Safe to drain tranny fluid via cooler line??

[Jacob13254]

Wanna do a basic fluid/filter pan drop on the expy but would like to get fluid out before unbolting pan. Is above method ok if I go just until fluid stops coming out of line and thats it? Whatcha guys think? Heard people say they've did it plenty of times with no problems. Others say risky.

 

[JUST4FUN]

Depending on the year. Some Transmissions have what's called a thermal mister which does not let the transmission circulate through the cooler until a certain temperature

 

[Hamfisted]

That's fine. I also added a Magnefine in-line filter (5/16") to my Expy's return line. I also installed a PML deep pan on my tranny for added fluid capacity and used Mobil 1 tranny fluid. 175k trouble free miles and still going strong....


-Mike

 

[Jacob13254]

It's obvious fluid is definitely not original but I don't know if previous owner just had an exchange w no filter at a jiffy lube type place.

 

[Jacob13254]

Is there a torque converter drain plug on 2004 2v 5.4?

 

[0xowner]

Which transmission?

My 2002 4.6 with 4r70w has a rubber cap for accessing a drain plug, but I've read the drain plug was discontinued after 2001. I have not yet turned the motor by hand to verify if I actually do or don't have one though.