[rdvit94]

I had my transmission fluid changed at 35k at Ford and at that time they changed the internal filter and external inline filter. Now I have 76k on my truck and I am going to be changing the trans fluid again. I plan on following the steps in the FAQ and I don't plan on changing the internal filter. My question is do I need to replace the external inline filter? If so, can I get them some where besides Ford? Does anyone have a part number for the filter if I get it elsewhere?

One more question, can someone explain the benefits of Synthetic trans fluid over dino? I don't tow anything and my trans temps never gets over 190, so is it worth it for me to use Syn. Fluid? Does it help performance wise?

Thanks

 

[haul_n_horses2]

Stock 4R100 trannies did not come with an external filter. I installed a Magnefine filter pre-coolers to catch debris that would clog/accumulate in the coolers and possibly take out later transmissions. The external filter is mandated by Ford post-cooler on rebuilt trannies for this reason, to catch debris coming from the coolers so it doesn't take out the tranny. It is a $20 part that saves them the cost of replacing the OTA and OTW coolers which are pricey. If you want to replace them cheaper than Ford, you can purchase them directly from the distributor here or from site sponsors like DI etc.

Synthetic ATF is probably only of modest importance to you because you do not stress the tranny much with towing/heavy loads etc.

 

[NCHornet]

I only tow the TT in my sig 3-5 thousand miles per year. I switched to synthetic fluid and saw no difference. Next oil change I am going back to dino. Dino fluids have come a long way even in the last 10-15 years. Unless you tow the majority of the time or see temps above 200 on a reg basis I don't believe there is much if any benefit to using the synthetic, except it will make your wallet lighter. On the filters, I would change both of them. I don't care what Ford says, you should drop your pan anyway to look for debri and clean the bottom of the pan, so why not change the filter?

 

[SmokeyWren]

[ QUOTE ]
One more question, can someone explain the benefits of Synthetic trans fluid over dino?

[/ QUOTE ]

Synthetic ATF can stand up to higher heat without deteriorating. If you don't tow, and you've never seen over about 210º tranny temp, then you'll probably be wasting money with synthetic ATF.

[ QUOTE ]
I don't tow anything and my trans temps never gets over 190, so is it worth it for me to use Syn. Fluid?

[/ QUOTE ]

No. Not if you never tie onto a trailer.

I've never seen over 205º on my tranny, and I have over 160,000 mostly towing miles coast to coast in every mountain range in the "lower 48". But I use Mobil 1 synthetic ATF for the insurance of holding up to the higher temps in case I have to back the 5er up a steep grade, or drag the 5er up a slow mountain trail, or some such reason to cause the tranny temps to soar. So far I guess I've wasted the extra cost of Mobil 1 synthetic, but I've also wasted paying for term life insurance for about the last 50 years too. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[ QUOTE ]
Does it help performance wise?

[/ QUOTE ]

No. MERCON V is MERCON V, whether dino, semi-synthetic, or full synthetic.

Whatever ATF you choose, be certain it meets MERCON V specs, or if you can find it, the older MERCON specs.