Auto Fluid & Filter Change

[MDRide]

My new to me Ranger is a 98 reg cab with an automatic and 155k miles of questionable maintenance.

I changed the fluid and filter on the automatic yesterday. I drained the TC through the cooler lines. Wasted about 2 gts fluid because it pumped much quicker than expected. Other than that pretty simple operation. Thank you to previous posters on trans subjects for giving me the confidence to try this.

The magnet had over an 1/8th inch layer of dk brown "sludge" and the bottom of the pan had a similarly colored layer. The fluid was discolored with a burnt odor. I did not find any "solids". It shifts smoother but seems to be louder.

Based on the above info., any thoughts on replacement/rebuild planning? I know it is a quess at best, but am I looking at hundreds of miles best case or could I possibly be ok for 20 to 40k more miles?

Thanx in advance.

 

[mattpresley]

Not sure. What I can tell you is my Silverados trannys in MUCH MUCH MUCH MUCH worse shape. 200K miles of zero maintnence and the mechanic told me while doing my tune up that he can't change the tranny fluid basicly because the gunk in it is whats holding it together yet the chevy still shifts pretty good. case in point I *think* at least 20K

 

[locovaca]

If all that was holding it together was the gunk it was in pisspoor shape to begin with and could've died anywhere (and usually not at home).

Sludge is not necessarily abnormal- that's why the magnet is there. If it's still shifting fine I would not worry about it. Maybe stick a cooler in-line if there isn't one already, but otherwise just keep driving until it starts to shift harsh.

 

[mattpresley]

If all that was holding it together was the gunk it was in pisspoor shape to begin with and could've died anywhere (and usually not at home).

Sludge is not necessarily abnormal- that's why the magnet is there. If it's still shifting fine I would not worry about it. Maybe stick a cooler in-line if there isn't one already, but otherwise just keep driving until it starts to shift harsh.

nah his is great, my chevys tranny is held together by gunk though

 

[MDRide]

Thanks for the input guys. made it to work 3 days in a row so I'm feeling pretty good . I'm thinking a dramatic failure caused by wrenching would have occurred by now.