Well the leak has been getting worse so I've decided to replace the gasket instead of adding fluid here and there lol, I saw the DIY write up and it was pretty much what I thought, fairly simple straight forward job, one of the easier things Ill have to do on this truck lol, one question...after its all done, when I go to add the fluid I realize to check it the truck has to be running in neutral, but is it ok with the fact that all the fluid had drained out for the truck to be running while I refill? Might sound stupid but thought I'd cover the bases dont wanna damage the tranny. Thanks.

 

Put like 4 qt's in before you start checking the level. And do yourself a favor and install a drain plug in the pan.

 

ok so i should add before i start checking the level? that was my concern i didnt want to do damage by not having any fluid in there....so after i add about 4 qrts i can start her up in N and then check and add with her running right?

 

Is that not what I said?

 

keep in mind that as you add fluid to the dipstick tube, it coats the inside of the tube. so if you add some fluid then shove the dipstick in there right away your reading will be off because you just scraped all the fresh fluid off the walls of the dipstick tube before it had a chance to drain down to the pan.
only go about 1/8 or 1/4 quart at a time after the initial 4 quarts and wait about 15 seconds or more between adding fluid and checking the level.

 

Why would you start the truck up 4qts low on fluid? Use some (Now UN)Common Sense!!! YOu wouldnt start your truck up after doing a oil change then putting on the filter and adding oil!

 

And btw, after you clean the pan make sure it's flat, like where the bolts go through. If it was ever over tightened it will be pretty noticeable. Use a block of wood and a hammer to flatten. Also use a quality filter with a rubber gasket and only torque to 13ft. lbs. and no RTV. Only use ATF+4 also.

One more thing, if you are not in too much of a hurry when you do it, let the tranny drain into a pan overnite. This will get more of the old fluid out.

 

i recommend throwing in a quart of the Lucus transmission stop slip. Trust me, your tranny will thank you

 

yup got it torque specs and ATF+4 all ready to go. thanks again for the tips, I just know how touchy these trannies are and dont wanna **** it up, its my original tranny and i got 173K miles i was just unsure about when to add but everything else is good to go and understood thanks again

 

DO NOT PUT ANY ADDITIVES IN THE TRANSMISSION! Just the ATF+4.