Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Acceptable transmission Fluids?

[rblomquist]

I'd like to get a fresh consensus on what is ok to use in our auto trannies. I've got a new B&M pan on the way, haven't decided whether I'm going to change it out or go with a flush at the same time. I am wondering about what we can use other than the ATF +4 that dealers charge around $30+ a gallon for.



Doesn't seem like there's a fresh post kicking around reference this. Some of the old posts refer to transmission builders saying to run Dextron III, some say run amsoil, some just ATF +3, some just ATF +4, someone said to run Mobil 1 etc etc etc.



Cost is a factor for me, I like to use good stuf in the truck but if I can get ATF +3 for $2. 50 at wally-wold or pay $12 a quart for +4 at the dealer than if they'll both do the job that's an easy decision for me. Also, I'm open to any store-bought synthetics if I can be confident they're ok for the 47RE i. e. Mobil 1.



Thanks in advance.

 

[Chipstien]

The way I see it... Hydraulic fluid is hydraulic fluid. All these diferent rating seem to be added friction modifiers. My 98 taurus uses Mercon V supposedly but I am using plain ole cheap Dexron III with no side effects. If however you do get TC shuddering when using Dexron III then add Lubeguard (red bottle) a little at a time untill the shuddering stops.

The other option you have is to buy the modifier in the bottles that change Dexron III to ATF +4. Runs about $10 dollars for the bottle and that does a whole oil change. Also Amsoil Universal ATF has the +4 rating and you can get that for about 7. 50 a bottle. Plus that is a full synthetic. I personally would run Dexron III and add the modifier as needed. You can save a fortune.

This is all my opinion of course.

 

[CStewart]

transmission Fluid

I've been using Amsoil synthetic ATF in my truck since about 60,000 miles when my transmission got the shudders in overdrive after I put the banks kit on it. No more shudder with the Amsoil. I just had the transmission gone through with all DTT pieces at 120,000 miles and it started shudderin again. The transmission was immaculate inside when it was taken apart for the rebuild. Another nice thing about the synthetic was -20 temps. had no effect on it.

 

[curatchko]

When I put the new converter in my truck from Goerend he said Dexron III would work just fine. He also said ATF +3 would work fine too.....



So I used AFT+3 since it's chrysler.

 

[JimP]

Transmission Fluid

Type 4 synthetic fluid was not required for the 47RE untill 2001 model year. You can use type 4 in the older modles, but dont use type 3 in newer models. I have factory service manuals for my 2001 and it says not to use anything but type 4. I had mine changed last Dec. at the dealer and towed my 5th wheel down south. By the time I got home it was starting to chatter. Thats when I looked in my manual and found out improper fluid could do it. I had the dealer check my records and found they refilled it with type 3. . I got them to flush it, but have'nt towed the trailer yet.

The clutch material is designed for type 4.



Sincerely :



JimP

 

[RobbyRam]

I read somewhere on the TDR that +3 is better than +4 for DTT Trannys. Why?? I haven't a clue! I run + 3 in my DTT transmission.

Bob in Sacramento

 

[CStewart]

Just reread my post and wanted to clarify a little that my transmission was shudderin at 120000 miles BEFORE I had it rebuilt with DTT pieces. transmission works 300% better then I expected it too after the rebuild.

 

[Fireman Dave]

I used ATF+3 when I did my first change at 12,000 - per my owner's and service manuals. After that I saw the update to go to +4, so I used that on the next change - at around 27,000. I used +4 again when I changed it a couple of weeks ago at 41,000. I've towed probably 5,000 miles on each with no real difference between them that I can tell. The biggest difference that I can see is the price. I couldn't see them, but I'm sure there must be solid gold flakes in the +4 for what they charge for it.

 

[SEmerson]

I was told to run dextron 3 unless shuttering is a problem. If so move up to +3. +3 and +4 just cause more slipping to stop the shuddering.

 

[amsoilman]

The way I see it... Hydraulic fluid is hydraulic fluid. All these diferent rating seem to be added friction modifiers.

Beleive me, ALL Hydraulic fluids are not the same! +3, +4 fluids are chemicly different in their makeup. ANY ATF fluid that has the +4 rating can be used for any of the Dodge automatics.



Wayne

amsoilman

 

[BigFun]

Had the DTT VB/TQ/upgrade last November. Been running Amsoil since December. No problems. It even seems to be getting a 1-2 MPG increase in fuel economy (as long as I keep my foot out of the floorboards ).



BF

 

[Ramafid]

I have been running ATF+3 in my transmission with no problems. I just changed the fluid and the pan and magnet were very clean. A little material on the magnet, two very small piles of brass in the pan and just light dust on the top of the filter. The fluid was in for 31K miles. I was considering changing to mobil 1 or amsoil but I'm satisfied with the results and will stick with atf+3.

 

[RDrescher]

Trans Oil

DTT does not reccomend +4 because of the friction modifiers that are in it. I believe this is for all 47re's. I personally use +4 & at 135,000 it shifts like new. We see -20 here & I feel better with synthetic fluid. I am going to change to Valvoline synthetic as I can get it for about $6. 00 a quart. I use the Cummins/Valvoline Extreme 5/40 & this is superb oil for the engine. Holds viscosity as well as 15/40 Rotella. When I buy a DTT trans. I will use the +3 as Bill says. Randy

 

[Nate]

Dextron III. I've been running it for a while and have done ATF changes on 3 or 4 other Dodge transmissions and put Dextron... in fact I did one today.

 

[MRose]

Carquest has ATF+4 in their generic label, much cheaper.

 

[DavidWhite]

Let me throw everyone for a loop. I use John Deere Hy-guard trans-hyd fluid in mine. I tried +3, +4, dex/mercon, with lube guard & without. ATF does not lubricate worth a crap! The Trans-hyd fluid lubricates better, cools better, and lasts longer. Oh yeah, its VERY inexpensive! If I had to run an ATF, Amsoil IS the best.

 

[keimmmo]

Been running Dexron III for over 130k miles on the original trans. No problems. I never flush the trans, just change what is in the pan every 15k miles. I add a pint of FULL SYNTHETIC 5W-30 motor oil with each change as the friction modifier. I got the tip from this site several years ago.



I also run 5W-30 full synthetic motor oil in the transfer case instead of ATF. Much better lub than ATF!!!



Steve Keim

 

[BTowler]

Somebody dug up an oldie here, 2003 thread!

 

[amsoilman]

The BIG difference between ATF+3 and ATF+4 is primarily in the Base Fluid! The requirements for ATF+4 has to do with the "Oxidation Stability" of the oil. In the cycling tests the +4 fluid has to perform much longer then the +3 fluid does, so the Oxidation stability of the fluid is more important with the +4 fluid. Incidently, the Dexron lll licensing will expire in January of 2007, so the Dexron VI will become effective at that time. Amsoil is now producing that product.



Wayne

amsoiolman

 

[JH8128]

transmission Fluid

I have listed below the AMSOIL products recomended for your truck.



Manual Transmission,NV1500..... GLS[3][4]

AMSOIL Synthetic Synchromesh Transmission Fluid

Manual Transmission,AX-15..... GL-3

75W-90

Synthetic Manual Transmission and Transaxle Gear Lube 75W-90

Manual Transmission,NV3500..... GLS[5]

AMSOIL Synthetic Synchromesh Transmission Fluid

Manual Transmission,NV4500..... GL-4

75W-85[6]

If you have any question let me know. Hope this helps