 71k miles and this is the first time that I have serviced the transmission since I bought the car a little over a year ago. The tranny works pretty good especially for a 96. It occasionally clunks when shifting in and out of park and has minimal slippage while driving. No leaks or burning smell either.
*I want to do my best to avoid all of the typical Taurus transmission issues so I'm looking for advise on what to look for while I have the tranny pan off and anything I might want to include in my mainainance schedule.
I'm planning on using a Fram filter and Wal-Mart Super-Tech tranny fluid.
*Another question, stamped right on my tranny pan it reads, "reusable rubber gasket." Would this be true for even a 12 year old gasket?
*Last question, from reading other posts about transmission servicing I'm a bit confused about wheather or not it is a good idea to use Slick50 or TransX transmission cleaner/conditioner. Anyone have any experience with these?

Thanks,

TaurusGLenn

[Scrapper]

when you get pan and filter off you can spray that then i would take a magnet in old fluid and see if alot of metal shavings in there..

[wafrederick]

It is true,the pan gasket is reusable.Stay away from Slick 50,does damage and I know of 2 engines seizing up due to slick 50.Lucas is great for transmissions.Lucas makes great products and stand behind their stuff.

[Willyum]

Crappataurus,
You're doing what I do every 30K miles. Drain, clean the pan and magnet, replace the filter, & refill. You'll be able to tell a lot about the transmission's condition by what the sludge in the bottom of the pan looks like and what's on the magnet.
Be sure what you're refilling with Mercon V.