ATF what do you recommend

[Joe Mc]

Once Geno's gets the 30 Westach Fuel psi gauges that are back ordered (Andy hopes next week) I plan to receive all the stuff - including the DD Trans Pan & Temp Gauge.



Anyway, to my question - What Auto Trans Fluid can I buy over the counter that's an excellent quality? And, w/o looking in the manual, is the capacity 11 quarts? Am I looking at about a 3-4 hour job w/the trans pan, fluid/filter swap?



Thanks

 

[LSMITH]

I would use the cheapest ATF+3 if you are '00 and older, not sure what the 01 and up uses but I think it is ATF+4. The Quaker State, Valvoline, and Pennzoil are the easiest to find and all are good quality. I prefer the Valvoline label, but only because I have used V-line since I turned wrenches for a living and still do anywhere it is appropriate.



No matter what you do you won't get over a case (12 qts) out of the transmission so just pick up a case of ATF. Just a pan drop and filter change has gotten a max of 6 quarts out for me in the past, but 4-5 is more likely. I loosen the VB bolts 2 turns and let it drain for an hour and get 10-11 quarts out when I service mine. The hour drain makes the total time an hour and a half, if you just do the pan and filter you are looking at 45 minutes tops. I am still using the OEM pan too, it sucks for servicing but works fine otherwise. If you are going in with the temp guage plan on 2 hours additional for that. Hope this helps.

 

[Challenger-II]

TSB #21-006-01 now says to use ATF+4 (type 9602) for our trucks as a replacement instead of ATF+3.



Tehy are compatible with one another but the new +4 offers several more benefits... . see the TSB for details

 

[LSMITH]

If you are not having trouble with the ATF+3 do not switch to the ATF+4. It will slip easier, the TSB is a bandaid for lockup clutch chatter. If you have been using ATF+4 keep using it. In a nutshell the ATF+4 is more slippery than the +3 fluid.

 

[Joe Mc]

Thanks guys

 

[RBerry]

When I had my trans pan off I welded a 1/2" nut to the bottem , then drilled a 3/8" hole through the center. Installed a 1/2 by 1/2" bolt with washer for a plug. Now when remove the pan I won't take a bath in ATF.

 

[Chipstien]

Just to let you know when completely empty (TC and all) with the DD pan (double deep) it took 19 quarts.