01 Powerstroke with 161,000 miles. I've owned it since 105,000. Never had a single trans issue but also never really towed much. I serviced the trans 2 years ago(drained pan and converter, installed new filter) The fluid was pretty dark maroon and the magnet was pretty dirty. No metal just thick metallic paste. I serviced it again today and again the fluid was pretty dark. The magnet was also pretty dirty again as seen in the pics below. I have zero driveability concerns since owning the truck. Just didnt think the fluid should get so trashed so quickly(20,000 miles since last service). My other concern is that I just purchased a 8500lb fifth wheel camper that I'll be towing quite a bit this coming summer. Should I be concerned? This time servicing it, I flushed it as Smokeys and Marks post described with filter change and blowing out the cooler. Should I be budgeting for a new trans or am I worried over nothing?
Could most of the mess be cause I didnt flush the cooler and everything last time around?
Could most of the mess be cause I didnt flush the cooler and everything last time around?