How often should this be changed? (50,000 mi. I thought) Should the trans fluid be changed at this time as well? if not, is it possible to change the filter without losing fluid during the change?

I change mine every 10K after the changing it the first 5K. Others change it more often and some not as often. The only trans fluid you should lose is what is in the filter. Just check and add as needed after the change. I'd probably change all the fluid at 50K if it already hasn't been done. I plan on changing my fluid at 20K to synthetic.

Same, here. Every 10k and top off with new fluid. I change it every time I change a fuel filter.

Every 5k here. My trans may get a little more abuse though.:D

i change mine every 10,000. i am also going to synthetic at 20,000

Every 10K miles along with oil and fuel. I do them all at the same time. Save adding from top and eliminate any lack of oil by pre filling it. I prefill both oil and trans before install. :D

I just changed mine for the second time. The diesel supplement states that it should be changed after break-in - I think this is at 5k miles, and then every 25k miles thereafter (severe service). I purchased a napa filter (I think made by wix) - big mistake - the oil holes are in the wrong place, can't run it with the magnet that comes stock (without it restricting the oiling holes).

I am changing mine annually and using chevron dex III atf. Over at "bob's the oil guy " website - this tranny fluid tests out very, very well. I can buy it at costco for $13.00 per case (a little over $1.00 per bottle).

I thought about using a synthetic and extended drain intervals - but prefer fresh "good" chevron to running an extended drain interval and synthetics - plus cost/benefit is hard to justify. I am going to use chevron dex III and do one filter change and two fluid changes per year instead.

- jeff