Ram44maR

Hey, everybody.

I'm getting ready to take my CTD on a long trip. I've never changed the auto trans fluid, so I thought it might be time (about 66k miles). As I was thinking that the local tranny shop might be able to pump more fluid out than I can do in the driveway, I was also thinking about having "the pro's" do this one. As i've also had some bad experiences in the past with auto tranny guys (IE, broken flywheel), I'm naturally nervous about this.

What does everyone think? Pro on to pro?

BTW, I was also wondering about which fluid [brand and type] you folks would recommend.

Have a great day,
B in NOLA

RowJ

Definately time for a change...IMO. You will need to drop the pan and change the filter. Problem you face is not being able to get the 55% of the fluid changed that is in the Torque Converter. Pro may have some way to do it?? Ask them.
Who should do it...your call!
Recommend the Mag Hy-Tech deep dish pan...holds extra fluid for cooler operation and has a drain plug...for future changes. I change the 50% in the pan @ 30,000 miles.

I love Amsoils ATF +4 rated ATF. Runs cooler and lasts longer. Many think this is a waste of money.....You decide.

RJ

CSAGrey1

This is what I using as well.
Also I am usuing AMSoil in the front and rear diff's.

Mike D

I heard you can take one of the tranny cooler lines off to get most of the fluid out. Not sure of the process.

chazecheez

I change out my fluid every 30k and switching up to a deep pan with a plug in it is the way to go. If you do decide to do the fluid change yourself be aware that ther is not a whole lot of places that carry ATF+4 so either switch to a diferent fluid or go stand at the parts counter at the dealership and have them stroke you for the cost of the fluid (about $8 a quart)

Timinva

You can loosen the 10 valvebody bolts(7/16") about 2 turns each while the pan is off and drain about 95% of the oil. All that is left is the bottom third of the converter. Retork the bolts to 105 INCH lbs. Tim