I would just do a drain, filter change and fill. It should take no more than 6 quarts of fluid. I am not a fan of flushes. They seem to cause more problems than they prevent. I would get a GM or Fel Pro pan gasket since the ones that come with the filter kits are cheap and usually leak. The fluid level should be at the top line on the stick with it up to operating temp and idling in park.

 

I'll have to look again on the dipstick just to be sure but last time I did look I wasn't seeing any lines on it. It just had 2 little pink holes between the cold and hot level. And the last time I checked the fluid when up to running temp and idling it was showing at the bottom of the stick.

 

Just draining the pan is leaving 6 qts of possible 105,000 mile used ATF in there. Makes no sense to do that IMO. Thats no different than changing 1/2 of your oil or 1/2 of the coolant.

Its fallacy to believe transmission fluid lasts forever.

You can look up capacities here :arrow: 1980 to Present Vehicle Lookup Guide

 

So if I do a flush, what is the steps to do the flush I've never messed or changed transmission fluid before?

 

Read this for guidance..https://www.dropbox.com/s/nzzy4xfdwvztk ... s.pdf?dl=0

To be on the safe side I would recommend at least 4 gallons of ATF. Flushing is not a precise job and you will end up wasting some fluid and 4 gallons (16 qts) ensures you have an adequate supply. If you have any left over you can change the transfer case as it uses Dexron VI ATF.

Typical capacity of a GM 4 or 6 sp trans is approximately 12 qts more or less.

 

So I read the thread you gave me and the only question i have is where is the line that you disconnect to let all the old fluid out until it is totally flushed with new fluids?

 

at the radiator, right side of

Here is a how-to from a member How To Do A 4l60e Complete Fluid Changeover + Filter

 

Thanks for the thread that helped me out a lot. My last question that I have is they say to have 14 quarts on hand when flushing, well after you get the old all out how many quarts should be left to put back in cause in the thread it said run the vehicle to get some fluid out so it be easier to drop the pan but after you put the pan all back it said to add about 5 quarts so when your actually flushing the old fluid out you don't run it dry and then run the vehicle till the new tranny starts to show up so after all that do I just add fluid until I see it on the dipstick

 

As the old fluid is pumped out, add new fluid simultaneously thru the dipstick until you've added 12-13 qts and then stop. Top off as required.

Personally I would not run the vehicle to pump out the pan unless you are pro and know what you are doing.

 

Yeah I probably wouldn't do that but. But that helps me out a lot thanks for the input

 

If you have a six speed 6l80E transmission, you will probably want to follow this HOW TO: HOW TO - Pan Drop and Filter Change on GMT900 4x4 Six Speed

You will find that the pan is a bitch to remove unless you follow the necessary steps in the how to.

 

I have the 4 speed

 

Then I don't think dropping the pan will be an issue. Good luck.

 

I checked with several dealers-the standard operating procedure is a flush w/o a pan drop. That's what the vast majority of dealers do. They will drop the pan for an extra charge.

 

Well the only main reason I'd drop the pan is i dont know if the filter has ever been changed and since I don't know that for my own security I'd like to replace it so I can feel a little better knowing it has a new filter

 

And what size adapter do I need to have to connect to the radiator

 

Well the only main reason I'd drop the pan is i dont know if the filter has ever been changed and since I don't know that for my own security I'd like to replace it so I can feel a little better knowing it has a new filter

Yah, I agree. I like to have the pan dropped for a couple reasons. First, to see if there might be some developing problems beginning. Also, it is like changing the motor oil and not the filter. Also, there is a magnet on the bottom of the pan that collects a lot of metal micro particles. When I dropped mine, it didn't look like that magnet could hold a whole lot more. I think that GM and the dealers like the flush deal is that it is a whole lot easier. Just hook up the machine and turn it on. Then charge a couple hundred plus. And one other issue. The transmission pan gasket it "reusable". So, why would GM put a "reusable" gasket on a pan that isn't designed to come off?
Personally, I think a pan drop and filter change is better than a flush. Doing both is probably best.

 

The price for the flush is a little less than $200.00. I priced the transmissions shops as well and it was about the same price. In my view there is less liability for leaks as well as possibly moving part of the exhaust system, depending on the truck-that's why flushes seem to be the norm.

 

I wouldn't recommend a flush without a followup filter change.

 

What is the best way to get the pan off

 

I wouldn't recommend a flush without a followup filter change.

Funny...the dealer doesn't and they have to warranty them for 100,000 miles.

 

If.your dropping the pan have you looked into the pan with the drain plugs?

 

What is the best way to get the pan off

Specifically, what is your question regarding dropping the pan?

 

Well I got all the bolts off the pan and I've tried several different ways to bend the shifter cable bracket out of the way to where I bent the bracket a little and the pan still doesn't want to drop I tried the bracket bolts but can't get them to budge and I tried to move the exhaust and can't get those bolts to move and I read about the front drive shaft and I can't get that to move either. The only option I'm thinking about doing is cutting the exhaust y where the pan is hitting it

 

OK, it sounds like the 4 speed is similar to the six speed then. I think you will have some better luck if you follow the HOW TO for the six speed tranny which shows a different method to create the necessary clearance from the exhaust pipe.
HOW TO - Pan Drop and Filter Change on GMT900 4x4 Six Speed