'07 Transmission Fluid Change

[mentalattica]

Sorry if this has already been asked/answered.
I plan on changing my transmission fluid very soon I'm at 57k mi now. Just a couple of questions for you guys.

I just want to drop/drain the pan, change the filter, and possibly the gasket if needed.

1. Would it be ok to leave the old fluid in the TC alone and let it mix with the new? I'm figuring with only 57,000 miles and no towing, the fluid shouldn't be too bad. I could be wrong.

2. In just dropping the pan, how much fluid should I have on hand? I'm not sure how many quarts I'll need by leaving the fluid in the TC alone. I "think" I've read 5 quarts somewhere.

3. What type of fluid should I use? Will any Dextron VI fit the bill? Also, is the original fluid synthetic?

The reason I'm changing the fluid, other than as a preventative thing, is I'm getting a small vibration when I shift into reverse. My passenger(s) don't notice it when I point it out, but I can definitely feel it. It smooths out in drive/neutral/park. In reverse it idles rough, maybe a "stumble," "stutter," or a misfire type of feel. The RPMs do not fluctuate though. Does this sound familiar to anyone? I just replaced the plugs (Delco Iridiums) and wires 2 weeks ago to rule them out. I also thought maybe a mount?

Any other tips, or advise is greatly appreciated.

 

[Goodinblack]

I did mine on my 2009 Suburban.

Is yours 2WD or 4WD.

Mine is 2WD, also a 6 speed Transmission.

I just dropped the pan and cleaned it out real good, and stuck it back up.

Reused the gasket.

 

[mentalattica]

Thanks for the response. Sorry I should've included it's a 2wd.

 

[Goodinblack]

You may need to drop the exhaust Y pipe, to allow for clearance.

 

[AZSCTACO]

Or you could pay $90 and have the dealer do it Full flush

 

[Goodinblack]

I tend to not like full flushes. JMHO. Nothing against AZSTACO.

 

[mentalattica]

I actually called around and got some quotes on just a fluid and filter change. My quick lube places want $120 and dealer wanted $149. Seemed kinda steep for a fluid change but I haven't priced fluid yet. I wouldn't mind paying $80-90 and having someone else do it.

 

[2007tahoe]

You may need to drop the exhaust Y pipe, to allow for clearance.

Yes on a 2007 2wd 5.3 you have to drop the y pipe. I change my filter every 60,000 roughly. I have a mighty vac to such the fluid out of the pan in between filter changes. So basically I change around 4 qts every 30,000 miles. Dexron 6 is a good 8.00 a qt. When I worked at firestone a few years back we would flush with 15 qts of trans fluid to make sure it was clean.

 

[domin8]

Dexron 6 is synthetic. It doesn't matter which brand you use it is all synthetic. Dexron 6 is actually the synthetic version if Dexron 3, according to Valvoline sales reps.

 

[mentalattica]

Thanks. The Dexron 6 runs about $7-8, should 5 quarts be enough?

Last question if you guys don't mind:
The filter/gaskets say either "shallow pan" or "4 1/4 deep pan." How do I know which I have?