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JBark
Dodge Dakota
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11/18/2003
22:46:51
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 Subject: Am I missing anything for fluid change?
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Going to try my hand and changing the front/rear diff fluids, transmission fluid, and transfer case fluid this weekend. Here's the list of things I think I need. Am I missing anything obvious?
2001 QC 4.7L 4x4 45rfe
Diffs:
5 qts Amsoil S2000 75W90 (little over 2 in each diff)
Black RTV Sealant (Permatex "Right Stuff"?)
Transmission:
7.5 qts Amsoil Universal ATF (just dropping pan)
Flat pan filter
Screw on filter
screw on filter gasket
Pan gasket (or should I use the RTV sealant?)
Oil filter cup wrench to fit small screw on filter
Transfer case:
1.5 qts Amsoil Universal ATF
I'm using what is leftover from filling the transmission, so if I don't have at least 2 qts left, I'll probably wait on the transfer case.
Whew!
Any tips for me on my undertaking? :) I'm a virgin at this, so any info is useful. I do change my own oil/plugs/etc..., and I've also replaced the front brake pads/rotors, so I'm not a complete moron, but this is all new to me.
And yes, I know I'm gonna make a huge freakin mess, I've been saving newspapers for the past week :)
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DSW
Dodge Dakota
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11/19/2003
04:29:55
| RE: Am I missing anything for fluid change?
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Forget the tranny pan gasket and use RTV, no one had a gasket when I looked 4 months ago.
I got a 5 gallon jug of Amsoil ATF for my tranny flush and did the power steering unit and rack and pinion unit while I was at it. The P/S fluid in my 00 4.7 Dak looked horrid, glad I changed the stuff out. After the tranny and P/S flush I still had about a gallon of ATF left, but it would have cost about the same for 16 individual quarts of Amsoil ATF.
Also, why not flush the tranny, if the old ATF is still in there it's going to be 50% new Amsoil ATF and 50% old fluid. Amsoils website has a good write up on flushing the tranny.
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Lurkin
Dodge Dakota
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11/19/2003
10:28:58
| RE: Am I missing anything for fluid change?
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There is also an o-ring seal that goes on the flat pan filter. I have heard some say that they re-used the existing one though.
I am about to do the same as you are, so my list is the same except I have the o-ring. I did get a pan gasket, but am debating whether to use it or the "Right-Stuff". If I didn't have the gasket, I would not hesitate to use the sealant.
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JBark
Dodge Dakota
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11/19/2003
12:31:03
| RE: Am I missing anything for fluid change?
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I only saw one filter seal listed at www.bulkpart.com, so hopefully the pan filter actually comes with the o-ring. The picture for the 2wd pan filter looks like it has a rubber o-ring, so hopefully it does.
I'm not sure about using the gasket either, I guess I'll just use which ever one is easier :)
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Kowalski
Dodge Dakota
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11/19/2003
16:09:16
| RE: Am I missing anything for fluid change?
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I recently got the 45RFE tranny stuff there - I found a listing for seals for both filters, turned out they were out of the seal for the flat filter but was able to re-use the old one. Easier to get the seal off the old filter if you break the neck off. They had the pan gasket for my 4x pan, it sealed well.
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JES
Dodge Dakota
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11/20/2003
09:23:09
| RE: Am I missing anything for fluid change?
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That site looks like a great deal for the filters. Does anyone know of a place where you can get the Mopar ATF+4 at a better price? I did a search here and came up with nothing. The best price I've been able to find calling around dealers is $28.88 per gallon. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Eric -- http://photos.yahoo.com/jes_96
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Lurkin
Dodge Dakota
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11/20/2003
10:17:24
| RE: Am I missing anything for fluid change?
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JBark, the o-ring was actually in another section on the bulkparts web site. I can't recall right now the navigation. But since it was a <$1 item, ordering it now won't be possible.
JES, I found the same as you on the fluid pricing, so I used it as an excuse to get the AMSOil preferred customer and the ATF+4 from them.
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JES
Dodge Dakota
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11/20/2003
11:07:51
| RE: Am I missing anything for fluid change?
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My dealer told me that I have to use the ATF+4 from Mopar. Period. If I don't, the warranty is void. I reminded them (and Dodge customer service) about the Magnusson-Moss Act and noted that I should be getting the ATF for free from Mopar .... they suggested I get a lawyer.
Also, how do you get all the Mopar ATF+4 flushed out (in a reasonable manner -- I'm not disconnecting hoses and running my truck with ATF spewing all over my driveway), so you can use the AMSOIL? Can you simply do a drain and fill, mixing the MOPAR and AMSOIL?
Thanks,
Eric -- http://photos.yahoo.com/jes_96
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AmsoilSponsor
DakotaEnthusiast
11/20/2003
12:20:20
|  Amsoil Synthetic Universal ATF & Pricing
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WARRANTY
First and foremost, there is no way for the dealer to test to see what brand of lubricant you are using, they will only want to see maintenance records to see that maintenance was performed on a timely basis. If this is a concern, this can be accomplished by keeping sales receipts of your purchases and taking photos of your odometer.
