DIY Trans fluid and filter change

[schindles]

I just got quoted $1000 from my dealership and just around $1000 from a local mechanic to do above job. I am relatively handy and do most maintenance myself, tranny’s just scare me. How hard is the 8-speed to do with dropping the exhaust etc? Any way around not having to drop it or other information such as torque specs, reuse bolts, etc would also be appreciated by guys that have done it themselves. 

[Black02Silverado]

It's not hard. The biggest thing is getting the exhaust out of the way.  There are video's on YouTube.

[SteveP45]

$1000 seems excessive.  About 2.5 to3 times more from the estimates  i seen..  the low end about $250 and the high end $350.    At least here in the Midwest  flyover country of Central Illinois 

[silveradosid]

mine was 500 cdn at the stealership

[Gangly]

You don't have to drop the exhaust to do it.  A slight pull on the crossover pipe with a pry bar will lower the exhaust enough to get the pan out.

[schindles]

The lower end quotes that you guys got I think are just for a fluid flush. They don’t touch the pan or filter with that. I want to change out my filter and not do that flush. I’ve looked online and on you tube and haven’t found a good video yet of how to do it. Gangly- do you have a good reference or process that I could look up on how to do it?

[64BAwagon]

I found the size of the fill plug in the case for my 10spd in my HD. I bought a 1/2" hose nipple with that thread on it and bought a length of clear tubing. To fill the trans after a service all I need to do is screw the nipple in to the case and run a length of hose up to the traditional space for a dipstick and then pour in the same amount that I just drained out when I dropped the pan. This way I dont have to pump the fluid UP into the side of the case and I avoid the screaming hot cat while filling it. 

I get the feeling that the lack of familiarity with these transmissions is causing some price gouging. The filter isnt a big deal and the ULV fluid for mine is under $5 qt at Rockauto. 

Edited December 15, 2023 by 64BAwagon

[SteveP45]

What size is the fill plug threads?