Trans fluid change or not ?

[Buzzard2]

Got a 2012 with just about 75,000 miles. Service history of the truck is unknown I have been changing the diff's and TC fluids now I am considering dropping transmission pan changing the filter installing the B&M extra capacity pan with drain plug. But have been reading and hearing stories of transmission's going out quite often after a flush or a change of transmission oil. Is this mostly internet gossip or is there something to this. Would like to hear from mechanics, Ford techs or anyone with personnel experience.

 

[Deleted member 12951]

I changed mine at 80k and should of done it sooner. When I would off-road, my transmission was getting too hot and almost overheated when it reached 240. I purchased a larger cooler to replace the stock one thinking that would help the issue and found the fluid black like old used engine oil.

Once changed it made a world of difference, better shifts and it barely gets over 200 when pushing it hard.

 

[Sozzy12]

Do it. Or better yet, have it flushed after the filter change. Without knowing the history, assume the worst.

 

[1BAD454SSv2]

Drop pan and drain, new filter , never flush . every 25,000 miles , i'm at 87,000 now with whipple fluid , cherry red , Redline mercon LV . no issues on my 2010

 

[BenBB]

Do it. Ideally upgrade the transmission cooler at the same time, there's a larger OEM cooler available from Ford or RPG, part number is DL3Z-7A095-B;
https://www.fordraptorforum.com/threads/upgrading-stock-oem-trans-cooler.16255/
I've read that in lieu of a "flush" that Ford recommends just replacing the cooler anyway, so might as well do it all at once. Also if possible upgrade the dipstick to PA or B&M, as the stock miniature dipstick is a hand cooker to check at operating temp

 

[pat247]

I had my local ford dealership do the trans flush at 65k. I now have 115k and plan to have it done again at 130k. The larger trans cooler seems like a good thing to do also.

 

[TK421]

I did mine at 80k and it was super dark. I originally just dropped the pan and didn’t realize you can’t drain the TQ converter. So I was only able to drain and re-fill with 4qts and a new filter. I had a case of ford atf and took it to my buddy at the Lincoln dealership to use their flushing machine to flush all 13qts for me. The temps actually have stayed a few degrees cooler then it’s normally been after he flushed it. It may be in my head but he did the recall on the tranny at the same time (reflash) and the flush and it seems smoother now.

 

[mpk1996]

At 98k miles now and I’m looking to have mine done. It’s never been done before.

I had also considered having it pulled and putting a stage 2 kit in it with new clutches. One of the company’s out there makes a kit for this trans (normally don’t on mustangs) but I was told it would work just might need one extra clutch charms steel.

But the jury is out on this one.

Not to hijack the thread but if doing a flush what is everyone’s thoughts on the bigger cooler that say forged off-road sells (the one that is a stock ford that goes on the raptors headed to the Middle East) or getting the RPG add on one that goes in conjunction with the stock cooler?

 

[Gary E]

The larger cooler is standard on the larger F series Fords, so it's not only just for the Saudi Raptors.

 

[Ruger]

I did my 2011 at 45K and installed a deeper pan. I was glad that I did. The fluid was pretty dirty and there was a film of metal particles covering all inside surfaces of the factory pan. Ford's 100,000 mile service interval is BS. I think you're overdue at 75K.