ATF fluids...

[MaxWgn]

Has anyone here tried using Redline ATF fluid in their trans? What about any other synthetic?

What is the easiest way to completely drain both the trans and the converter - if possible, to best facilitate using all synthetic?

Also looking at installing a cooler...the only one freely available here locally is a Hayden 403...is this a decent unit, or should I special order one?

[Jeff92se]

Some DIYers, use the drain/replace method. But the thing is, you can only get so much out at one time as there is always fluid left in the TC etc.. So you would have to repeat this procedure 2-3 times. That gets expensive for synthetics.
If you take it to a shop that can flush, they (I think) run the car and constantly run new fluid though while draining the old stuff. Eventually you get all new stuff in there. Again, expensive if you use synthetic.
Depending how many miles you have, I don't know if it's really justified to use synthetics. Many have used Amsoil products though. A cooler would be benefical either way. I believe the Haden 403 is the one everyone uses. I did a search for Hayden and here is a decent thread:
Wheels Finally On

For tranny flush information: Check the fluids/lubricants section.

[cardana24]

just this past weekend, my friend and put a clutch and flywheel in my 4th gen, and we could not get the drain plug out so we just unbolted the tranny and dumped it that way....would not recomend unless you cannot get drain plug out. I picked the tranny up and faced it towards the gound and let it drain that way....I know you are AT, and not MT but just thought I would share because I replaced my fluid with Redline MT-90, and my draining method must have worked because the tranny held the amount of fluid it was suposed to when compleately dry. Going thru the gears is much easier in my car now....I am assuming it will help the AT with shifting smoother and protecting the gears. Also we get an .org discount at (I think) myoilshop.com....there is a post about it in one of the forums....I got 5 quarts for $37 shipped.

[maximase86]

I'm switching over to Redline MT90 here soon. Got 6 quarts of it sitting in my trunk right now. Their stuff is awesome.

S

[MaxWgn]

Well, I'm having a used tranny installed to replace the one that got damaged due to the city's bad specs on a new road they put down...so the tranny should be drained prior to the install...

What about the TC - how can you drain it?

[Jeff92se]

If you have the tranny out, I believe they can take off the TC and drain it. I'm only about 60% sure on this though.

[MaxWgn]

That's what I was thinking...

I'm trying to decide if I wanna go with Redline, or another synth...it's gonna come down to cost...i'd love to use Redline products...I've heard they make a world of difference...if I'm able, I'm likely to get Redline for both the wagon, and my 90 Aerostar 5-speed.

[turboast4]

Most garages have the machine that takes out all the old fluid and simultaneously replaces it with new fluid. There's just about 100% fluid exchange. They just tap the lines from the tranny to the radiator. It costs about 70 bucks just for regular fluid, so count on significantly more than that for synthetic.

[MaxWgn]

Well, our slush boxes are notorious for being damaged by a fluid flush & fill...since they are out of the car, and so forth, I'll just have them emptied as well as they can be from there, and fill them up with the synth...