Auto Tranny Fluid Changeout

[basement]

I'll start out by saying that my question is about my '94' F150 4x4 Auto. I know there's other forums dedicated to Fords but I have gained alot of respect for you guys over that past couple years and truely respect your opinions. Now that I've greased you all up real good here goes. From what I gather, this truck has never had the fluid or filter changed. The truck is used for pulling a 23' camper a few times in the summer on 100-200 mile camping trip and is my primary driver the rest of the time. The fluid looks and smells OK, not burnt signs.
Question, I have heard that it is better not to go and change out the fluid and filter on something with this many miles, especially if maintenance has never been performed in the past. But rather just keep things topped off and drive it. Oh, it has 121k miles on engine and drive train. Your guys thoughts?

Thank you

[Bullitt-]

You at least need to replace the filter, if that's clogged no good will come of it. 

[Super Blue 72]

Here's some interesting info about the point you brought up.  I had never thought about this but it sort of makes sense.  The dirty fluid has accumulated metal shavings, dirt, etc....which actually may help the worn parts "grab".  Changing out the fluid with newer, slippery fluid may actually make the transmission begin to slip as the fluid ahs lost it's "friction" per se.

Read about it here: http://www.trustmymechanic.com/transslip.html

I dunno if this is for real, but it sort of makes sense....    The othr end is that if there's so much dirt accumulation in the fluid and filter, the filter may clog and the small passages in the tranny may clog.  Catch 22 transmission style... 

[tactransman]

Where you get into problems is these "flushes" that do not even get the pan dropped or the filter changed. If there is any material in the bottom of the pan,it just stirs it all up.
If you drop the pan ,clean it out and install a new filter you should be fine.