Keeping your truck's automatic transmission properly maintained and cool is a key component to extending the longevity of your transmission's life. Fortunately, maintenance is relatively simple for automatic transmissions as there isn't much that will need to be addressed except replacing the fluid and filters. Automatic transmissions are essentially a series of clutch packs that are connected to drive gears and controlled by fluid pressure. When the fluid is too hot it loses viscosity and can prematurely wear the clutch packs in the transmission causing excessive debris and more heat, making the problem worsen.

Changing the fluid at regular maintenance intervals is reccommended by all vehicle manufacturers and your vehicle's maintenance intervals can be located in your manual. Of course, if you are into using all the resources the web has to offer, you might be interested in keeping track of ALL of your vehicle's maintenance with Ownersite, an all-inclusive online maintenance service and Truckblog affiliate.

As there is tons of information online about the 4R100 transmission and maintenance best practices, we Opted to focus on Ford's new 5R110W Torqueshift® transmission

Supplies Needed: 1 Leather Gloves (To prevent burns) 1 Drain Pan 1 Measured Container marked in 1 Quart increments (Minimum 8 quarts) 1 8 foot 1/2" Inner diameter (ID) clear tubing to put OVER the return line when disconnected. 1 8 foot 1/2" Outer diameter (OD) clear tubing to put IN the oil cooler return line. 1 Pair of pliers. 1 Socket/wrench set to remove the drain pan plug and the in-line filter housing 1 Impact wrench (Highly Recommended) 1 Ford In-Line Filter (P/N 3C3Z-7B155-AA* OR 3C3Z-7A098-AA With Seal) 1 Ford Internal Filter (P/N 3C3P-7G186-AF)** 1 Funnel 20 Quarts MECRON SP * Note: In-line oil filter P/N 3C3Z-7B155-AA does not include an O-Ring. Use P/N 3C3Z-9J126-AA Or 3C3Z-7J126-AA ** Note: Even though not required by Manufacturer, it is recommended to change your internal filter Identifying Parts:	Filter O-Ring
1: The tranny fluid return line is identified as #1 in the image. The return line feeds into the transmission to the rear.
2: Follow the return line towards the front of the truck and you will see the return hose coming from the transmission oil cooler. It is identified as #1 in the image. You will also see the in-line filter in the image. Disconnect the spring clamp and attach the 1/2" ID hose to the hard line and the 1/2" OD hose to the return hose later in the procedure.
3: A measuring container, marked in 1 quart increments. Ideally, a single container to accept all the transmission fluid is ideal but not always available to the diligent do-it-yourself enthusiast.