I have a 2006 3500 4x4 with 97000 miles, whats everyones opinion on changing to synthetic tranny fluid when I change the fluid and filter? Also I have never changed a fuel filter on it yet, where is it located and what are the steps in changing it? This is my first diesel truck. Thanks

 

97k on the original fuel filter!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Holy cow.

It's located on the drivers side of the engine, there will be a black cover. 1 1/8 socket can be used to unscrew the cover. When it's loose, lift up on it, will take a little effort.
Carefully pry the fingers that hold it in place and push the new one on. There is an o-ring on the cover that needs replaced as well. If you got a Fleetguard filter dealer, get one from them. DO NOT RUN ANY FRAM FILTERS, they fall apart.

---AutoMerged DoublePost---

Now the transmission service. Because you got almost 100k on it, let the dealer or transmission shop tackle it. They can adjust the bands while the cover is off. Well worth the $150 or so bucks.

---AutoMerged DoublePost---

You ever change the engine oil yet????

 

When I purchased the truck (used) from the dealer they said all fluids and fuel filter were changed. Since then, they have changed the oil once since I have had it (free oil change) and I just went to Summit yesterday and bought Royal Purple for the differentials. I will do the motor with synthetics right before I go to Daytona (for the 500) in Feb. anyone here going? What about synthetics in the tranny ?

 

Mopar ATF+4 is a full synthetic. If you go to a different brand, make sure it's compatible with ATF+4. If you want to do the transmission yourself, drop all but 4 bolts in a corner, that way the pan tips and drains most of the fluid out. After it's drained, drop the other 4 and clean the pan and magnet and replace the filter.

 

What wildbill said. I didn't realize that Mopar's fluid was synthetic, but someone else just told me that as well. Anyway, I'm still changing mine out next week. Yours definitely could use a change if it hasn't been done. If the dealer changed it, then you're good for 30-50k depending on how you drive.

 

Thanks guys! I will be calling the trans shop down the street who I have known for a long time and get this issue taken care of.

 

I'm running Amsoil in mine, engine, trans, transfer case, & diffs.

 

All ATF+4 is synthetic.

 

Heard something about running John deer lube in the autos was a good thing!?
Anybody hear about this?

 

John Deere has a hydraulic synthetic oil that I cant remember the name but it starts with "H" and it is being used in many racing and street automatics. I allegedly is so good it actually lowers your convertor stall speed by 150 - 200 rpm's! It has higher shear pressure (good thing) and temperature range. Many users report lower operating transmission temperatures also. I think it is win-win except you must get it at a John Deere dealer only but if you buy a large auantity you can get it pretty reasonable per quart.

---AutoMerged DoublePost---

Hy-gard is the name!