First Service - what to use?

[Boostmeister]

I'm going to do my first fluid/filter/gasket change and would like some advice on what is good. Rubber or cork gasket and what type of sealer? Filter? Dexron fluid? Is synthetic fluid worth the extra cost? How many quarts are needed? The car is a daily driver with high miles on the trans, but it still functions perfectly. Reliability and trouble free (and leak free) operation is important. Pep, Zone and NAPA are close, so if they carry the parts, even better.

[XLR8]

gn.ttype.org has a good write up on replacing the fluid in the spring cleaning section. I have used both the GM gasket/filter and the Fram gasket/filter with no problems. I didn't use any sealer/RTV on the gasket. regarding fluid, i think if you talk to 6 tranny builder you may get 6 differnet suggestions from dexron to type F to Trackter fluid to a combo of two fluids.

[dan lephart]

use the GM gasket and filter, Ford type f fluid. Follow the www.gnttype.org spring cleaning instructions for tranny!! Good time to add a B&M #80250 tranny drain plug kit so you can change fluid without cover removal... Oh yeah, 6 people will have six different ideas! I like mine best.

[salvageV6]

Cork, GM parts, and Dexron.

No glue.

Aftermarket tranny cooler is a must.

[Boostmeister]

Thanks for all the info.

BTW, what holds the filter in place, just the o-ring and the pan?

[77 cruiser]

Yup pretty much, just make sure the clip on the VB is pushing the filter down to the pan.

Jim

[2quiktocare]

Dan is right. Everyone will have a different idea. We use strictly fiber gaskets and use a mix of Dextron/Mercon with 2 quarts of 424 tractor hydralic fluid added.

Use no sealant on the gasket, no matter which gasket you use. The sealant will act more like a lube when you install it and will cause the gasket to collapse when installing it.