Automatic Transmission Fluid Question

[70bigblockdodge]

I use ATF+4 in my 2002 300m not really thinking about it but after reading some on it and ATF+3 which I have used in my 98 ram, harder to find, duh because replaced by ATF+4. Now I know that the +4 can be used in both and I should be selective on brand name to insure that it is made from selected base stocks. I love this forum from one simple question that has been asked a 1/2 dozen times, I learned something, can't go wrong with that.:yes_no:ccasion14:

 

[monaco75]

I've been running the wally world atf+4 for years with no problems.. Now ya'll got me thinking about it

 

[70bigblockdodge]

I've been running the wally world atf+4 for years with no problems.. Now ya'll got me thinking about it

I hear you after reading the article on allpar and originally a lubrizol formula, then Chrysler approved, you know that the cheaper brands are going to add or substitute something to get away from paying the licensing and still qualify as ATF+4, makes you wonder. For my crappy D.Drivers rust will kill them first, if I buy a decent vehicle in the future this is good to know.

 

[cantflip]

I am NOT AN EXPERT in old car transmissions. I am an expert in newer cars. If you have a late model, use exactly what the factory told you to (owners manual), because friction modifiers and purity are critical to the operation of your computer controlled transmission. I have used both in the past and didn't consider either to cause problems in my cars. Old three speed, no computer trans will benefit the most from regular fluid changes and the type of fluid will remain a debate. Long life/low tox coolants, newer trans fluids, low sulfur motor oils, various other fluids were never designed with your classic in mind and can cause problems, just try to stay as traditional as you can instead of buying one size fits all or miracle products...and except that you may have slightly accelerated wear in some components.

p.s. there appears to be a HUGE resource of guys here with more in-depth older knowledge than me, I would value all the repeated opinions and weigh in that you just can't buy the original so everyone has to make-do somehow.

 

[Bart]

My Transmission Handbook by Carl H. Munroe says, in the older 727/904, you can run any of the basic fluids, just don't mix them. He writes that Type F is best for racing because it shifts harder. I don't think it makes much difference in a street car...

 

[ceebuddy]

Dexron is a GM formula that used sperm whale oil as did type A/suffix A. The endanged species act nixed this, it was reformulated using Jojoil

I think this change was the main reason to rename the ATF into Dexron II and that occured in 1971 or 1972 or so.

 

[live4theking]

This is a good read and timely since I'm going to be changing my tranny fluid.