Changing out the fluid, would like some recommendations for what brand to use. Its a 98 if the year matters.

Also, I always hear people saying not to change the fluid if you havent in 15 - 20k miles, that it removes partical deposits and causes leaks, thats just flushing right? There shouldnt be a problem dropping the pan, draining it, and filling it backup right? Its my first time even going into a transmission so little paranoid.

 

Use only ATF4+ type fluid. Brand does not matter as they all have to be within a certain spec.

 

ATF +4 only. I personally would spend the extra and only run the Mopar brand. Walmart sells Mopar branded fluid so you can get the same Mopar ATF+4 you would get at the dealer at Wal-Mart now. I think it's like $4.80 a quart or something. Under $5 anyway vs the $11 or so a quart the dealer charges and it's the same stuff.

 

Thanks! How many quarts will I need? I heard 7.

 

I have heard (on this forum) everything from 4 quarts to 11 quarts..

I just did mine, stock tranny, no additional coolers, etc...and it took 4 quarts. Now, I know that if the Torque Converter drains, it will take more.. I didnt do anything special, just dropped the pan, changed the filter, etc.. 4 quarts was the right number, and it is running/shifting smooth again. Definitely got to take care of the old tranny.

 

It's hard to say the exact amount you'd need. Depends on how much drains out when you drop the pan. You can start by refilling the trans w/ 4 qts of ATF4 down the dipstick shaft, let the engine run for a few mins, move the trans into neutral and see where you're at. At least you won't have to worry about overfilling when you do it this way.

 

is it true if you let the converter drain out (after a few hours) that the tranny will have a hard time geting fluid back to it,and it could burn out?

 

No
You could let it drain for a year and never completely drain the converter.
Refill it and shift to neutral to insure flow through the cooler though.