Changing A/T Filter on 2011 4.0: Anything Unusual?

[morsetaper2]

All,

Have had two prior Ranger 3.0's and changed the A/T filters numerous times. Recently purchased a 2011 4.0L and want to do an A/T filter change.

At this time, I have no shop manual. But figure procedure is same as what I did on my '99 & '01 3.0L V6 A/T change procedures, right?

Anything different on 3.0 vs 4.0 A/T filter change? I'm stocked up w/ a filter kit and Mercon-V A/T fluid.

 

[morsetaper2]

Did the filter & fluid change today. Same filter on my 3.0. Same transmission too??

I took some measurements and I'm going to machine up a drain bolt fitting and braze it to the A/T pan interior. Why they don't put drain bolts on A/T pans is beyond me.

I stuck a 1/2 inch thick disk of modeling clay inside my pan where I want to put the drain bolt. Pressed the pan in place. There is about .46-.47 inch max clearance (w/o a gasket) where I want to put the bolt/fitting. Once a gasket is included there is a tad more addtl clearance & more than enough room.

Pics of the clay below. Later when I machine and braze the fitting in place, I'll photo that also.

Mark

 

[adsm08]

Same transmission too??

More or less.

Why they don't put drain bolts on A/T pans is beyond me.

To try and discourage people who are not quite as hardy and stubborn as the average Ranger owner from doing this themselves. Also, so piss me off.



Before going to all that trouble to cut and braze your pan run down to the junk yard and grab the pan off a V6 Explorer, 2002 or up. Pretty much anything with independent rear suspension. That trans is very similar to yours, and the pan might be close enough to just bolt on. It does have a drain plug. I don't know that it will work, but it might be worth a shot.