How to change transmission fluid and filter?

[bigdawg703]

I have a 2002 4x4 crew cab 4.3 and I was wondering how hard it is to change the fluid and filter in the automatic trans?

[OverBoardProject]

This is an easy job. Park your truck on a set of ramps if possible, or jack it up and secure it on a set of jack stands.
Block the back wheels

Try shaking the truck before you dare crawl under. This is to ensure that it won't roll off the jack stands.

If the engine is hot wait at least 1/2 an hour before you crawl under the truck.
Place a BIG sheet of cardboard down first.
Place oil catch pan under transmission oil pan.
Remove the transmission oil pan, by cracking loose all the bolts. Next start removing them all from 1 side, then the next however leave the front bolt in.
Remove the third rows bolts, and remove all but the outer 2 on the forth row.

At this time the job will get messy.
remove the first bolt that you left on.
Then loosen up the 2 remaining bolts a little at a time. With a bit of luck the oil pan will start to drop, and the oil will drain into the pan.
If it doesn't drop then you'll have to carefully pry it loose.

Of course move the catch pan under the draining oil.
When it's fully drained it's time to remove the 2 bolts, and drain the remaining oil.

Removing the oil filter should be pretty straight forward, and replace it with the new one.

Clean all the gasket surfaces, Install the new pan gasket and bolt it back together.
Add the required amount of oil. Your owners manual should tell you how much you need, along with what type of oil is required.

Start it up and check for leaks. If there aren't any then lower your truck back down and check the oil level when it's hot and the motor's running.

The job really isn't too hard, just messy.
It'll probably take you about an hour, but give yourself the full morning just in case.

[blazee]

You can buy a hand pump for about $10 from most parts stores, and use it to pump most of the fluid out through the dipstick tube before you start. It will make the job much cleaner.

[OverBoardProject]

Verry true, plus this pump can be used to drain your differentials

[bigdawg703]

Thanks again, I think I might go ahead and do this as I drive hard and figure it would be the safe thing to go ahead and change it out

[BLAZERBOY69]

Don't Know If Yours Has These Or Not, But When You Get The Filter Off, There Are Two Senor/pickups That You Should Take Off And Give Them The Once Over(cleaning And Such). I Did This On Mine And Noticed A Little Bit Smoother Shifting Afterwards.