I am getting ready to change the spin on filter this weekend. How much fluid can I expect to lose when removing the old filter? Does this swap from old to new need to be speedy? Also, since I purchased the truck used I have no idea what kind of fluid is in there, does it matter what I top it off with? Thanks.

No need to be speedy, wont lose much, have a pan underneath though. Dont forget the magnet on the top! Place the magnet on the new filter, fill the filter with your choice of ATF, lube the gasket and screw her back on. No need to top off but I would get her up to temp and check it to make sure all is well from the factory.

When I do mine, I do about every oil change, sometime every other. When you remove the spin on, there will be a magnet on the top of the filter. Make sure you clean that off and re-use it. Before I put the filter on I fill it near full with Tranny fluid, the screw it on. This way, you only need to add a few oz. from the top. Just run the motor and check.... Fill as needed.

As for what type of fluid, Stock is Dex III from the factory. If it has Transynd in it, the Dex III is compatable as far as I know.

I just changed mine on Tuesday. I too was worried about getting the fluid back to the right level (I used to have a Ford 4R100 that was kinda fussy about fluid level... just a little too much or too little and it would whine).

Anyway, being the obsessive-compulsive type that I am, I was very careful not to spill any so I could measure what drained out, then add back the same amount (besides what was in the filter, it was VERY little... a full "shot glass"). I filled the filter with fluid right to the top (just like the one I removed) before I put it on then added a shot glass full of new fluid. The dipstick was at EXACTLY the same level as when I started when I was done.

For fluid, my owners manual (05 model) said to only use Dexron III that has "Approved for the H Specification" on the label. Most of the Dex III out there doesn't say it meets Dex III-H but there are a couple of brands that do.

I am proud of you guys that are changing your spin-ons at the 5K interval. You are only helping yourselves. I have seen these filters resticting fluid at about 8K. Don't let it get to that. You guys are really getting smart.:ro) You won't need me anymore.:uhoh2: :D

mike

I am proud of you guys that are changing your spin-ons at the 5K interval. You are only helping yourselves. I have seen these filters resticting fluid at about 8K. Don't let it get to that. You guys are really getting smart.:ro) You won't need me anymore.:uhoh2: :D

mike
So now what are u going to do, work on F&D all the time?

the recommendations from GM doesn't say every 8k. what should it be? the maintenance manual only stated at the 7500 mile and then whenever you service your tranny. what is the best?