Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) ATF for a DTT 47RH? ATF + 4 ok?

[SSage]

I've heard different things about what ATF to run in a built up trans. My installer used an off brand ATF 3 fluid for the first 600 miles. The second change was with Lucas ATF.



Its time to change it again and I'm wondering if Vavoline ATF +4 is is a good idea? DTT said Dextron III or ATF 3 in the paper work?



Any current opinions? Will shifting change if I go to ATF + 4. I felt no change between the Coastal ATF 3 and the Lucas ATF... I see Wally world has the Vavoline ATF + 4 on the shelf.

 

[Fordiesel69]

ATF+3 is what it is designed for, even with aftermarket clutch materials. ATF+4 is what replaced the older +3 version and I bet you cannot even find the +3 anymore.



ATF+4 is what you need to use. No real need to use a special synthetic as the base stock of +4 is full synthetic already. I have heard lots of good things over at bobistheoilguy about the walmart supertech atf+4.

 

[SSage]

I have found some ATF 3 at advanced auto, their own brand...



I figure I'll try the available ATF + 4. The trans is smooth and yet firm with solid shifts, I really like how it performs and hope the ATF +4 doesn't change the shift feel.

 

[Signal73]

ATF +4 is what is recommended from my DTT installer.

 

[Regcabguy]

DTT & Atf +4

I know with the DTT on my '99, ATF +4 useage was strongly discouraged as it was considered too slick. I bought up a bunch and did one last fluid change before selling it.

 

[raychem]

We normally use Dextron3. You can use ATF +4 which is synthetic already. The difference is that AFT +4 does have extra friction modifiers. I can tell you that temps are generally lower with synthetic fluids.



Richard

 

[SSage]

It already shifts very smooth, I wonder if I should try the dextron III for less slip.



Time for a trial I guess. I couldn't tell the ATF 3 from the Lucas ATF, worked the same on either.



I like synthetics since I tow very heavy in 100 degree heat. My pan temps run 180 in the city, 150 on the highway. I can hit 200 in heavy traffic with my big tripple axle toy hauler.

 

[2broke2smoke]

i've used both for 80k miles ...



didn't notice any difference in shifting or temps ...

 

[BradPatterson]

I've noticed about 5-10 degrees cooler temps with the RP, but even more, the fluid cools much quicker after the truck is shut down. Hey Richard how's it going. Truck is in the body shop gettin' the hail damage fixed... ... ... ... . Brad

 

[raychem]

I've noticed about 5-10 degrees cooler temps with the RP, but even more, the fluid cools much quicker after the truck is shut down. Hey Richard how's it going. Truck is in the body shop gettin' the hail damage fixed... ... ... ... . Brad

That sucks about the hail... I run for the first gas station everytime I am in the truck and it starts to hail! We had a hail storm by broward county about 2-3 wks ago in which I took the first exit and hid. No damage but I feel for you. Give me a call is you need anything.



Richard

 

[BradPatterson]

Yea I couldn't run, I was on a tractor and the truck was hooked to a hay wagon in the middle of the field when I was on vacation in Ohio... ... . I needed new paint. You should try to make it to Gainesville on the 9th and stay at the cabin for the weekend, let me know, oops, sorry for the hijack fellers... ... ... Brad

 

[fortunate1]

Dex III was put in at the DTT shop and has been used since. It's a lot cheaper than +3 or +4; I've always used Wal-Mart's super tech for about $7 or so per gallon. Each change takes 4. 5 gallons on the nose with a TC drain.

If the Dex III is bad for the transmission, I'll let you know when mine fails. So far, so good for over 250K miles on the DTT.