First time doing fluid/filter change... couple questions

Planning on dropping the pan and changing the fluid/filter/gasket. 94 A4 Z28 with about 57k.
Have a little guide (http://ken.lowrance.com/Projects/TRFluidChg/TRFluidChg.htm) from Brent's site.. but it doesnt mention if when I reinstall the pan, should I fill the pan up with fluid again or leave it empty and just fill it through the trans oil dipstick? I was looking for a trans oil filler cap but couldnt find one.

Also, anything specific I should look for while I'm doing this and have the pan off?

Doing it mostly for piece of mind and also because the car is up on jack stands waiting for some things to come in the mail still. I have had a few problems with the tranny downshifting and assume it is on its way out, but figure this shouldn't really hurt it.

You should put the pan back on "dry". It'll take right about 5-6 quarts to refill after a filter change. DON'T use a "parts store" rubber or cork pan gasket! Locate a local transmission shop and ask for either a Durapreme, or a Farpak gasket.
Your trans fill dipstick should be near your passengers side valve cover.

Frank
CPT

Thx for the quick reply...
Did not know the filter would come with a gasket, and I picked up a Fel-Pro already. Is that good enough or you still think I should find a Durapreme or Farpak?

I believe the Fel-Pro is cork? You'll recognise a durapreme or a Farpak immediately. They don't "fold up"...They stay the same shape as the pan.

Frank
CPT

my experiance with cork gaskets are they leak unless you use silicone
and if you are going to use silicone on a tranny pan gasket, be careful, added too much will leak out on the inside of the pan, break off and clog stuff
very bad

silicone is not a good substitute for a good pan gasket.

Frank
CPT

The Duraprene is the best, but if you have the cork and rubber and have to make due, tighten it to 65 inch lbs. "once". Do not tighten again, otherwise it will most likely leak. Use no sealers. Check the filter to see if it is the oem type (best), it will have printed on it FILTRAN or SPX. It is considerd a "Zero Leak" filter. Many auto parts stores carry these filters. Again if you have to make due, then use what you have.