cleaning trans filter

[Delorean17@xxxx]

Hello,
Today I removed the transmission pan and also removed the old 
transmission gov/computer. As long as I have the pan off I would like to 
clean the filter. I know that there are no more available right now. It 
really doesn't look too dirty and there is not much on the magnet.(car has 
17k miles) Can I soak it in a parts cleaner? I really don't want to take it 
apart. Mr. Grady told me that you really don't need to take it apart to 
clean it in most cases.
When should the final drive oil be changed? I want to switch it over to 
Amsoil in the near future. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
David
"IN2TIME"