I was just wondering if there was a way to change my trans fluid without dropping the pan? Doesn't need it yet. When I get a cooler I want to change the fluid again and I was hoping there was an alternative to dropping the pan?

Well, I suppose you can get some device to suck some the fluid out thru the xmission oil fill tube. But a better choice would be to just remove about half of the bolts on the passenger side of the xmission pan and loosen the others without removing them. The pan will flex down enough so you'll remove around 5(maybe 6?) quarts of oil with that method. Just remember to retorque the bolts when you tighten them back up.

I was also wandering if the fluid I have been using is good (valvoline Maxlife) or is there something better I could use the next time I change the fluid?

I heard that synthetic fluids will cause the tranny to slip, its this true? What about valvoline durablend synthetic blend transmission fluid? I want to pro long the trans life and used the best stuff money can buy. You all are the experts. Tell me whats the best for the 4t60e

I'm far from an expert but IF you are using Valvoline Maxlife Dexron III(Mercon) then you are using an oil that is as good as it gets. Just make SURE it says Dexron III on the bottle. I'm a bit wary of the synthetic blend xmission oil both from a performance and cost stand point. If you change the oil and filter in your xmission at least every two or three years(depending on the type of driving you do) you stand a good chance of prolonging the life of your tranny. Also, thee experts on this site repeatedly proselytize the virtues of an additional xmission oil cooler.

I plan to change the fluid every year, Probably every spring before summer hits

I panic when it comes to my trans cause I cannot afford a rebuild. I am broke. I see me being broke for a couple years due to my job situation. I will be happy if I can get another 60,000 miles out of my tranny

I plan to get a cooler before next summer.

Damn I just realized I screwed up the title to my post

That would almost work. I did mine not long ago, and with the pan half down, it'd make it pretty hard to get and clean the pan magnet. And impossible to change the filter. That thing was pretty tough to get out with the whole pan removed.

It'* a PITA, but if you're gonna do it, you might as well do it right.