Tips for changing trany fluid?

[85_SS_302_Coupe]

It's about time to replace my 'break in' fluid on my Tremec. I'm going today to a GM Performance Parts place at a local dealer to get some Syncromesh, i'm just curious about a couple things...

Changing the fluid is pretty obvious, ya just drain the old and refill, but i've always heard that you only actually drain like 2/3 of the fluid unless it's flushed? Does this apply to 5 speeds or is it just autos? If it applies, how the heck can i flush it in my apartment parking lot?? Other than that, anything i've left out or any good tips are welcome. Strangely enough, of all the things i've done on a car, changing the trany fluid isnt one of them...lol

 

[cobra11182]

I am fairly sure its just autos that need flushed, cause of the fluid in the torque converter, etc. I fill my tremec with a 4 foot hose with a funnel on the end through the engine compartment, until it starts coming back out. 3 quarts i think

 

[89lxsport50]

I don't know about flushing it. I just drained the old stuff out. I bought a suction gun at Auto Zone. It looks like a big black syrenge (sp) with a flexible hose on the end. I payed about $10 for it. I just sucked the new fluid up with it and squirted it in. It took several times because it holds less than a quart. Some folks just run a hose from the engine compartment down to the tranny. Others take the shifter off and pour it in there.

 

[88gt]

Whatever is left in the bottom is such a small amount it won't hurt to leave it in there. There's a pump you can get at most part stores that works "ok". Just a little slow. If you add it through the shifter you will need somebody to watch from below to tell you when the fluid begins to trickle out of the fill hole.

Jim

 

[85_SS_302_Coupe]

Well i can give you guys a tip maybe? Instead of using a huge hose or a syringe to put the fluid in, just pull your shifter out and pour it straight down the top of the trany. That's how i filled it the first time and it was super easy. I guess it's more work than the other ways though.