Suck tranny fluid out the dipstick tube?

[zirconx]

Its been about 80,000 miles since my last transmission fluid change, when I paid around $80 to have a shop drop the pan and change fluid and filter. I've since moved, and the shop here wants $120 to do a flush, which includes flush chemicals, and I really don't want to do that on my 200K mile transmission.

I was thinking of buying a mity vac or something and sucking as much fluid as I can out of the dip stick tube. Any idea how well that will work? If I can get at least half of the fluid changed out this way, I'd be happy.

[agrazela]

http://www.motiveproducts.com/05specials2.html

PowerExtractor. The Motive Products Power Extractorâ„¢ allows easy evacuation of engine oil, transmission fluid, other vehicle fluids. Also works as a vacuum bleeder. Pumping the integrated hand pump creates a vacuum in the tank and fluid is pulled into the unit through the attached tubing. Comes with dipstick tube for oil changing and stretchable tubing for vacuum brake bleeding. . 10 quart capacity.

[Blownville]

A local shop that I went to with my 95 used a similar item to suck about 6 Qts out the dipstick tube. I replaced the 6 Qts with fresh and it lasted for a while. My trans went on Easter Sunday in that car but that by no means is something to worry about. I just wonder how much more or less longer it would have lasted if I would have changed the filter too.