Slightly OT, Vehicle Fluids

[Inno]

In preparation for winter I'm planning to do some routine service on my '98 K1500 Silverado 4x4.
The standard things like oil change, air filter, grease front end etc. are no brainers. I also plan to drain and refill the front and rear differentials and possibly the transfer case.
Now with the transmission I know a flush and refill are recommended after so long but some information I read says not to do it until the tranny fluid is discolored or burned smelling. Mine is still a fairly clear red color and does not smell burned at all. I do a little bit of towing with it but nothing major. It has 115,000 miles on it currently.
What else should I be looking at?
 

[old]

Check when you should be changing the transmission filter and that should give you the info you need. I know years ago the manual said to change to filter every 60K
 

[timcasbolt]

IMHO, draining and cleaning the pan, changing the filter, and replacing the fluid lost in the process is all that's necessary.
 

[Dean]

Your owners manual will provide recommended service intervals.

Change the oft overlooked fuel filter. Also change the coolant. Use the recommended anti freeze and distilled water. Do not put tap water in a radiator.

Dean
 

[Inno]

Yes, the fuel filter is on the list. The coolant has largely been replaced in the last two years, two years ago I replaced the water pump (leaking) and this year I replaced the intake manifold gasket (leaking) so I think the coolant should be good. I used reverse osmosis water and new DexCool.
 

[John A.]

Inno, When I was still in the Panhandles, In Winter!, On my 3/4 ton, 4x4, Chevy with a 454, I would run the 2 qt filter, typically used on a 2 Ton truck ie... 366/427 Big Blocks. It will give you an additional 1 qt more oil than using the standard regular 1qt version! I would do a lot of Idling around with the heater on!
Same threads, and top design, no differences!
Hope this helps,
Later,
John A.
 

[farmer boy]

The trans fluid does not have to be burned or discoloured to be changed. Just drop the pan and replace the filter and seal and clean the pan. There are a few differnet filters for deep and shallow pans. A shallow pan is about 2.25" deep. Filter #FT1146. Use a good Dexron III fluid or use the new Dex VI fluid. The best priced stuff is Valvoline Maxlife. Around $5/litre at Walmart. If you tow add an extra cooler to it. Change the fuel filter. These trucks are infamous for their fuel pump problems and your truck has a $400 pump in it, so change it regularly. You should also check the electrical connections at the tank and clean the terminals up, and coat the connector with di-electric grease, replacing the pump relay may also be a good idea. Dependng on how old the diff fluid is, I may leave it. I recall you doing a bunch of work to this truck not that long ago, if the fluid in the diffs is only that old, you could leave it. The most important thing with this truck is to have a blanket in the truck during the winter and always drive with a cell phone. the fuel pump can leave you sitting on the side of the road with absolutely no warning, and likely will at some point.