01 7.3 tranny service?

[daveyburt]

here's the deal.
i've been thru most all fluids in my 'almost new to me' 01 7.3 automatic. it's time to do a tranny fluid change. -i think i'm diode free....

#1 - for those of you who've had it done, would you suggest a 'flush' or just a change? (the one owner before me did flushes on a regular basis) -wondering if there's any risks with a 'flush'...it's got 117k on it now?

#2 is it worth adding an external tranny cooler, or does the stock internal radiator cooler work fine. (the truck may have a plow on it for next season). if an external is a good idea, can i hear reviews/experiences from ya?

#3 while I'm at it, I'm considering the install a of a Valvebody from FTVB, JW or BTS...dunno which yet....any suggestions based on experience would be helpful.

what chu gat? -talk to me.


thanks!!!!

[Hinglby]

Hey there, I have an 01 w/ the 4R100. I've just changed my filter and fluid on schedule. I only have 85k on the truck since I bought it new, but 60k of that is towing either my RV or boat (mostly RV). The fluid have never smelled burnt and it always looked one shade darker than new, co the stock cooler seems to work. I have the camper and towing package, so there is an additional stock cooler.

I did do the sonax valves in the valve body and it made a big difference. If I had the money I would do the replacement valve body.

Hope some of this helps.

[daveyburt]

thanks!

same here, the fluid looks a little dark but smells fine. -good to know
the guy gave me the original dealer sticker -i think it was ordered with the tow package too. i'll have to check.

yes, some of that helped.

[daveyburt]

early evening bump

[no-tel-in]

Really, if you want a reliable setup, and you arent making big hp, 415+ do what i did, drop the tranny, for a triple disc tc, while its out have someone reputible rebuild it, then install a JW valve body, and a cooler off of a 6.0. Dont forget a guage. I am really happy
with my setup this way, and didnt drop 4500+ for a BTS, i only spent about 1500 for this, doing it myself and working with a buddy.

[scottran]

I own a trans shop and do not reccomend the flush. I have had salesmen trying to sell me a flush machine for the past 12 years or so. I have seen trans go bad after being flushed. Most places dont change the filter with the flush. They add a solvent to the trans and drive it to break down the sludge. It the gets lodged in the filter and plugs the filter even more, starving the trans for fluid. I like to drop the pan anyway to see what is going on inside the trans.

As far as a cooler, I would add one. The 6.0 cooler is a good bet.

The vavle bodies, I couldnt tell you much about the ones you mentioned. When I rebuild them I install a Transgo Tugger shift kit and have had good luck. Theres also an upgraded coast clutch drum if you have an exhaust brake. Sonnax also makes a great product. they are more designed to fix the problems that are inherant from the factory.

Just my 2 cents for what its worth.

[daveyburt]

thanks guys....good info so far....lots to consider.
I don't want to make this a huge project but, while i'm in there, i want to take care of things properly.