4+3 filter change

[ScubaAl]

Hello,
I'm planning on changing the fluids in my trans and overdrive(1984). I was going to have it done, but think I will tackle this myself. One problem is getting the car up high enough. What I might try is putting it up on ramps. My driveway is kind of steep, so might point the car downhill and up on the ramps. Hope this gets the car near level.
When changing the OD should I use the included gasket, or a sealant? Also how tight do I torque the bolts.
Original owner, picked the car up at factory and drove home. Has 27,000 miles and sat from 1989 till last year.
Next thing I will be looking at are the tires, the originals still have lots of tread and look in great shape. But don't want to push things.
Thanks for your help, Al

 

[rrubel]

The idea of making a car level by putting it on ramps frankly scares me. I'd find a level spot (no garage?) to work; you're going to want the car pretty high.

When I changed the fluid, I used a gasket, but I've since been told to use sealant instead.
[RICHR]

 

[nyernga]

I ended up bringing my car to my mechanic to remove the plug on the overdrive. It was on so tight, even on a lift it took two men and an 8 sided steel socket to remove. Rich is right though about using a sealant and not the gasket.

The tired may look great but if the car sat that long, unprepared then there has got to be some flatspotting. Very low mileage is good but unless properly stored and attended to for that long a period, I'd be very watchful of things.

just my .02

Len

 

[c4cruiser]

I would never consider putting the car on ramps on a steep driveway. The ramps may slide if they are at an angle to the driveway. If you can get the car in the garage, thats the best way and you should jack the car up and place it on jackstands.

The chances are that the original tires may noy only be flat-spotted but the compounds in the rubber are probably dried to the point that they wil have little traction and most likey will show cracking on the sidewalls. You should replace them as soon as you can. Try something like the Kumho Supra 712 from the Tire Rack. Under $70 each in 255/50-ZR16 and a great tire for street use. http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Kumho&tireModel=ECSTA+Supra+712

I would change all of the fluids; coolant, brake fluid, PS fluid, tranny gear oil, OD fluid and differential gear oil. There should have been some leaking after the car was put back into service and if things like the tranny output shaft and the pinion gear seal are not leaking, you are in good shape.

For the 4+3, you can use Mobil-1 synthetic ATF for the fluid Make sure you get the stuff that is Dexron II compatible!!. Drop the pan and catch the old fluid. Completely scrape the old sealant or gasket material off the surfaces and clean off the magnet. Then use some black RTV Sealant when the pan goes back on. Apply it to the pan and around the holes and immediately reinstall. Tighten the bolts to about 6-8 ft-lbs.

Remove the fluid lines from the tranny and use light air pressure to force the old fluid in the lines out (no need to have the old fluid left in there) and then reinstall the lines. Once you replace the pan, add about a quart of fluid to the tranny and with the shifter in neutral, spin a rear tire by hand for about two minutes. This will allow the pump to circulate the new fluid through the cooler lines. Then fill the OD the rest of the way. It should take about 2 quarts to fill.

I bought a filter for my 87 from Mid-America and I paid $19.98 and $8 for shipping. The filter is no longer available from AC Delco or GM. I did a bit of searching and I found that the filter used in Ford FMX trannies that were used with 351 V8 cars in the mid-70's appears to be the same filter!! I have yet to install my filter yet but I 'm going to take it by a local reputable tranny shop and see if they have that filter so I can compare it to what I bought. If it is the same filter, it will probably be about half of what the Vette catalogs sell it for.

 

[rrubel]

For the 4+3, you can use Mobil-1 synthetic ATF for the fluid Make sure you get the stuff that is Dexron II compatible!!.

FWIW, WhalePirot says that the experts warn against using synthetic ATF in the OD. He explains in his 4+3 thread from earlier this week.
[RICHR]

 

[WhalePirot]

FWIW, WhalePirot says that the experts warn against using synthetic ATF in the OD. He explains in his 4+3 thread from earlier this week.
[RICHR]

Indeed. I was also told that the odds are that the unit will fail due to owners' (improper) maintenance than not doing anything, believe it or not.