2008 F-250 w/ 6.4L diesel.

Maintenance schedule states that at 30K mi., "Vehicles equipped with the Torqshift transmission and the externally mounted remote filter element, replace the automatic transmission fluid and the externally mounted filter element (if equipped). Inspect automatic transmission fluid level on all other vehicles if equipped with dipstick. Consult your dealer for particular requirements."

I have the 5-speed automatic transmission. How do I know if it's a Torqshift? Are they all Torqshifts? Where would I look for the "externally mounted remote filter element"? I see a black canister behind the oil pan and in front of the tranmission pan with supply lines running into it, but it look like a permanent installation, not something that would be replaced every 30K mi. I also have a dipstick. I don't put many miles on the truck. Just passed 37K, but I didn't do a transmission fluid change at 30K. Instructions are ambiguous and service manager at dealer couldn't tell me over the phone. He didn't find anything regarding transmission fluid maintenance/replacement at 30K or 60K in his database and says I'm 'probably' okay. I know it wouldn't hurt to change the fluid, but I don't want to go the expense right now if it's not needed. There is a small bit of sludge on the end of the dip stick, but the fluid is still nice and pink and smells fine.

Any help appreciated. A picture of the "externally mounted remote filter element" would be great.

 

It would be a Torqshift..

Regular service intervals would be 30k, 15k for 'severe duty' applications (heavy hauling/towing etc.).. A regular low mileage service would be a fluid exchange/flush and the remote changed out. Early builds still had a remote filter.

 

Pic of remote

 

Thanks Hayapower. That's the part that I had identified. Is there a replaceable cartridge that fits inside that cannister, or do you just replace the entire cannister? The part I found online looks like an insert of some kind, although I haven't searched very far yet.

 

It would be a direct replacement. Motorcraft # is FT-176

You would need the cooling line quick disconnect tool as well..

Earlier TS transmissions had the remote filter on the lower right side of the radiator/frame area. It had a roll type fiber replaceable cartridge.