External Transmission Filter, first timer

[JBakerFX4]

I'm just under 15k on my '07. Going to do the external trans filter but had some Q's.

-What filter do you guys recomend? OEM, Wix etc?

-Do I have to buy a quart of Ford ATF (kind?) to top off?

[Chiller]

bump, I would also like 2 know

[NorCal_Grown]

If it's anything like a 2005 6.0, then you will only lose the ATF that is in the screw on filter cup, a very small amount. The WIX brand filter is a different design then the factory filter, I do not know which one is better.

[bismic]

I have heard from a Ford dealership mechanic that he had seen an aftermarket tranny bypass filter collapsed when he pulled it to change it. Naturally his recommendation was to stick w/ a Ford filter. Even from the dealership it isn't that much - less than $20. For what it looks like you get, it seems overpriced, but in the overall scheme of things it is inexpensive. I chose to be conservative and buy the Motorcraft filter.

FYI - I had to use an impact wrench to get the filter housing off.

[NorCal_Grown]

I also had to use an impact gun to remove the housing, just ease into the power, you don't want to break the mount. The WIX filter looked cheesy to me, so I used a Motorcraft filter.

[JBakerFX4]

Ok, so OEM filter, and maybe buy 1qt of trans fluid from ford.

[BigRed]

I would say use the OEM filter, If I remember correctly it is a 23mm... and you will only loose a tiny bit of fluid but if you feel necessary to add more make sure you get the fluid from Ford...

[JBakerFX4]

Ok, just read thru my owner's manual(s). Looks like they only call for the External filter to be changed every 30k miles. ?? is that to much?

[f350powerstroke]

Originally Posted by JBakerFX4

Ok, just read thru my owner's manual(s). Looks like they only call for the External filter to be changed every 30k miles. ?? is that to much?

30k is good unless u tow every day. make sure u specify unlike me they changed changed tranny oil and flushed it w/o changing external filter.

[JBakerFX4]

wow... I do all my maintance myself, so I'll remember that. It bothers me letting them do TSB/warranty work for free, but they've been excellent thus far. I've never towed anything yet. But I have hauled a few heavy loads of Timber about 15 miles one way. Nothing to worry about though. I might just do it now at 15k, and then again at 30 when I do the flush & internal filter. I have a feeling my local dealer is going to be expensive on 1qt of ATF & a FT-145. So I might do the online thing to save money and save time... we shall see. Thanks for the input guys. I think I'm good now. I just didn't want any suprises.