So decided to change fluid and filter, replace the 3-4 accumulator spring, and adjust the bands. Sounds like that spring is something that fatigues and breaks as it ages. For less than $10 I'm putting a new one in. Everything ordered. Should be here next week.

 

BTW, I happened to be going thru my owner's manual to see what fluid to use. I noticed they recommend adjusting the bands periodically (particularly if truck is driven in "severe" conditions). Not sure I know what "periodically" means but seeing I have never adjusted them I figure my truck would qualify.

 

I think most folks want to do it every other fluid/filter change, or, around every 60K miles or so.

 

At 176K, I'm due. Not using a torque wrench. Don't have one. But I know 72 in-lbs is pretty light so a little cinch should do it before backing it out.

 

If you want one, I have a coupon for a $10 torque wrench at Harbor Freight.

http://www.hfqpdb.com/best_coupon/CL...ORQUE+WRENCHES

There's no excuse at $10 each; just remember to reset to 0 before you put it up, and never EVER use it to LOOSEN something!

RwP

 

Ordered! Agree, no excuse at $10. Thanks again for the lead. And it will be easy to remember to de-fang it before I put it up. Same as I do with the drags on my fishing reels.

 

My Dad (RIP 1993) had a tool box full of quality, precision measuring devices. Precise for their time, anyway. It was mine after he died. There were torque wrenches in there. The entire box got stolen out of my garage as I was moving into my house in 2004. Broke my heart. I'm a free man today only because I never found who stole it.

 

Geez, a 5-liter jug of Mopar ATF+4 at the dealer is $50 (and they discounted it). Same 5-liter jug on Amazon is $32.

 

And it's even cheaper at wal-mart. ATF +4 is the same, no matter what label is on the bottle.

 

I was at Wally World yesterday and they had ATF+4 in quarts only. And of course they rape you for quarts.