Help me change my fluids.

[hulk311]

I just got my Chilton repair manual and I've been reading about when to replace the fluids. I'd like to know which brand of fluid to get for each of the following:

Automatic transmission
Transfer case
Drive Axels (Front and rear)

Also, how many quarts should I get for each of the above?

Is this an easy task to do or should I take it to a oil change place? I have heard that it is better to leave the automatic transmission oil alone and not change it because changing it might let dirt that is actually holding leaks in get out and ruin the transmission. Is that true? Also, any other fluids I need to replace? I plan on doing the Motorvac service, I got a quote for $150 from a shop. I also plan on seafoaming the oil before I do my next oil change.

 

[ALLEGRO]

I am not sure of how many miles you have, but your tranny may not need anything at all. If it is the sealed tranny, I would go at least 80k before I serviced it. If in doubt, pull the drain-plug just a bit and sample the fluid. If it is good and red, I would let it be for a while.

At 40K I changed the diffs and transfer-case fluid to Mobil 1 synthetic. I also run M1 in the crank. I have been using it for many cars now and get over 250K on all of them without incident.

Seafoam is a great product and again depending on mileage, you may see some benifit. My suggestion is suck some in via a vacuum line (about half a bottle) and let it sit for an hour or so. Then go crank her up and enjoy the smoke show. You might want to warn your neighbors.....no need for the FD.

Be sure to lube the zerks in your driveshaft(s) and slipyolk. Lots of links here to show you what to do.

Good Luck

 

[witchdoctor]

my 05 v8 awd: ft diff= 1.5 qt valvoline 80-90w; rear diff= 3qt; transfer case=1.3 qt castrol synthetic.
total 5qts 80-90w + 2qts 75-90w.
It's really easy... get a little hand pump, which screws right onto each quart of lube. open the fill, open the drain. close the drain, fill it up (cant overfill it), close the fill.
With the $$ saved, you can afford synthetic lube and all of the tools to diy... plus, you'll do it much better than 99% of any lube shop or stealership.