Recomendations on maintenance for new to me truck

[mblack]

Hi diesel experts,

I purchased a 2003 F-350 6.0 that has 49,000 on it. Im moving in a few days and starting a new job, once the job starts I wont have any free time until Nov-Dec. So I want to service the motor, tranny and transfer case before I depart. Im unfamiliar with fords and was hoping for some help from the pros. Im stressed out with moving, selling a house, starting a new job, wife and kids several states away etc. I figure 50,000 miles is a good starting point for regular solid servicing service. The guy I bought it from took it to Jiffy lube and the ford dealer.

I think Im going to use the rotella 15-40 motor oil. I coudn't find much on the automatic transmission servicing? Do I simply need to drain it, or pull the pan and clean or replace filter? Will that get all of the old tranny fluid out? Same question on the transfer case? Is there a "trick" to flush out all the tranny fluid? When should I change the diff fluid?

Another other tips as a new diesel driver would also be appreciated.

If someone could give some solid advice I would with a cost effective maintenance program I would certainly appreciate it. Thanks.

 

[DCSpecial]

Bear Hunter had done a how-to on servicing the trans:
http://www.truckblog.com/story-582-howto_flush_fords_torqueshift_transmission


On the transfer case there are two plugs on the rear of the case. The lower one is the drain plug and the one up in the middle is the fill plug. The level should be even with the bottom of the fill plug hole.


Hope this helps.

 

[darsey715]

IMO, you're better off taking it to a dealer that has one of those tranny machines and have them do it. The tech that did mine said it was better than doing it the way in the article. I go to shopdiesel.com for my filters.