Add-On Automatic Transmssion Drain Plug Query
 

So my old truck runs and shifts well and I'd like to be able to change out the fluid in the transmission more often than the filter. It doesn't have a lock-up torque converter so it is literally beating up the fluid at all times to get down the road. I have a suction device that can pull it out of the dipstick. Was thinking it would be easier to drop the pan, change the filter, change the pan gasket, adjust the bands, and then install a drain plug. I have always stayed away from this concept because it could loosen on me. Any thoughts? Something like the link I posted below basically:

Superior Universal Transmission Oil Pan Drain Plug Kit | eBay

Also, to keep it from loosening on me and/or leaking I am guessing Red Loctite would be a good idea on the threads of the adapter (not the drain plug itself).

A spring washer would be better than the Locktite product IMO - Torque the mutha down and it won't come loose. You should prolly change that fluid every 50K to 75K anyways. Someplaces offer a flush - works well if you have them add the product, chnage through the gearing and then flush the oil with fresh. They should also work through each gearing to get to fluid through the entire train.

Automatic tramsmissions are pretty complicated compared to other types of gear boxes. The fluid is much different as well.

I have stayed away from them because they generally need to be installed at a low spot. That's also what's sticking out the most, like a sore thumb, and may get sheared off when you hit something on the road.

The only way to go IMHO is an aftermarket cast aluminum pan that have a drain with fins that protect the drain bolt. They are sold for most common automatics by companies like B&M.

G

50-70K? Book says way more frequently than that. With heavy use around 15K. I don't think I'll go that low but I am thinking it can't hurt to drop the 4qt's in the pan from time to time between filters. Spring washer...not a bad idea. Does yours leak?

Suction through the filler tube is the best unless you need to change the filter. I use a suction gun with a long tube. Dropping the pan only makes more work and a mess and you won't get any more fluid out than the suction method. Do it a few times a year initially to freshen up the fluid and then when the fluid starts to look and smell used up. I've done it this way for years. (my last 700R4 was still going strong at 175k with no filter change ever when the car was totaled using this method, and if you know 700R4s that aint bad)

Those add on drain plugs won't come loose, but I bet you can't make it stop leaking.

Seems rather much for ATF. How old is your truck? What make tranny is it? Over the road haul trucks can go half a million miles before change is needed - granted they are a bit different but not by that much.

My plug doesn't leak but them again it isn't as old as your either.

What kind of trans?

I have a TCI aluminum pan on my C4. It holds more fluid and has a magnetic plug.
http://www.tciauto.com/media/catalog...ory/518000.jpg

is that a severe duty change interval?

also, I always change the filter when changing the ATF - you cannot do that with a drain plug...

also, note that ATF will not be fouled by combustion products (like a motor oil), and modern ATF is pretty sturdy stuff

Well like I said its not a lockup torque converter like we're all used to so the torque convertor is literally using the fluid to drive the vehicle at all times (even at highway speed). This is primarily to get a heavy load going and keep it going but is antiquated mentality and technology. The transmission is a Torqueflite with overdrive known as the A518 or 46RH and is behind a Cummins diesel in a 3/4 ton. Like I said it works well and of course I would change the filter at proper intervals but I wouldn't mind draining the 4 quart pan from time to time. Looks like in order to keep it leak free I should drain via dipstick suction and will continue to do that. Thanks folks.

i'd go with something like this, albeit I prefer the type that you weld onto the pan.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/BMM-80250/?rtype=10

Interesting... I think that's the same Auto Trans that's in my 94 Grand Cherokee with the 318 (5.2) V8.

I've heard that it's a pretty robust trans. Only way to ruin it is NOT use ATF+4 fluid.

Your Jeep has a lockup 44rh. They are stout but remember that an automatic transmission is basically a varnish factory (heat/oil/carbon). It important to drain and fill with new filters if you get the transmission hot.

Early, I double checked my memory...

The 93-95 5.2 V8 had the 46RH. Mine has Overdrive.

The 44RH started with the 96-98 5.2 V8 GC's (except the 5.9 - 46RE).

Not sure I have a lock-up TC.

Here:

46RH renamed A518. A727 with overdrive and hydraulic control.

Applications:
1994-1995 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 V8
1993-1995 (Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.2)
1995 Dodge Dakota 5.2l magnum v-8
1995 Dodge Ram Van 2500 5.2L Magnum V8

Does that sound correct.

I agree that regular frequent fluid changes with ATF+4 are critical. "Varnish factory" -good.

You are absolutely correct you do have a 44rh - major brain fart from a one time huge Jeep guy. You have a lockup torque converter as far as I remember but now that is to be at question as well. I believe the non-lockup transmissions stopped with the early design vehicles (like my square box ram diesel). The only thing I dont get about your source is that in 94-95 2500/3500 models the 47RH was used in the diesels (common upgrade for the A518 non-lockup in order to get lockup) but your source doesn't specify? We must assume they mean that the 46RH was used in gas 2500/3500 trucks. But yes it can't hurt to drain and fill the transmission fluid if it gets used. I figure that even if you don't pull the pan but just pull out a couple quarts through the dipstick that adds a huge percentage of clean fluid into the system.

Think you meant a 46RH. Ha.

I didn't copy the entire list which listed the diesels. And, it did not address wheather they were lockup or not.

I have done the fluid change by unbolting the pan... what a mess. So I've been paying to have it done.

I'm thinking about installing a drain plug for that reason while I'm doing the filter and bands next month.