i will add that it is a good idea to first remove the "fill" plug - if you drain the fluid and cant get the top plug out, you gotta jump through some hoops.
you can check the fluid level. remove the filler, and stick your finger in the hole and down a little. if your finger goes into a pool of oil, you are probably alright.
i highly recommend a good synthetic ATF. i use Redline D4, but Amsoil, RP, etc are all very good (ill probably go with Amsoil next time, but i can get D4 in town, so i used it last time).
DO NOT USE GEAR OIL.
sorry 'bout that, but it's important. good luck.