trans fluid change

**jarratt11** · 11-16-2009, 09:54 PM

Hello everyone, im new to the site and would like to get some input/advice. I have a 03 silverado z71(4l60e trans) and have about 125,000 miles on it. I have never changed the filter or the fluid, and wondering if at this time would it be wise to drop the pan and change the filter and replace the trans fluid that drained. I keep hearing yes and no answers on this because of the mileage on it. I check the trans fluid and it seems to be clean and the correct color(no browning). Also, it doesnt slip or act funny for me. Thanks everyone!

**Jimmiee** · 11-17-2009, 07:47 AM

Originally Posted by jarratt11

Hello everyone, im new to the site and would like to get some input/advice. I have a 03 silverado z71(4l60e trans) and have about 125,000 miles on it. I have never changed the filter or the fluid, and wondering if at this time would it be wise to drop the pan and change the filter and replace the trans fluid that drained. I keep hearing yes and no answers on this because of the mileage on it. I check the trans fluid and it seems to be clean and the correct color(no browning). Also, it doesnt slip or act funny for me. Thanks everyone!

Welcome to the site. It would be a good idea to change the fluid and filter. Use a good Synthetic Dextron. Red Line, Amsoil, and Mobil One are all OK in my book and there are others.

**jarratt11** · 11-17-2009, 09:04 AM

thanks Jimmiee. is it going to matter when the new fluid and the old fluid that is left over in the torque converter mix together? I have read that the old meshes in the trans and when it mixes with the new it could cause the trans to fail. any opinions on that? Also, I believe the manual calls for Dex III. I am gonna try to find that before I go to the DEX VI. Would that be a good idea? Im going to try to get the stock stuff they put in it from the dealer, if they still make it.

**Jimmiee** · 11-17-2009, 10:10 AM

The old fluid will always mix with the new. If the old fluid has lost it's red tint then flush it. It should take about 12 quarts. Service the trans first and replace the filter. Fill it with 6 quarts of oil and remove the top cooler line. Run a hose from the radiator fitting out to a bucket. Start it up and let it run while adding 3 more quarts. When the flow stops shut it off and add 3 more after reattaching the cooler line.
The dealer will sell you DEX VI. Dex III is obsolete now. DEX VI is a better product than DEX III and is partially synthetic.

**jarratt11** · 11-17-2009, 03:50 PM

alright...i will probably not do a flush, being as the original fluid still has a nice red tint to it, and no minute particals on the dipstick when i check the fluid. How much fluid do you think it will take to just do a pan drop and filter change? Any recommendations on what type of fluid to use? I am gonna get the filter from the dealer, along with a new pan gasket and new ring, where the filter snaps into.

**Jimmiee** · 11-18-2009, 10:27 AM

5 quarts should be enough. I use Redline Synthetic in my truck but Dextron VI is OK. It's up to you. If you do any towing go for the Synthetic and change the fluid and filter every year. Your trans will last a lot longer if you do keep the fluid clean.

**jarratt11** · 11-18-2009, 08:19 PM

ok...i cant find any redline around here, so im gonna go with amsoil full synthetic, and get an AC Delco filter, i hear that is a good filter. The dang dealer cant even tell me when the VIN if i have a deep or shallow pan so i have to measure it, so im not even gonna deal with them. Too expensive anyway.

**mrmanners** · 12-18-2009, 06:40 AM

Originally Posted by jarratt11

ok...i cant find any redline around here, so im gonna go with amsoil full synthetic, and get an AC Delco filter, i hear that is a good filter. The dang dealer cant even tell me when the VIN if i have a deep or shallow pan so i have to measure it, so im not even gonna deal with them. Too expensive anyway.

If you used AMSOIL Synthetic motor oil, why didn't you go with the Ea filter? It is rated at 98.7% at 15 microns and is good for up to 25k miles, same as your oil.

Just my two cents. I use AMSOIL myself in my Dmax.