External filter change

660catman

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I’m a new owner of my 13 Sierra. I want to change the external filter. Do I need to keep buying the Allison replacement or am I good with a Wix brand?


2013 Sierra SLE 2500HD Crew Cab
 

660catman

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I personally only use Allison branded filters. I've used others in a pinch without an issue.

You say you use others in a pinch. Do you change it out more often like every second engine oil change? I change my engine oil every 5k miles.


2013 Sierra SLE 2500HD Crew Cab
 

Bdsankey

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I change my spin-on every other oil change (10k miles per trans spin on change) because of how cheap they are and there isn't a situation where you can really change the spin-on too often. I change my internal/fluid every 2 years/50k miles but that is a bit excessive.


I've used a local parts store brand, gm, etc when doing a service and I mess up and am out of stock on Allison filters (I usually stock a case) and need to get the service done on my own vehicle. Conveniently it only happens when I work on my own junk and not anyone else's.
 
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2004LB7

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if I'm not mistaken, you want to make sure the aftermarket filter's ports or holes match the Allison filter. I believe some if not most are positioned different and get partially blocked when installed restricting flow. also, don't forget to save the magnet and transfer it to the new filter
 

660catman

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if I'm not mistaken, you want to make sure the aftermarket filter's ports or holes match the Allison filter. I believe some if not most are positioned different and get partially blocked when installed restricting flow. also, don't forget to save the magnet and transfer it to the new filter

Now you have me wondering about the holes as I just changed it. I picked up a WIX 57701 at our local Piston Ring. I googled pictures and it shows 8 ports vs the Allison’s 6. I did clean and transfer the magnet. The NAPA Gold 7701 has 6 holes which cross references to the WIX 57701.


2013 Sierra SLE 2500HD Crew Cab
 

660catman

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I did find product specs but couldn’t find any on the Allison filter
fe8dac792066c9a1f52a0f7778e1ec50.jpg



2013 Sierra SLE 2500HD Crew Cab
 

Mike L.

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Problem is the Allison spin on is 27 micron for a reason. It allows proper flow for the solenoids and valvebody. After market spin ons are 15 micron which can act like a partialy restricted filter and may cause improper shifting and damage to the clutches.
 

660catman

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Problem is the Allison spin on is 27 micron for a reason. It allows proper flow for the solenoids and valvebody. After market spin ons are 15 micron which can act like a partialy restricted filter and may cause improper shifting and damage to the clutches.

Aaaah crap! Too good of a filter is no good then?


2013 Sierra SLE 2500HD Crew Cab
 

Mike L.

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Aaaah crap! Too good of a filter is no good then?


2013 Sierra SLE 2500HD Crew Cab
Depends on flow. I have never tested it but will as I have an adapter to check flow on spin ons. We need to see 125 psi going in and out max. Any more will get dumped to sump by the control main valve. Any less will cause big problems.
 

660catman

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My head is spinning lol. I’ve talked to two guys about filters just now. One buys the NAPA Gold 7701 and another buys ATP B201’s from Rock Auto. Both have never had an issue using these filters. Both are longtime Allison owners.
I’m going to run this WIX filter then next engine oil change I will install a genuine Allison filter.
Thanks for everyone’s input!


2013 Sierra SLE 2500HD Crew Cab
 

Chevy1925

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My head is spinning lol. I’ve talked to two guys about filters just now. One buys the NAPA Gold 7701 and another buys ATP B201’s from Rock Auto. Both have never had an issue using these filters. Both are longtime Allison owners.
I’m going to run this WIX filter then next engine oil change I will install a genuine Allison filter.
Thanks for everyone’s input!


2013 Sierra SLE 2500HD Crew Cab

Then what was the point of asking us?
 
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660catman

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Then what was the point of asking us?

I asked being a newbie to these transmissions. Information gathered after me posting has led me to believe AM filters can’t be that bad using them long term. I may just pickup an AC Delco one from our local GM dealer.


2013 Sierra SLE 2500HD Crew Cab
 

Bdsankey

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I asked being a newbie to these transmissions. Information gathered after me posting has led me to believe AM filters can’t be that bad using them long term. I may just pickup an AC Delco one from our local GM dealer.


2013 Sierra SLE 2500HD Crew Cab

Why wouldn't you just use the Allison branded filter like has been recommended by various people? Seems kind of backwards to ask for advice then say "meh, I don't need it I'll just use what I can get forever'.


Buying Allison branded filters isn't hard, there is usually an Allison dealer close, Amazon, any of our major forum vendors etc can all get them.
 

660catman

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AC Delco filters are exact same filter as Allison but cost 40.00. Your choice.

I’m in Canada but just ordered two Allison brand filters from Amazon.ca for $33.49 each CDN bucks.
Thanks for your input.


2013 Sierra SLE 2500HD Crew Cab
 

660catman

Active member
May 18, 2021
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Why wouldn't you just use the Allison branded filter like has been recommended by various people? Seems kind of backwards to ask for advice then say "meh, I don't need it I'll just use what I can get forever'.
.

I didn’t say that! The more advice you ask for the more you’re going to get a different answer. You yourself said you have used other brands in a pinch with no issue.


2013 Sierra SLE 2500HD Crew Cab