Are you checking the fluid while in neutral and while hot? Unless you have an after market deep pan 5.5 quarts is more than normal to refill after an oil change. An over-filled tranny is just as bad as an under-filled one. Occasional band adjustment is necessary especially when used in rough service or added HP/torque.

 

look again, it dissapates. that is steam. it was humid and I am sure the mufflers are full o water

 

Yes, it says to check while hot and in neutral on the dipstick.

I now find the neighbor had drained some fluid and his wife told him to just get another truck so he buttoned it back up----.

Got the ignition timing set to 8* initial and 32 total. Found some small leaks and got the stopped. Today new front rotors, wheel bearings and brake pads. We will also go finalize the title and tags today.

 

Awesome sounds like it is coming together!

 

Check to see if the piece you found in the tranny pan is magnetic. Back in the day Chrysler used to put a magnet in there to keep metal particles out of the fluid. just a thought. The truck sounds great.