97 Blazer tranny fluid change

[GT55]

The tranny is a little sluggish shifting(also sometimes gives codes for tranny problems). So first I have decided to change out the filter and fluid. I've noticed an exhaust pipe runnng under the tranny pan. So where do I jack this thing, to clear the pipe and get the pan off and the filter out? I don't want to brake anything and make things worse.

Thanks All

GT

[dewaynep]

The easiest way is to put it up on ramps so you aren't fighting with the jack stands in your way. The pan will come out without dropping the crossover pipe if you have a universal joint socket to get access.

[mike2004tct]

To avoid any problems, read this thread I started a few weeks back about tranny fluid change.

Might help you some.


http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=963552

[GT55]

Originally Posted by mike2004tct

To avoid any problems, read this thread I started a few weeks back about tranny fluid change.

Might help you some.


http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=963552

Read your post, but where did you place the jack to lift the tranny? Like I said before I need to know exactly where to place the jack as not to bust the tranny housing. By the way your previous post was very usefull !!!
On another topic. I have some new (Walmart brand) tranny fluid. Is it cridical to use your special tranny fluid or can I use the Wally world blend? How did you clean out your tranny cooler in your radiator?

Many Thanks


GT

[manicmechanix]

Why would you try to jack up the car at the transmission? You never want to jack the vehicle by the powertrain. I don't know what kind of jack you are using, maybe a floor jack, but a blazer has all kinds of places you could jack it up from. The front crossmember or the side frame rails is where you'd do it. Make sure you put jack stands under the frame.

Edit: I see you were probably asking where to jack the transmission when you go to unhook the trans crossmember. Jack the transmission by it's pan to get it off the crossmember. You could also support it by it's tail shafy. It's not really necessary to support the transmission when you unhook the trans crossmember but you might want to so the trans stay in line to get to the pan bolts.

I think your Blazer calls for Dexron III which this Walmart fluid probably is. You can check your owner's manual for the fluid requirements and capacity. If it were me for a few dollars more I would get a name brand fluid Dexron III or Dexron VI, and I'd also get the AC delco filter and gasket. To flush out the cooler, probably the easiest way is to unhook the return line at the transmission.

Too flush the transmission, after changing the filter out, top the fluid level, unhook the line and start and idle the engine. Shift through all the ranges for a few seconds, but make sure the parking brake is set and someone is holding the service brake firm (I'd probably put the rear axles on jack stands too for extra safety). Put it back in Park. Make sure the fluid level doesn't drop too low and when you see the line running clean fluid shut it down and hook up the line. This could flush out the whole transmission too, but you'll be going through a lot of fluid.

[mike2004tct]

Originally Posted by GT55

Read your post, but where did you place the jack to lift the tranny? Like I said before I need to know exactly where to place the jack as not to bust the tranny housing. By the way your previous post was very usefull !!!
On another topic. I have some new (Walmart brand) tranny fluid. Is it cridical to use your special tranny fluid or can I use the Wally world blend? How did you clean out your tranny cooler in your radiator?

Many Thanks


GT

As long as the fluid is Dextron III/ Mercon rated, it should be fine.

I had my truck on stands in the front, and I disconnected the tranny from the cross-member (2 bolts). I then put a jack under the tail shaft of the tranny, behind the cross-member.

[GT55]

Originally Posted by mike2004tct

As long as the fluid is Dextron III/ Mercon rated, it should be fine.

I had my truck on stands in the front, and I disconnected the tranny from the cross-member (2 bolts). I then put a jack under the tail shaft of the tranny, behind the cross-member.

Thanks Guys.
That's exactly what I was looking for. Tomorrow I'll pick up the filter and gasket. I'm also working on a fuel pump issue on my 94 Jimmy. Its on the Jimmy site now. I guess tomorrow I'm fixen on given the parts house guys some more money...

(Just food for thought) I wonder if the guys that thought to put the fuel pumps in the tanks are the same guys that put tranny filters in the pan (with cross pipes under them) and not spin on filters ????? Ahhh, what the hell do I know...


The work begins....

GT

[manicmechanix]

I just wanted to add that Dexron VI is now the only licensed Dexron fluid, so it's the only fluid that is tested and regulated. So the Dexron III might or might not even meet the old III standard. Why not get a better fluid for a few dollars more? I wouldn't use anything but Dex VI in any GM AT requiring Dexron.