Changing trans oil/filter on a 2004 Tahoe Z71

K

Killjoy

Forum Member
Guys,

I just bought a new (used) '04 Tahoe 4x4 Z71 with 41k miles. I want to do all of the maint right now since I don't know the history of the vehicle. Engine oil/filter is no problem. How hard is it to change the trans filter? Am I going to need to drop skid plates (Z71) to get at it, then the trans oil pan?

I'm also thinking about changing out the transfer case fluid, rear end, etc.
 
you need to remove whatever is in the way of the trans pan, and then remove the pan(it does clear the exhaust tho)

the shifter cable bracket is in the way as well, either need to unbolt it, or bend it out of the way(bend back when finished)
 
I've been procrastinating... haven't done this yet. Couple more questions:

1) If I just drop the pan and replace the filter, how do I know how much trans fluid to put back in? How much stays in the trans internals (since I'm not flushing it?)? Do I just eyeball it to get close, then use the dipstick to top it off?
2) OK to go with Dexron VI? Manual says III, but most sites I've read online say VI is a direct replacement for III. OK to mix III & VI since I'm not flushing?
3) If I want to go with a synthetic Dex VI, who makes the best? Mobile I SynATF says it's recommended to replace IIIG & H - no clue if that includes what I have. AMSoil isn't recommended for Dexron replacement. The only synATF Dex III/VI I can find is Valvoline's.
4) Who makes the best trans filter replacement? Delco? Just want to make sure I don't get a FRAM-like filter.
 
Killjoy said:
I've been procrastinating... haven't done this yet. Couple more questions:

1) If I just drop the pan and replace the filter, how do I know how much trans fluid to put back in? How much stays in the trans internals (since I'm not flushing it?)? Do I just eyeball it to get close, then use the dipstick to top it off? About 6 quarts
2) OK to go with Dexron VI? Manual says III, but most sites I've read online say VI is a direct replacement for III. OK to mix III & VI since I'm not flushing? Dex III is fine to use. GM no longer makes DexIII so they recomend Dex VI
3) If I want to go with a synthetic Dex VI, who makes the best? Mobile I SynATF says it's recommended to replace IIIG & H - no clue if that includes what I have. AMSoil isn't recommended for Dexron replacement. The only synATF Dex III/VI I can find is Valvoline's. Amsoil is a direct replacment for DexIII, For Dex VI applications, they make a Low vislosicity ATF that meets Dex VI specks. Personally I buy and use Amsoil (i buy it by the 55 gallon drum
4) Who makes the best trans filter replacement? Delco? Just want to make sure I don't get a FRAM-like filter.
Click to expand...
Use either a delco/sealed power or filtran brand filter and a fibre gasket.
 
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