Transmission

Just recently checked my trans dip stick and saw that the fluid was damn near black. It shifts smooth and fine, just jerks when putting into reverse or drive which is from the u joints needing replacing. I highly doubt the previous owner ever changed it due to other poor maintenance on my truck. So I was considering changing the fluid, but a lot of people say do it and a lot say don't. I'd hate for it to start slipping and then I'd be in a world of issues lol. Should I just let it be and wait until the trans craps out on me?

 

When transmission fluid gets oxidized as black as you indicate , take it to a professional shop and have a road test performed to evaluate the function of the transmission . After the hot /cold road test , the shop can make recomendations .
Whats the mileage ? have you ever changed the fluid ?

 

Currently at almost 179k miles and I've never changed it. Don't know about the PO though.

 

I would drain and fill a few times and change the filter on the first drain. I'm a risk taker though.

 

Do one drain and fill and see how it behaves. If it seems ok do another one. It takes about 16 qrts to get all the fluid out. It would be wise to install a external trans cooler too.

 

AGREE 100%%%

 

I agree, I did several fluid changes on an A43D w/205K without any ill effects. It had apparently never been changed before. There was a thick gunk on the bottom of the pan and the magnets were slam full of crap. I would definitely drop the pan and clean it and the magnets out. It probably wouldn't hurt to put a new screen(filter) in it also. I'm sure it's got quite a bit of metal in it.