gauges, ball joints, and tranny fluid

[BigDaveZJ]

I really need to do all 3, but only have the $$$ for two of them right now. In a few weeks I'll be pulling 6k+ lbs from Denver to Moab and back, going over the continental divide, Vail pass, all that fun stuff, not exactly a nice cruise through Kansas, lol.

My truck has 110k on it, I bought it at like 96k I think. I don't know when the tranny fluid was last changed so I plan on doing that before I go. My front ball joints are also shot. And I need to have gauges in there too. The truck is bone stock performance wise so I'm not TOO concerned about getting gauges in there.

I guess my question is, if I use that little test port or whatever it is for the tranny temp sending unit on the gauges, is that an accurate enough location and can I get away with installing the sending unit there without losing a ton of fluid? I'll be putting Amsoil in, so I'd REALLY like to be able to do it without losing any fluid.

 

[dboyw]

If you mean this port, when I did gauges, i lost maybe a drop or two of fluid. The next year I did the fluid change.

I know this has been hashed many times before, some say you can use the Amsoil ATF, some sa no to. I used Amsoils Torque-Drive, and have had no problems at all. With the stock, small, cooler towing my fifth to South Dakota, the temp never went above 180*.

If you only have the funds to do two, I would do the fluid and ball joints, since you are stock.

 

[BigDaveZJ]

Why wouldn't I be able to use Amsoil? A buddy of mine is an Amsoil dealer so I get a pretty good deal which makes it not TOO outrageous.

 

[dboyw]

Sorry, let me clarify. Some say that since the Universal ATF is Mercon and Mercon V rated, it should not be used in our trans, which only calls for Mercon, and specifically states NOT to use duel rated fluid.

The Torque-Drive is rated Mercon but not Mercon V.

I have also read that it is OK to use, but I felt better using the Torque-Drive over the Universal ATF.

 

[bushpilot]

i need to do my ball joints too...so i feel your pain.
the parts are available (get the moog or spicer GREASEABLE
lifetime units) from your corner autoparts store. (about 70 bucks
per side).

if you have the ESOF 4x4 youll wanna replace the yellow o-ring
(to prevent any vac. leaks)...the o rings are about 2.50 each or so
from the dealer.

im still searching for the outer axle seal and dust seal...the dealer
wants 50 bucks for the axle seal alone...youll likely tear the seal up
getting it out when you remove the axle to get to the balljoints.

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oh and if youre doing towing...id get those gauges installed as fast
as money would allow...but again that would be the last item for me
on your list....transmissions are more expensive to replace

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as for the trans fluid (note 1st i dont have the 4r100 tranny like you)
but ford has just made some technical changes saying you can now use
the "universal" mercon/mercon5 products in trans. that call for either....
its mostly because mercon will no longer be made.

THIS DOES NOT APPLY TO THE 5R110/TorqueShift (in the 6.0L) the torqueshift
requires an all together diff. fluid (spec)...use ONLY MERCON SP in the torqueshift

 

[BigDaveZJ]

bushpilot, I ordered the full kit for the ball joints from powerstrokeshop.com. Probably could've got it cheaper if I sourced the individual parts on my own, but getting them all in one place made it easier.

And I talked the wife into letting me get all 3, so I'm happy. I just gotta find the time to install everything!!!!

 

[bushpilot]

yeah i am also aware of the powerstrokeshops offering...
having recently discovered the cost of the outter axle seal i WAS
thinking i could source the parts cheaper...now im not so sure...

 

[Elk]

If you lived closer, I'd offer to help with the labor.

 

[bushpilot]

pool's open (water temp is 80+) and the garage fridge is full (and cold)...
what more of an invite do you need

 

[Elk]

Ummm... Since you put it that way!!