tranny fluid.

anvilrubi

anvilrubi

Well-Known Member
Joined
Oct 2, 2015
Location
Nc
How often should the tranny fluid be changed on a trail rig?
 
For Standard ATF, Anytime it get's over 230*F. Well, if it stays there for any amount of time. Then it's Burnt [most likely]. Synthetic, shouldn't have the heat issue, as the Engine will probably lock up first. Length of time, mileage, hours run time, I'd probably just go by looks & smell!
 
If you're that concerned, use the severe duty schedule in the owners manual.
 
Chris_M said:
If you're that concerned, use the severe duty schedule in the owners manual.
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I have seen some different recomendations the main reason I asked was because I trust the crowd on here and I'm open to any and all suggestions.
 
I used to rebuild those when I was at the dealer. They rarely failed for reasons aside from overheating.
I'd drop the pan, look for signs of excessive torque converter clutch wear (lots of clutch material in pan), replace the filter and fluid. If it were me, I'd do it about every 15,000 miles.
Usually the converter would fail, the clutch material would clog the filter and contaminate the valve body and pump.
Service it sooner than typical to keep this from happening like it normally does.
 
Thanks Jody I'll make sure to do it at 15k, want to make sure I stay up on the service. Rather spend a little on upkeep than alot on parts.
 
It's all good I should have specified, I guess it's not hardcore but it's all need to run ure, big creek.
 
When you change it, if it doesn't have a drain plug, install one. I like the ones with a magnet, so in the future, when you change it, clean plug usually means clean filter. An added magnet will also help, epoxied to side of the pan. Use the best Synthetic recomended by Chrysler. If you hadn't re-geared and are using taller than stock tires, a good cooler will help keep it alive.A temp sensor/gauge will take guess work out of the temp issue questions.
 
Just did mine on a 3.8. The manual suggests 30K miles. 20K should be good. It's kind of a pain to do on your back. The exhaust crosses over the back of the pan & there's no drain plug. Use a 10mm (I think), 1/4" socket, 3" extension, & a pivot joint to get behind it. Don't try a 3/8 or 1/2", they're too big. You'll need 5 quarts of ATF+4 (put in 4 and add a bit after she warms up if needed) & a new filter to the tune of $120. Should take 2 hours in the driveway. Check the rubber section of your cooler lines by the radiator on the drivers side too as they're prone to leak. Replace those too while you're at it if needed. You'll see ATF on the hoses & your axle. Good luck!
 
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