i own a 96 dodge ram and it has 107,000 miles on it and i have never changed the transmission oil before is it time to change the oil?? it still runs great
Are you talking about an automatic or a standard trans? A standard trans doesn't need fluid to be changed that often, but an automatic should be serviced about once every two years. Engine oil needs to be changed more frequently because the products of combustion enter into the crankcase past the rings and are very abrasive (carbon particles, etc.). But ATF doesn't have that issue, it's just metal particulates and clutch dust. And these settle out of suspension more readily than they would in a detergent oil (ATF isn't detergent so heavy particulates settle to the bottom of the pan). I'm not surprised you got over 100k on factory fluid, but right about now your bands are in need of adjustment, and clean fluid would be a welcome change to your clutches and gears. I'm a big fan of doing work myself because EVERY . . . and I mean EVERY time I take my car to a professional, they screw something up. If 7 bolts come out, only 4 go back in. If there's 5 vacuum lines, three are put back on the wrong places. I always ask for the damaged parts, and half the time they weren't damaged at all, but replaced by the greedy bastards for a quick buck. If you want my recommendation, pay the $200 for a Frantz oil filter and put it inline to your Automatic Transmission. Then you can change the toilet paper filter in it for 50 cents and see how much dirt you're taking out. Otherwise, take it to Wal-Mart for standard service stuff. They won't try to sell you stuff that doesn't need replaceing. .
Check the users manual. Most mfgs recommend that the tranny fluid be changed at 30-60 K miles. according to usage. At 107K I would definately get the transmission flushed and the transmission filter changed. Just a pan drain and filter change is not enough as probably 1/2 of the old fluid is still in the torque converter. Get it done right, It's cheap insurance if you plan on keeping the unit.
It's too late to get your transmission fluid flushed out using a shop flush machine. That will loosen all the crud that has built up in your transmission and only clog it all up. But you could have the transmission pan removed, filter replaced and fluid refilled as a compromise to extend the life of the transmission. Don't count on it lasting longer than 150000 miles though. The transmission should have been flushed every 50,000 miles at least according to your manufacturer's maintenance schedule. Check your owner's manual for future service that's needed if your going to keep the truck.
