Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Dextron 3 Anyone?

[rblomquist]

ATS says it's ok to run either Dextron 3 or ATF+3 in my setup. I'm just wondering if any of you guys are running Dextron and what your experience has been with it.

 

[Snow man]

I have a DTT trans,but dextron 3 is all i use. I skip the additive loaded,3 bucks a quart +3 fluid, with our TC's,chatter has never been an issue.

 

[Lsfarm]

Dexron is fine

I use nothing but Dexron/Mercon in my transmissions. The ATF3 and $$$ATF4$$$ has additives to make it slipperier so the TC lockup in Minivans and Intrepids won't shudder. In our trucks we want sticky grabby fluid to hold the clutch friction, not reduce it.



The Dexron is about a third the price of ATF3 and a fifth the price of ATF4, so I recommend just changing the ATF more often and still save money. ATF breaks down with miles like engine oil and then doesn't lubricate very well and this can cause premature wear on 'hard parts' in the trans.



Hope this helps Greg L

 

[rblomquist]

I hear ya.



I'm coming up on my 1st year anniversary with this trans and to maintain the 3yr/100k warranty I have to keep it serviced once a year. I really like Amsoil and run it in about everything I have but since I now have a small car for commuter purposes the yearly mileage on my truck will be greatly reduced therefore I can't justify in my mind paying that much for Amsoil since I'm going to have to change it out annually.



I'll probably try the Dextron III, it sure is cost effective and heck, if it shudders I'll just go back to +3.

 

[RobertMiller1]

Valvoline max life Dexron

I am having real good operation with Valvoline. I have tried ATF+4 and Amsoil Universal. I am running a modified transmission though. I think ATF+3 might be the ideal choice and will use that in a commercial brand next time.

 

[rweis]

DTT 89%, ATF +3 every 12k, just like BK says.

 

[rblomquist]

Just had my 1st annual service today and went the Dextron III route. Only about 6 miles home from the shop but it didn't feel any different to me than +3. This weekend I'll be pulling the travel trailer about 600 miles round trip so that'll be a good opportunity to see if any different characterists develop (i. e. harder shifts etc).



One thing is for sure, I sure can handle the . 99 cent a quart of the Dex III vice the $3+ cost of the Chrysler stuff! If this stuff ends up feeling ok that would mean I could change it out 3 times for the price of 1 run of +3.



Disclaimer: This post is for folks with ATS (or possibly other) "built" trannies.

 

[Bob Wagner]

I ran amsoil universal for over 3 years and I see no real advantage after switching over to D/M 3



Same towing temps (+or-) ver minimal but shift point are much firmer with the D/M mix



That fine with me

 

[rblomquist]

Yeah Bob, I was running Amsoil last year at this time when my stock transmission finally started to give up the ghost. There's so much difference between the stock and aftermarket trannies I can't really speak to any temp differences between the 3 oils I've run as after going to the ATS (with 1st fill of +3) I was running a solid 15 degree cooler across the board than before with the Amsoil.



I can't wait for this weekend to see how she feels under a big load.

 

[rblomquist]

Just got back from about 600 miles of towing our travel trailer. The trans felt great, didn't feel a bit different than with the +3; no shudder, didn't feel any firmer shifting, ran the same temps as usual etc.

 

[Ncostello]

Not trying to be a smart behind... but is it Dexron or Dextron? I've seen bottles of Dexron then see it spelled Dextron. Or are they different. I've got a 2000 fire apparatus with an Allison MD3060P and the in cab fluid plate says to use Dextron (as spelled). All I've ever seen is Dexron. Didn't know if the spelling was a GM/Ford/DC thing. I really need to change the fluid but didn't want to put the wrong stuff in there.



I'm not too up on auto fluids. Every time I get a good deal on a truck its a standard for some reason. I want an auto.