I know your PAIN !!! Warranty issues can be a pain in the butt even if the dealer has performed all maintenance with OEM supplies.
Note: I purchase and use Amsoil lubricants and filters EXCLUSIVELY (but I am not much of a DIY guy) and take the products to a local "Quickie Lube" and let them perform the change. They charge a "nominal fee" for this service since I provide the lubricants and filters --- similar to a corking fee when you bring your own bottle "BYOB" of wine, or your own beer, to a restaurant.
Then I have PROOF of regularly scheduled maintenance.
_______________  _______________
Amsoil Synthetic Universal ATF --- Retail Pricing
(preferred customers receive discounted pricing of approximately 20%)
Product Codes - Quantity/Size - Retail Pricing
ATF-QT - (1) quart bottle ------------ $7.80
ATF-01 - (12) quart bottles --------- $92.40
ATF-TP - (1) 2 1/2-gallon bottle ---- $74.25
ATF-05 - (2) 2 1/2-gallon bottles - $146.50
ATF-30 - (1) 30-gallon drum ------- $689.00
ATF-55 - (1) 55-gallon drum ----- $1,181.00
__________________________________________________
Steven Roark , Amsoil Dealer , Proud Sponsor of www.DodgeDakotas.com
AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils, Lubricants, Filtration, and Truck Care Products
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JES
Dodge Dakota
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11/20/2003
12:59:08
| RE: Am I missing anything for fluid change?
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Message:
OK Steve ... since you typed so much, but didn't answer any of my questions, let's try again ...
How do you get all the Mopar ATF+4 flushed out (in a reasonable manner -- I'm not disconnecting hoses and running my truck with ATF spewing all over my driveway), so you can use the AMSOIL? Jiffy Lube said the two fluids will mix during their flushing process. Can you simply do a drain and fill, mixing the MOPAR and AMSOIL?
Eric -- http://photos.yahoo.com/jes_96
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AmsoilSponsor
DakotaEnthusiast
11/20/2003
13:17:17
| Amsoil = www.american-synthetic-oil.com
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I thought I answered as follows,
(... I am not much of a DIY guy) and take the products to a local "Quickie Lube" and let them perform the change.
This is for all fluids except the ATF ... because of their transmission flush machines. Sorry ... I was not clear. For the ATF I take my truck to a local garage where he does whatever he does ... I've known him for 20 years and he assures me he does a "complete drain and replace".
Again, I'm not much of a DIY when it comes to transmissions --- but I can help with most everything else.
--------------------------------------------------
I will post this here for others that might be interested:
If you are going to DIY ... You can pick up a filter kit from AutoZone for about $10 and it contains the filter and gasket. It is not nessasary to use any silicon or gasket sealer just be sure your pan surface is clean. NOTE: It is a messy DIY job.
==================================================
Amsoil Universal Synthetic ATF
------------------------------
Changing Your Transmission Fluid in 12 EASY Steps:
1. Make sure the fluid is warm. Warm up your Dakota so the transmission is at normal operating temperature. Pull the transmission dipstick. Fresh fluid is translucent and cherry red. Some darkening is normal, but if it is reddish brown or mustard color and smells like burnt varnish, it is worn out.
2. Drain the fluid by loosening the pan. Select the correct filter replacement based on pan shape and prepare a large pan to catch the fluid. Then loosen each pan bolt a turn or two and loosen one corner more than rest. Drain mostly from this corner.
3. Finish removing the pan and any gasket material from the pan or case. Avoid scratching the metal and make sure the pan’s gasket surface isn’t bent or distorted.
4. Remove the old filter. Most transmission filters are held in place with a bolt or two, but some are held by a clip. Be careful to include O-Rings or other seals.
5. Install a new filter. Use the clips or bolts from the old filter. Be sure O-Rings, etc. are in place. If the filter has a long intake neck, gently push the neck into place without unseating the O-Ring.
6. Clean the pan thoroughly. Inspect the pan before cleaning. A small amount of fine grey clutch dust is normal. However, if you find metal shavings, there has been transmission damage. Clean the pan with solvent and wipe dry so there is no harmful residue.
7. Position gasket on pan. Some gaskets have four holes slightly smaller than the rest to allow four bolts through the pan and through these smaller holes to hold the gasket in place.
8. Hand tighten pan bolts in a criss-cross pattern. After that, use a torque wrench to tighten bolts to proper ft-lbs as per manufacturer.
9. Refill the transmission using only the amount shown as “refill capacity” in the owners manual or "AMSOIL Product Selection Guide,” using the type of fluid specified for the vehicle.
10. If doing only a partial fluid replacement, skip to instruction 12 below. If doing a complete fluid replacement, follow the steps in instruction 11.
11. You now have replaced the fluid in the pan. To replace the fluid in the torque converter and oil cooler also, follow these steps.
Step 1. Obtain the total system capacity of the vehicle from the manufacturer or AMSOIL. Have this amount readily available.
Step 2. Disconnect the oil cooler line from the oil cooler. As you may not know which is the pressure side and which is the return side, have both directed so the stream of fluid will be directed toward a receptacle.
