Nice price on filter and ATF fluid

[JucenBrudi]

Hi Group,

I just completed a change of my transmission fluid, my first time. In the process of trying to find supplies I discovered a rather wide range of prices, both within 20 miles of me and both sources on the Allison web site. The best prices were at Piedmont International Truck, Hickory, NC.

I have the 1000 series transmission on an '04 Winnebago Adventurer. The nearest RV service wanted about $32 for the filter, the local Chevrolet truck service wanted $55, International wanted about $14.50. It is International's FleetGuard brand.

I switched to synthetic ATF (TES-295). The nearest RV service wanted $63 per gallon for TranSynd (TES-295). The local Chevrolet truck service told me they had to order TranSynd, in quarts only, at about $19.50 per quart. International sold me gallons for just under $39 each. It carries the International FleetRite brand along with the Allison approval logo. It is also listed as approved at the Allison site.

I saved about $89 buying a filter and 3 gallons of synthetic ATF at International. As a bonus, International's service was excellent in several phone contacts and with the visit to purchase. They seemed happy to help a motorhome owner despite the obvious fact their business focusses on big trucks.

Bruce

[Wayne M]

Good info. Thanks.

[allisontec]

Be careful with after market filters.Place the magnet on top of the filter,check to see how much of the small holes on top of the filter are covered.ATD filters have these holes located outside of the magnet,not under it. Distributers will sell genuine ATD filters for about $10.00 each.

[JucenBrudi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by allisontec Be careful with after market filters. . . . Distributers will sell genuine ATD filters for about $10.00 each.

I was uneasy about the FleetGuard filter because it cost about $14.50, others quoted me $33 to $55 for other brands. I finally went with the FleetGuard because the service center was listed by Allison. I don't mind spending more money for a superior product. Do you think I made a bad choice here? If so, is it a serious enough error to remove the filter right away?

Thanks for the reply.
Bruce

[allisontec]

This is just an opinion but if it were me I would buy genuine Allison filters from a distributor.The price is very good for the correct filter-just think of the piece of mind you'll have.I can tell you from experience(29 years with Allison)I have seen aftermarket filters used in MD series tranny's that have collapsed and believe it or not I still have in my shop a cracked main housing from a HD 4500 series with aftermarket filters.These transmissions are engineered to have a certain amount of filtration,no more and no less.After market filter manufactors advertise their filters filter better than their competitors,this is not a good thing with an Allison.If you apply for extended warranty on your transmission you will find you are required to use Allison High Capacity filters on MD,HD series with approved synthetic fluid. Just my opinion,but I would never use aftermarket. Sorry for the ramble,just trying to shed some light.PS the same logic applies to spin on filters too.

[JucenBrudi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by allisontec This is just an opinion but if it were me I would buy genuine Allison filters from a distributor.The price is very good for the correct filter-just think of the piece of mind you'll have. I would never use aftermarket.

Good morning Allisontec and others,

I'm inclined to agree with you and your advice has given me pause. I bought my filter before you posted this. Since your post I've considered just replacing my new one. I wondered at the time because the Fleetguard brand was less than $15 while I had been quoted as high as $55 for an Allison brand. Still, I went with the Fleetguard because Fleetguard is International Truck's Brand and I'm hoping they want to protect their good name. Also, when I searched Allison's site for dealers and service in my area, International truck was the first one on my list so it seemed to have Allison's endorsement.

Thanks for your help,
Bruce

[allisontec]

Hey Bruce,
I guess I'm old school but I hate to see you getting ripped off on your Allison parts.If I were you I would contact Covington Power Services in Greensboro 336-292-9240 to see what price you can get.They should ship direct to you.If they won't then let me know.I will sell you spin on filters all day for about ten bucks. How could anyone try to sell one of these for 55 dollars!!!!

[Roadking]

Bruce, I had my filter and fluid changed in my 3000 series at an International Truck Dealership in Las Cruceas NM. They had the "Allison" sign posted on the dealership marquee and the filters they used were the current "high capacity" Allison filters. From memory the cost for the two filters was in the $50 range. The Transynd was about $34 per gallon and they charged one and one-half hour labor for changing which included flushing the torque convertor. Furthermore I was able to actually go into the shop and watch the tech do the work. Great service at a great price.