1988 Manual Transmission fluid change
07-25-2013, 04:47 AM
#1
Heel & Toe
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1988 Manual Transmission fluid change
Need some help here...I've seen numerous answers to this question and looked high and low through the threads and I'm still confused.
I want to change the transmission fluid in my manual 4+3 88 as everything else that I've replaced in this car appears to have not been touched since Bush 41 was President.
I put the car up on the rack last weekend to change the fuel filter and looked over and noticed it said ATF only...I've seen many posts saying automatic transmission fluid is for automatics but I've also seen the same amount of posts that say use ATF in manuals.
Anyone ever do this on an 88 manual and what did you use?!
Thanks!
Tim
I want to change the transmission fluid in my manual 4+3 88 as everything else that I've replaced in this car appears to have not been touched since Bush 41 was President.
I put the car up on the rack last weekend to change the fuel filter and looked over and noticed it said ATF only...I've seen many posts saying automatic transmission fluid is for automatics but I've also seen the same amount of posts that say use ATF in manuals.
Anyone ever do this on an 88 manual and what did you use?!
Thanks!
Tim
07-25-2013, 08:43 AM
#3
Safety Car
Some go overboard though and change the ATF and filter every 3 to 5 thousand miles. That's ridiculous. Try to get it changed at 15,000 mile intervals if you can. These overdrive units are basic power glide transmissions. They're not as delicate as some think.
07-25-2013, 09:09 AM
#4
Team Owner
Use a good GL5 gear oil for the 4-speed part and use Dexron III auto trans fluid in the OD unit. No need for synthetic ATF in the OD; in fact, members over the years here don't really recommend it.
You will need about 3 quarts for a fluid change. Drop the pan and clean it. Remove the small magnet, clean it and replace in the same position. Completely clean the pan rails of any old sealant or gasket material. Same with the rails on the OD housing. Make sure the pan rails are straight before re-installing.
The filter is the same as one used in Ford FMX auto trans cars from the late 60's thru the early 70's. Use one of these:
CarQuest 85926
AC Delco TF184
FRAM FT1024
NAPA ATP14717
You will need to reuse the rubber grommet from the old filter; place in in the hole on the new filter. You can use a good grade of RTV black sealant like "The Right Stuff" or go to a Dodge dealer and get the MoPar RTV sealant. No need for a cork gasket.
You will need about 3 quarts for a fluid change. Drop the pan and clean it. Remove the small magnet, clean it and replace in the same position. Completely clean the pan rails of any old sealant or gasket material. Same with the rails on the OD housing. Make sure the pan rails are straight before re-installing.
The filter is the same as one used in Ford FMX auto trans cars from the late 60's thru the early 70's. Use one of these:
CarQuest 85926
AC Delco TF184
FRAM FT1024
NAPA ATP14717
You will need to reuse the rubber grommet from the old filter; place in in the hole on the new filter. You can use a good grade of RTV black sealant like "The Right Stuff" or go to a Dodge dealer and get the MoPar RTV sealant. No need for a cork gasket.