I have a 77 auto and need to change the transmission fluid.  Can anyone tell me what type of a job this is to do myself and what I need.  Also, is it a good idea to change the rear end fluid and how would I do that?  Thanks everyone for your help, I appreciate it!

The transmission is pretty straight forward, but messy.  You will probably have to drop the entire pan.  I am not sure if you have a drain plug.  I would recommend one of the large flat aluminum pans plus the plastic pan to catch the fluid.  The aluminum pan is for what does not make it into the plastic pan, otherwise you could be laying in a large spill, plus the clean up of the surface.  You will probably have to change the gasket and you should also change the filter while in it.

"Kick"!
Changing the trans fluid is pretty straightforward. As mentioned, get a LARGE drainpan!. Remove all of the bolt around the front, and sides of the pan...leave the ones on the rear until last. With the front/sides loose, if it hasn't already started draining, give the pan a little love-tap on the sides to break it loose. Let it drain as long as you can. Once it's down to a trickle, loosen the rear bolts, and slowly let the front of the pan hang down. Remove all but 2 of the rear bolts at this point. Once you have as much fluid out as you can get, hold the pan up with one hand, and remove the remaining bolts. Clean the pan, and change the filter. If you have a 400 trans, replace the o-ring on the tube that the filter fits onto. The o-ring may stick up in the case, but make sure it gets changed. (There is no o-ring on the filter end)
If your's is a 350 trans, the filter will have the word "Front" embossed/printed on it. Pay attention to that, as the filter can be installed backwards!
Clean the pan rails, and the case where the pan seals very well. The cleaner it is, the less chance of it leaking. Don't use any sealer, or silicon on the gasket!! Most pan gaskets have smaller holes where the pan bolts go, so the gasket is held to the pan by the bolts, making it easier to install, and there is no other reason for using a sealer of any kind. The use of silicon(RTV), or any other sealant can cause the gasket to slide out, creating a leak.

As far as the diff, the only way to change the gear lube is to suck it up...or out, of the fill hole, with a suction gun. You can get this at most parts houses. There are aftermarket drain plug kits for the diff, if you want to make the job easier next time.
hth

This really helps guys, thanks!

Hey Matt,