Replace Tranny Filter?

I have poured over hundreds of comments and many videos regarding the transmission flush/pan drop method. None of them really discuss the filter in the pan. If I am doing just the pan drain method, do I really need to replace the filter? Just rolled 100k and the fluid is still pinkish on a rag. No shifting issues and not a daily driver.

I accidentally opened the check fluid plug while the vehicle was off (instead of while it was running) and lost about 1/4 of a quart. After that, and not replacing the lost fluid, I noticed the tranny shifted a little smoother. Weird.

Thanks!

ps: Is the front and rear diff and transaxle required every 30k?

 

2nd gen's don't have a trans "filter" just a screen, the drain & fill method only replaces about three quarts of the fifteen in the trans.
As for the check fluid plug, it might have been overfilled when you checked it.


Front, rear, transfer fluid are not required but suggested every 30k depending on use, ie: heavy use, towing, offroading, daily driving in heavy traffic sooner, lite use can be longer depending how you feel about it.
This is just my opinion, take it for what it's worth.

 

You do not have a transaxle. I assume you are talking transfer case. Change if you want to but unless you drive a heck of a lot in 4wd you realy don't need to. Mine was like new at 50k. I will not change it again. Definitely need to do the diffs.

 

Rear diff every 30k, the rest can wait.