LR3 transmission slips - service worth it?

11b4v

Adventurer
My 08 LR3 trans started having some issues at at around 155K, mostly hard shifting. I used the Atlantic British modified filter kit, and used the Ford Mercon SP. It was definitely a a pain in the ass working working around the exhaust, but not impossible.
Truck shifts like new now.
 

gatorgrizz27

Well-known member
It’s not that bad if you do the steel pan conversion and cut the old filter to remove. One of those jobs you dread and out off but it isn’t horrible once started.

A cut down stand alone torx bit with a 10mm hex base and a 10mm gear wrench are your friends. I didn’t remove the exhaust or crossmember, but the heat shields were a pain.
 

NorthwestDriver

Active member
A cut down stand alone torx bit with a 10mm hex base and a 10mm gear wrench are your friends. I didn’t remove the exhaust or crossmember, but the heat shields were a pain.

These tools are definitely necessary, even with the steel pan swap. There just isn’t much room between the exhaust & transmission cross member and pan.

The heat shield frame is really annoying too. I bought some shorter stainless bolts from the hardware store which made reassembly a bit less frustrating. The OEM ones are 1-2 mm too long in a couple places
 

mmbirtcher

Observer
The owners manuals are accurate as to fluid type for sure. Before using an alternate fluid I would look up the specs to compare and be certain. The LR specialist may have an alternate brand that meets spec also. The 15k oil change and “lifetime” transmission IMHO are what gets LR in trouble regarding reliability. My 2011 is no different with many people having timing chain issues. However, the FSM clearly indicates 7500 k oil changes and 10 year / 150k transmission full fluid change (good time to swap to metal pan). Mine has had 5k oil changes since new and no problems yet at 115k. If you don’t have a FSM I suggest getting one and follow their maintenance (arduous) schedule.

good luck!
 

MelLR3

New member
My LR3 (161k miles) had issues that I assumed were related to misfires. I would feel slight hesitation both during acceleration and steady driving.

I had my transmission serviced, replacing the pan, filter and fluids. The LR runs like new now. I highly recommend getting your transmission serviced.
 

hillstrubl

Observer
Mercon SP is the exact same fluid albeit with dye added. A version of the same transmission was spec'ed in Ford Raptors as well... using Mercon SP.
 

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