Changing tranny fluid

p8ntmunky · 10-07-2006, 01:38 PM

ok so ive decided i want to change my fluid...a while back i grinded quite a few 3rd gear shifts and recently it just feels rough and noisy where the shifter is so i was gonna change my fluid and hope for the best. It doesnt seem liek a serious problem but im bored and feel liek playin around.

First off where the hell is the tranny dipstick, is it on the tranny itself?

How do i drain the fluid the plug on the passenger side? and does it have to be level or one end raised to get the most out of it.

And last what kind of fluid is recommended, and how much, the oem dexronIII or i wanted to use royal purple would that be ok? Once i get the fluid how do i put it in. Ive read its on the drivers side of the tranny but do i need a pump or something and how do i know when to stop filling?

thanks for the help

calhoon · 10-07-2006, 08:02 PM

The plugs are marked fill/ drain so you will have to read the labels, but its fairly easy. The filling will take a pump and it takes 4 qts. BTW it won't hurt but an oil change will not fix your 3rd clash issue.

p8ntmunky · 10-08-2006, 03:05 PM

nah its not that i have a problem with shifting to 3rd its just that ive grinded gears in the past and figured i would drain all the shavings and crap out of the fluid

jdoyle · 10-09-2006, 04:15 AM

1. not a clue where the tranny dipstick is, i dont even know if we have one.

2. ya pass. side, gotta get a ratchet (3/8" drive i think) and take the plug out. level is fine, i have never tried angled before.

3. id use 4 quarts of mobil 1 ATF, i was recommended that by amber@t56rebuilds.com, i hear its the best of the best of the best. you could remove the shifter and pour it in there, thats what i did.

4. the metal shavings are prob stuck to the magnets inside the tranny.

INMY01TA · 10-09-2006, 12:05 PM

Drain=pass side. Fill=drivers side. Ya like^said, get a pump. There's a little red one they sell at all the auto stores, Kmart and Sears sell em too, for like $9-$10. The tranny will hold just under 4 quarts. I've tried several different kinds of fluids and I like the Redline D4 the best. Thunder Racing sells it.

Mike44138 · 10-09-2006, 02:10 PM

Just take out the center console and fill it through the shifter... way easier than screwing around with pumps and stuff.

INMY01TA · 10-09-2006, 04:55 PM

I find using the pump fine. You can also use it to fill the differential too. If you fill thru the shifter you still need to remove the fill plug to know when it's full.