Hi all. My trans is in the shop being rebuilt and should be done this week. My question is, when I get it back, I am installing it myself, and I was told it will take 16 quarts to fill back up. I have checked and don't think it is quite that much, but, when I put it back in, is there any special procedure for filling up a dry transmission? I know I should probably put some/lot in it before I crank it up, but not sure how to get it going and full with out burning it up. In case its not in my sig, it is a 1997 auto 2wd 318. And I understand about it not pumping in park.

 

This is from the FSM or '01, should be close to the '97.

Service Fill - 42RE 3.8 L (4.0 qts.)
O-haul - 42RE 9-9.5 L (19-20 pts.)*
Service Fill - 44RE 3.8 L (4.0 qts.)
O-haul - 44RE 9-9.5 L (19-20 pts.)*
Service Fill - 46RE 3.8 L (4.0 qts.)
O-haul - 46RE 9-9.5 L (19-20 pts.)*
Service Fill - 47RE 3.8 L (4.0 qts.)
O-haul - 47RE 14-16 L 29-33 pts.)*

It usually takes almost 7qts for me to refill after a pan and filter drop. If you're getting a full rebuild it will take more...

Oh, only use ATF+4

 

Not trying to be a smarta** but I know all of that, how much do I put in before I crank it up and start pumping the rest of the trnny so I can put it all in? I know the pan wont hold 11- 12 qts

 

As stewie said, your 47re will take about 10 quarts on a dry trans. I would pull the plugs, fill the trans with maybe 5 quarts and crank it for 10 seconds or so to circulate the fluid. The fluid level will drop, just repeat the process until its about full. Start the truck and get the tranny up to temp and check fluid level in neutral.

 

Thanks Matt, that's what I was looking for/wondering about.

 

I might add you should go through all the gears when adding/checking fluid. Shift slowly, give it a second, go to next gear. Than work your way back to P. Check fluid. Repeat as needed.

 

^Yeah thats definitely a good idea too

 

if the rebuild was done properly then you put in close to the amount in you need it will not burn up due to pre lubing on rebuild and make sure the TC is full before install