So i have a 1991 chevy k1500 4x4 with 350chev and 4 speed which would be the th700-r4, 60k miles. (yes 60k, not 160, yes original, yes really)
I admit not checking as often as i should being... the vehicle hasnt seen much use despite age. And was mostly letting my girlfriend drive it and just changing oil. Then last week it was stuck in 1st (when in drive or overdrive) but if she shifted into 2nd gear it would take 2nd. So i check the most obvious and yeah its a bit low on trans fluid noticibly below the cold mark.
I'm going to just add up some fluid but it seemed like a good time to ask other questions.
Whats the best fluid to add - i'm not changing the fluid at this time (and i'm sure thats a PITA dropping the pan and everything) just adding, should i use the newest formulation and its compatible with the old (whats it up to dexron 6 or something? i'm so out of "buying trans fluid" mode i can barely remember) or do i just use some of my new old stock ATF fluid still on the shelf from 15 years ago if it's compatible and that's just as good. (does it matter if an open or closed container) Not looking to be 'cheap' i just figure it doesnt matter hugely if i'm only adding a half quart or some small amount... right? :-/
Second, as soon as it's not the middle of winter and i'm not putting all my bills to credit card, would it be adviseable to change the fluid on a 32 year old th700-r4 with only 60k original miles to help it last longer? Does old fluid still in the trans 'go bad'? (its never been changed, had original fluid i'm sure cuz I put 42k miles on it/I got this truck with 18k a few years ago)
I've heard warnings about powerflushing/backflushing transmissions - that the car stealerships like to sell everyone on. Hearing totally mixed results - from "thats the dumbest effing thing ever" to "yeah do it if you start early in the transmissions life" which i'd think 60k hopefully still is.
I'd like to drive this truck for a long time - it's so nice, so this is far more about what to do next summer when I can consider a fluid change and other postponed maintenance thats too hard to DIY in the cold.
I admit not checking as often as i should being... the vehicle hasnt seen much use despite age. And was mostly letting my girlfriend drive it and just changing oil. Then last week it was stuck in 1st (when in drive or overdrive) but if she shifted into 2nd gear it would take 2nd. So i check the most obvious and yeah its a bit low on trans fluid noticibly below the cold mark.
I'm going to just add up some fluid but it seemed like a good time to ask other questions.
Whats the best fluid to add - i'm not changing the fluid at this time (and i'm sure thats a PITA dropping the pan and everything) just adding, should i use the newest formulation and its compatible with the old (whats it up to dexron 6 or something? i'm so out of "buying trans fluid" mode i can barely remember) or do i just use some of my new old stock ATF fluid still on the shelf from 15 years ago if it's compatible and that's just as good. (does it matter if an open or closed container) Not looking to be 'cheap' i just figure it doesnt matter hugely if i'm only adding a half quart or some small amount... right? :-/
Second, as soon as it's not the middle of winter and i'm not putting all my bills to credit card, would it be adviseable to change the fluid on a 32 year old th700-r4 with only 60k original miles to help it last longer? Does old fluid still in the trans 'go bad'? (its never been changed, had original fluid i'm sure cuz I put 42k miles on it/I got this truck with 18k a few years ago)
I've heard warnings about powerflushing/backflushing transmissions - that the car stealerships like to sell everyone on. Hearing totally mixed results - from "thats the dumbest effing thing ever" to "yeah do it if you start early in the transmissions life" which i'd think 60k hopefully still is.
I'd like to drive this truck for a long time - it's so nice, so this is far more about what to do next summer when I can consider a fluid change and other postponed maintenance thats too hard to DIY in the cold.