I am thinking of doing the tranny oil, filter and in line cooler filter change on my tranny myself
does anyone know if what I heard about no gasket material available for my tranny is true.
That I have to use gasket sealer to put the pan back on
Also they recommened every 30,000 miles to change what if I use synthetic tranny oil how long do you think I could prolong the next tranny oil change
Oh yeah it is a 2004 QC Automatic 4WD with heavy duty towing package.
If anyone else out there has done this before Let me know if you came up with any ideas that would be helpful to me
Thank you

 

I believe the tranny comes with synthetic oil from factory!

 

I bought the truck used I do not know what is in there or how to tell

 

I highly recommend a PML cover with a drain plug in it. It makes draining the fluid very easy. The Transmission has 2 filters in it. One is a flat style, and the other is a cylinder type (like the engine oil filter). Make sure you have a nice set of channel lock pliers, or a smaller oil filter wrench. The cylinder filter is a pain to get off. I had to push a large flat head screw driver through it to get it loose. The recommended fluid is ATF+4. ATF+4 is a synthetic fluid, and the manual says 5 qts for a fluid and filter change. I'd buy at least 6 or 7 quarts just in case. Amsoil sells fluid that is ATF+4 compatable, but I've found that its about $2 more a quart ($10/qt.) ATF+4 goes for about $35-$38 a gallon. I've decided to go with ATF+4 again, as I change my fluid ever 15,000 miles, and change my filters every 30,000 miles. Hope this helps.

 

It helps a lot thanks One question did you have a gasket or did you use gasket sealer to put the pan back

 

I thought I forgot to mention something. Just use the black RTV silicone like the stuff that was on it originally. The trick with RTV is making sure that BOTH mating surfaces are clean and free of old RTV and ATF. If you have either on the mating surface, plan on having a leak. It helps if you have a second set of hands when holding the pan in place, that way you won't slip while holding the pan and trying to get the bolts back in. Just make sure you tighten the bolts a couple of times, and use a torque wrench since they do not require a lot of torque. I can't count how many transmissions I've worked on that have had stripped bolt holes... got to love aluminum.

 

You might want to try for Valvoline ATF+4. I've seen in in Wally World, Autozone, Advanced Auto, and Pep Boys for around 3.69 to 4.99 per quart or $20 per gal. Valvoline's ATF+4 is licensed spec'ed for Chrysler trannies. While I've used Amsoil Universal ATF in several vehicles with good results, there's nothing compelling about it to justify the cost and hassle factor of obtaining it. But, since you're out of warranty coverage, if your heart is set on Amsoil go for. But, if you do, perform a complete flush--which you should do anyway--which will take a total of 16-18 quarts.

I change mine at 15kmi and every 30kmi thereafter. I use the gasket that comes with the Napa filters. AND, definitely use a torque wrench. I only torque mine to 9 ft/lbs AND I replaced all the bolts with zinc plated 9.6 quality bolts. Search the forums for auto transmission posts. There was one a few months ago that was an excellent post with pictures and step by step commentary. Truly a classic.

Roger...

 

ATF+4 is (as I understand it) fully synthetic, so yes, its synthetic from the factory. (Also, ATF+4 is not "suggested," its what your supposed to use. You can safely use Amsoil or Mobil 1 synthetic ATF though, anything that says compatible with ATF+4. DO NOT use Dexron or Mercon, not even with an "additive," anyone who says you can is wrong) Like reiderr said, Valvoline ATF+4 is very affordable. It's like $4.00/qt around here. (I can buy Mopar ATF+4 at my Wal*Mart for $4.50/qt)

Also, like reiderr said, for just a filter change, your going to need about 7 quarts. For a full fluid change, your going to need about about 17 quarts. Of course, if you add an aux. cooler, you will need a little bit more.
Recommend change intervail doesn't change.