Step 3. With another person, be prepared to add ATF to the fill area as it is being pumped out of the oil cooler line.
Step 4. Start the engine, and as the old fluid is pumped out, add fresh fluid to the pan.
Step 5. When either the fluid color brightens or the total capacity has been replaced, shut the engine off and re-attach the oil cooler line. All fluids has now been changed.
12. Recheck the fluid level. With the truck on level ground, set the parking brake and the transmission in “Park” or “Neutral.” Let the engine idle for a few minutes. Shift the transmission into different positions before returning the lever to “Park” or “Neutral.” Check the fluid level again and check for leaks.
--------------------------------------------------
This is really a "two-person" DIY operation. The ATF will come out faster than it goes in ... so you may need to stop and restart the engine a few times.
--------------------------------------------------
Steven Roark , Amsoil Dealer , Proud Sponsor of www.DodgeDakotas.com
AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils, Lubricants, Filtration, and Truck Care Products
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Apparently
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
11/20/2003
16:14:35
|  RE: Am I missing anything for fluid change?
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He doesn't know if its ok to mix the fluids. Complete drain and replace leaves almost half the original fluid in a 45RFE...
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AmsoilSponsor
DakotaEnthusiast
11/20/2003
16:52:32
| Amsoil Synthetic ATF or ATF+4
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I have been told (and read somewhere) that there is a way to do a complete drain and fill. I don't know the procedure. Sorry.
... and ... ATF+4 is compatable with Amsoil ATF.
Steven Roark , Amsoil Dealer , Proud Sponsor of www.DodgeDakotas.com
AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils, Lubricants, Filtration, and Truck Care Products
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AckaDak
Dodge Dakota
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11/20/2003
18:05:22
| RE: Am I missing anything for fluid change?
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According to DC, ATF+4 is compatible with all other ATF fluids (or so I was told).
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DSW
Dodge Dakota
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11/20/2003
23:59:24
| RE: Am I missing anything for fluid change?
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Follow Amsoil Sponsor's 12 steps to flush out all the old ATF. The tranny cooler lines are a real bitch to get to on the 4.7 Dak radiator. I was adding a tranny cooler so I had it made, just cut the incoming cooler line and drained from there. If you attach some clear tube (Home Depot $2) to the cooler line, you can capture the fluid in a pan and watch the color change. I put a couple of big nuts on the end of the clear tube and threw it in a 5 gallon bucket, no mess.
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BD
Dodge Dakota
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11/24/2003
09:01:19
| RE: Am I missing anything for fluid change?
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Don't forget the 6-pack of beer.
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Lurkin
Dodge Dakota
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11/24/2003
18:23:16
| RE: Am I missing anything for fluid change?
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Just got it all done on mine Dakota QC, auto, AWD. Messy but doable. I ended up using 9 qts. of ATF+4 (AMSOil ATF) for the tranny and the xfer case. The 2 diffs took all of 4 qts. of gear lube. The rear diff and the xfer case were easy, the tranny was messy, but not bad, the front diff is a bit of a pain just because of the close quarters. It was difficult to get the can of Right Stuff to move around the diff casing. I didn't think I was going to be able to put the gasket stuff on the cover and get it into position.
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Timberwolf
GenIII
12/01/2003
13:59:49
| RE: Am I missing anything for fluid change?
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You need to locate the return line to the tranny. I think it's the back one, but call dealer to verify. Steps as follows:
1.Drain pan and refill. Napa sells the gasket/filter kit for about $15 - 20, I don't remember exactly. There is no O-ring, but rather a gasket ring that comes attached to the filter.
2. Disconnect return line at the tranny and put an oil drain pan under it.
3. Have a helper watch the fluid coming out as you pour new fluid in the fill tube (with engine running). When it changes color to the lighter shade of red, shut the engine off and reconnect the return line.
4. With the vehicle running, check the level and top off.
You want to disconnect the return line, not the supply line. If you use the supply line you won't get all the old fluid out of the cooler. If you are not going to do a complete flush, don't waste your money on Amsoil because you are not even changing half the fluid that way. I think I remember needing about 10 or 11 qts.
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Lurkin
Dodge Dakota
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12/01/2003
14:41:51
| RE: Am I missing anything for fluid change?
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Timberwolf, careful JBark has the 45rfe. This tranny has a o-ring with a metal ring on it. Kind of like an input shaft seal on a diff. It must be installed into the tranny case and not the the filter in order to seat properly.
On the drop the pan vs. flush thing, it is a choice. I just dropped the pan and replaced 9 of the 14 qt. capacity of the tranny. I did this at 25K, and at 45K, I'll do the same thing again.
But I also had not thought of disconnecting the line at the tranny and not at the cooler. That makes more sense and is easier then disconnecting at the cooler.
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Questioner
Dodge Dakota
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9/19/2004
09:49:48
|  RE: Am I missing anything for fluid change?
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I getting ready to flush my tranny and had the same thought as Timberwolf, but don't know which line is the return line and which is the supply line at the tranny. Does anyone know which is which on the 45RFE?? I think it is the one on the bottom, but I'd like some verification. Thanks!!
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