Transmission smoother after fluid exchange?

[Ruger]

I think this is the dipstick/filler for the transmission. Sorry for the poor quality of the pic, but I can't back off far enough to get a clear photo. Rather longish male hex fitting, forward end of the transmission just above the pan on the passenger side. Yes?

If that's it, I think you could refill the transmission with a hose and funnel in the FR wheel well.

 

[MTUH3]

That is it Ruger. It is a screw on cap. 3/4" wrench IIRC.

There is a mini dipstick that is under the cap.

I am sorry, I don't remember the quarts off the top of my head. I did the service as an "emergency" situation, so I just filled her up until the dipstick was full, but it is 13.1 Qts for a full fill. flush. I don't remember what is the capacity of the pan

 

[Ruger]

Thank you, MTUH3!
I've decided to get the Mag-Hytec pan from Chris@FreedomMotorsports when it becomes available, and do the service in conjunction with the pan replacement. The pan will have the groundbreaking innovation of an actual drain plug for ease of service (and a LOT less mess).

 

[MTUH3]

I think some one out there develops a trans dip stick extension, so you can check / fill the trans without crawling under the truck. I don't remember who built it.

Smart man to get in touch with Chris.

 

[Ruger]

Chris has my business for as long as he's in business!

 

[Boss Hoss]

The tranny has a thermostat. You cannot do a complete replacement of fluid without a machine. This has been well documented here. I had my fluid removed at around 5 k and replaced with Amsoil--better shifts and smoother. Did the transfer case as well.

 

[Ruger]

Gang, I bought the aFe transmission pan for the 6R80 transmission from Chris at FreedomMotorsports. (The Mag-Hytec pan isn't available yet.) Before I drop the pan and dump the fluid I have a question...

When you use the little factory dipstick on the transmission housing to check fluid level, do you do your check when the engine is cold/not running, hot/not running, or hot/running? I checked the fluid level this morning after the truck had cooled overnight, and the dipstick says the transmission is way overfilled. If so, it was overfilled at the Dearborn factory.

Does anybody have a line on the aftermarket dipstick kit that puts the dipstick and filler under the hood where it ought to be?

---------- Post added at 12:09 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:53 AM ----------

Okay, I've done some hunting around and got some answers to my own questions...

The transmission level is checked while the engine is idling in Park, and the transmission fluid temperature is between 80 and 85 degrees C (176 and 185 degrees F).

Performance Automatics makes a dipstick extension kit for the 6R80 transmission. It is part number PA68404 and it sells for a whopping $244.65. Performance Automatic - Dipsticks and Filler Tubes Evidently there are concerns about how well it seals at the transmission housing, though, as discussed in the Explorer Forum thread, below.

Here's a pretty good how-to with pictures for replacing the pan on a 6R80 transmission on a Ford Explorer: PML 6R80 trans pan installed - Ford Explorer and Ranger Forums "Serious Explorations"®
This gentleman installed a PML pan that adds 3 quarts of capacity to the transmission, and he needed 10.5 quarts of fluid to refill. Given that and the aFe pan's additional 7 quarts (!), it will take on the order of 14.5 quarts to refill with the aFe pan installed. Wow, I have to go buy an additional 5 quarts!

 

[Hockster]

If you do get a trans dipstick make sure its secured to the engine or trans so it can move with them. I have seen bad luck with the ones that are secured to the body even though they are a flexible tube they still leak...

 

[Ruger]

Thanks, Hockster. I decided not to pay $250 to buy a problem. I'm just going to refill the transmission with a funnel and a hose.

 

[Madcowranch]

Checking that dipstick with a red hot exhaust is akin to playing that "Operation" game as a kid. Only this hurts like a mother ******.