Tranmission Preventative Care

[Walke]

We tow several thousand miles per year, 7-8 hours per day in 80+ temperatures. Is there good value in replacing the Transmission Fluid in my F-150 with synthetic fluid?, or simply replace the fluid frequently? Opinions on the Internet Forums seem to be connected to the manufacturers of the synthetic fluids, therefore, very positive. Any comments regarding the pro's and con's?

[revrnd]

What does your owner's manual or Ford say to use?

In my '94 Chev K1500, I replaced the filter & a partial ATF change (no flush) every 25,000 klicks (oil changes every 5,000). Since my next trucks (2000 & 2004 3/4 ton Chevs) had a crossmember blocking clear access to the pan, I had the dealer or garage do the maintenance every 50,000 klicks (oil changes when OLS indicated).

No trans' problems. I'm not sure whether I used conventional or synthetic ATF.

I don't recall

[LadyWindrider]

We tow 3 to 4 thousand miles per year, at gross weight, (7000 pound trailer), with an F150, in the Smoky Mountains. I change the fluid and filter every 30,000 miles. I have never done a flush, but drop the pan and replace the filter. I use Mercon V (conventional) fluid, but I do substitute one quart of Lucas brand trans fluid additive. 117,000 miles no problems yet. Only been towing that heavy the last 15,000 miles or so. but have always done the trans change with the Lucas every 30,000 miles. For my two cents, and I don't want to start a war, synthetics aren't worth the money. Fluid gets dirty and needs replacing. Also the additives wear out, and need replacing. I don't tow enough or feel that I can gain anything by using synthetics but a thinner wallet.

[revrnd]

I'd tend to stick w/ the factory fluid for the tranny. Mind you the trans' case gets synthetic ATF. GM has been using synthetic gear lube for several years. I've seen demonstrations of what cold gear lube (especially the temps we see in Canada) looks like & I imagine it's not a great lubricant until it warms up.

Finally, when you drop the pan, drain & change the filter, you're only changing a portion of the ATF. A large amount remains in the cooler, lines & torque converter.

[SaskCampers]

I would say if your only using the vehicle to tow use what the factory recommends. I tend to use mostly synthetics due to driving when it hits -30 or -40 so in extreme cold synthetics are better. Unless you have been doing flushes every service on the tranny just do a pan drop and filter change type of service. You tranny will probably outlast the truck. The best thing you can do is add a HD type tranny cooler like the Superduty trucks use or get a stacked plate aftermarket cooler.

[acadianbob]

We tow a 5500 pound Surveyor about 4,000 miles a year. I change the trans fluid every 30,000 miles and just use the standard Ford products.

[Herk7769]

Agree with Bob. I change tranny fluid as specified in the manual using GM fluid and after every trip south I do a filter change. Easy to do on the Allison (since its a spin on type) and "top off" with the GM specified fluid.

[revrnd]

Originally Posted by revrnd

Since my next trucks (2000 & 2004 3/4 ton Chevs) had a crossmember blocking clear access to the pan, I had the dealer or garage do the maintenance

I've seen overhead shots of the 2011 HD chassis & the crossmember has been moved rearward. When I get the truck I'll crawl underneath & have a look. Hopefully I'll be able to do the work myself.