Dexron III+ auto transmission fluid?

[Gary - K7GLD]

I want to drain my Double-deep transmission pan and also replace a failed transmission temp guage sensor - both activities will drop about 3 gallons of oil from my 727 3 speed AT. All I can easily locate locally for replacement fluid, is some Quaker State Dexron III+ fluid that CLAIMS to be fully acceptable for use in "most" Chrysler AT's. It also claims to be acceptable for substitution for AT2+ and AT3+ type fluids specified by Chrysler for use in our AT's.



SO - anyone have near-expert, educated info on whether this QS stuff will work OK, or should I return it and keep looking for better stuff? What I would REALLY like to do, is replace the lost fluid with a good brand synthetic - but can't find any for our DC autos...

 

[Shrimpy]

Hey Jim, I personally would not use Dextron III in the Chrysler trans. I am by no means an expert, but from what i remember on earlier discussions is that Dextron III and Chrysler ATF+3 are more different than similiar. Most of the concerns have to do with the amount of friction modifier (I think this is the compound) that each contain. It says it is O. K. to use dextron on the dipstick of the first gens. (I had a '92 up until a couple months ago) but those who have talked of shifting problems after not to many miles.



To sum up I believe that the Dextron is more abrasive (not a good analogy but the best I could think of) than the ATF+3. Maybe others will chime in here but I would advise against it.

 

[PHaller]

Dexron does not contain as much friction modifyer as ATF+2 or 3. Dexron will very likely cause shudder in lock up and even during some shifts. Dexron, IMHO, is a very good fluid but NOT in DC trannys. Chief complaints after its use in 727 and their variants, are shiftability concerns.

I would continue looking for at least ATF+2 and +3 is better. Most larger auto parts stores carry +3 in either Penzoil or Quaker State for around $2. 25 per quart. Sales I find for $1. 89. +4 is also available from the DC dealer but at a horribly inflated price of 9-12$ per quart. It's the best at keeping shudder to a minimum and Bill K likes it but until it gets licensed to after market oil houses I wont buy it.

-Paul R. Haller-

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

OK guys, thanks, but pay attention here!



IT'S *NOT* plain 'ol Dexron III,



It IS Dexron III PLUS - as in Dexron III+



Its's Different than plain Dexron III, which we can agree is NOT recommended for our Chrysler trannies - but THIS STUFF claims to be *FULLY COMPATIBLE with ATF 3+, ATF 2+*, and other Mopar transmission fluid types...



AGAIN, it is NOT plain Dexron III as spec'd for other car makes, but a DIFFERENT fluid specified to be acceptable for use in a DC AT... I'd really rather NOT return it, unless someone has knowledgeable info that it IS unsuitable in my AT.



AND, my *EARLY* '91 Dodge is a plain 'ol 727 3-speed, no factory OD, no OD clutches, no "lockup" - not the same as later DC trannies WITH factory OD - CAPEESH?



(WHEW!)





NOW, is there any knowledgeable info out there as to the suitability of this stuff, or should I take it back and keep looking for pure DC AT fluid?



I'd have no particular problems with this stuff just on face value in a CAR, but my TRUCK sees heavy pulling, and I just wanna make sure this stuff IS reasonable and proper for my truck.

 

[PHaller]

Don't get your knickers in a twist, Gary... Kapeesh!

Im Sorry, but there are completly different additive packages for Dexron and ATF+ and ,as far as I know, the base stock is slightly different too. I don't see how one spec can be mixed with another and meet both specs at once, unless they figure that a little more modifyer wont hurt the GM stuff.

Amsoil and Redline are two synthetics that come to mind but they are also 8+$ per.



-Paul R. Haller-

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

SORRY to appear cranky - Fact is, *I* got MY facts mixed up!:{



While at the automotive store, I *had* carefully inspected a brand of ATF that was marked as indicated above - but THEN at the last moment had doubts, and bought Quaker State ATF3+ instead, since I wasn't 100% certain the OTHER stuff was correct... SOmehow in my feeble mind, I associated the Dexron III with the 3+ stuff I actually bought, and then Alzheimers took over...



SOOooo, shouldn't be any problem with the QS ATF+3 stuff sitting on the garage floor - and will place it into service ASAP - IF I don't have another overwhelming case of brain-fade, and forget WHY I bought it...



(sigh... )



I *HATE IT* when I do that...

 

[Bob Beauchaine]

The QS ATF+3 will work just fine in your transmission and if fully compatiable with what you've got in it right now. The number 7176 or 7176 plus should show on the QS bottle. That is the number of the Chrysler speced fluid. The base stock is about 85% 5W20 the rest is the additives that make it meet whatever fluid it is is designed for. Hope this helps.

Happy trails

Bob