Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Royal Purple Max ATF ?

[JPLB22]

I would like to know anything good or bad about this synthetic, from anyone who has been running it.



The dealer that I saw it at wants $ 8. 40 p/qt for it. That seems a little high to me, but it's easy to get.



During the summer my transmission spends a lot of time at 180*, unloaded stop and go traffic. I change the fluid every 20,000 miles, which if I do switch to a synthetic will stay the same. I just want something that will make me feel a little more comfortable while sitting in stop and go and watching the transmission gauge go up .



TIA !



P. S. Is it O. K. to mix this with the regular ATF ?? Or do I need to do a complete flush ?? I was just planning on doing the pan and filter and filling back up with a synthetic, but if I have to do a complete flush the first time than I will.





Jeff

 

[JCamper]

Made my dtt shift quicker/firmer. Seems more grabby now. Just got back from a 4k mile trip hauling lots of weight, worked great. I had it flushed and filter changed when I changed over, could really feel the difference compared to the havoline dex 3 atf I had in it before. Can't speak as to temps, no gauge. I was surprised there was a difference, as I hadn't expected any, just a little insurance. Have a good one, jc

 

[JPLB22]

Thanks for the reply jc.



By the way, I like your sig. .



Any other Royal Purple Max ATF users ?



Jeff

 

[bmoeller]

Throwing the transmission into neutral at stop lights will help keep it cooler.

 

[Muleskinner]

Sounds like the Royal Purple ATF costs about the same as the synthtic Mopar fluid. The type 4 Mopar fluid is hard to beat, just costly.



I have spoken with several top auto trans guys, including Bill Konig, who all say using type 3 fluid will make for firmer shifts, but it will wear the trans out quicker, as type 3 uses less friction modifiers than type 4. My new Toyota truck also calls for a type 4 Toyota ATF. There must be some reason why.

 

[JPLB22]

My truck is an '02 and already had type 4 from the factory. And that is what I did my first fluid change with. So will I NOT gain very much by switching to Royal Purple ??



I do shift in to neutral at stop lights, and for the first while that will bring the temps back down to the 140* range. But after a while that seems to become less affective, and will only barely move the needle.



Jeff

 

[Muleskinner]

I believe the Mopar factory type 4 fluid is most likely just about as good as any you will find. I don't like the price, but sometimes you get what you pay for. I believe Amsoil has some good synthetic products, but I don't think any of the aftermarket lubrication manufactures have a type 4 fluid. I tried to find one when I serviced both my Dodge and Toyota trucks and was unable to find anything. I become suspect when the reps from the companies tell you their ATF will work in your trans, but stop short of stating their product meets type 4 specs.

 

[HTRDHLR]

Originally posted by Muleskinner

Sounds like the Royal Purple ATF costs about the same as the synthtic Mopar fluid. The type 4 Mopar fluid is hard to beat, just costly.



I have spoken with several top auto trans guys, including Bill Konig, who all say using type 3 fluid will make for firmer shifts, but it will wear the trans out quicker, as type 3 uses less friction modifiers than type 4. My new Toyota truck also calls for a type 4 Toyota ATF. There must be some reason why.

Bill told me not to use type 4 because it has to many friction modifiers and will hurt the transmission more than the type 3

 

[Muleskinner]

Originally posted by HTRDHLR

Bill told me not to use type 4 because it has to many friction modifiers and will hurt the tyranny more than the type 3

Now why would it hurt the transmission? I have heard the theories about the clutch packs slipping during up shifts under load due to the increased slipperiness of the type 4 fluid. I have not experienced this on my trans.



I have heard about the increased wear on hard parts due to the use of type 3 fluids in late model transmissions. I can't believe all of the manufactures would advocate the use of type 4 fluid on the late model automatic transmissions if it would "Hurt" your transmission. The manufacturers don't wan't the warranty costs. Unless it is a LP.

 

[RobertMiller1]

Amsoil ATF+4

I changed to Mopar ATF+4 this summer. Noted it was not a true synthetic like Redline, amsoil or royal purple. Not poly esther based.



I just finished changing to Amsoil ATF and the differrence is night and day.



I saved the ATF4. I paid $7 a qt for the amosoil at Napa. I paid over $8. 50 for the Daimler Chrysler "break the law monopolist" crapola. Never again.



As luck would have it, I now see that B&M Synthetic is availabe for under $6 at PepBoys. Now available for new electronic transmissions. Until recently, it was only for 2001 or older electronics.



The ATF+4 is documented as being fairly inefficient. . The amsoil has much better (efficient) fluid coupling. You can feel the difference. I would not be afraid to run redline, royal purple, or b&M (new) synthetic. The Amsoil just boldy says on the bottle ATF+4 capable.



If you are under warranty, you are stuck with the nefarious Chrysler product.

 

[amsoilman]

Bill told me not to use type 4 because it has to many friction modifiers and will hurt the transmission more than the type 3

ATF + 4 is a requirement by Chrysler beginning in 1999. Prior to 1999 there were two other + requirements.

1998 was required to use +3

1997 was required to use +2



Prior to 1997 there requirement was ATF PLUS.



Different automatic transmissions require lubricants with varying coefficients of Friction. (the Degree of Slipperiness)



Coefficients of friction will effect the shifting characteristics of the transmission.



CHRYSLER ATF +4 is Moderately Slippery



Dexron II & III, MERCON V Slippery



Ford Type F Grabby



Dexron II & Type F fluids are 5W-20 fluids.



Dexron III, MERCON V & ATF+4 are 0W-20 fluids.



Wayne

amsoilman

 

[Muleskinner]

"I just finished changing to Amsoil ATF and the differrence is night and day. The Amsoil just boldy says on the bottle ATF+4 capable. "







And just what is the "night and day" difference you are refering to? Also, Amsoil states "ATF+4 capable. " But is it API certified as a type 4 fluid?

 

[RobertMiller1]

ATF+4 ...not me

The difference is in the torque converter hydraulic coupling. It is a difference I can feel. less slippage better coupling.



API certified? chrysler's ATF4 is not api certified. Just looked at a bottle. You better quit using it immediately!



Certification would be hard to do since Chrysler refuses to publish the spec. Everyone has had to reverse engineer it.



Many on this site are using Amsoil and it works. Amsoil is willing to stand behind their product.



The ATF+4 information and efficiency has been published on this forum.



Also note, that when the A618 47RE chrysler automatic first came out, Chrysler specified ATF+3...



Anyway, I have captured all my ATF+4 and you are welcome to it. Give it a good filteration. It's only 4 months old. If you live near Denton TX, come on by. Save yourself about $90

 

[Muleskinner]

Originally posted by RobertMiller1

The difference is in the torque converter hydraulic coupling. It is a difference I can feel. less slippage better coupling.



API certified? chrysler's ATF4 is not api certified. Just looked at a bottle. You better quit using it immediately!



Certification would be hard to do since Chrysler refuses to publish the spec. Everyone has had to reverse engineer it.



Many on this site are using Amsoil and it works. Amsoil is willing to stand behind their product.



The ATF+4 information and efficiency has been published on this forum.



Also note, that when the A618 47RE chrysler automatic first came out, Chrysler specified ATF+3...



Anyway, I have captured all my ATF+4 and you are welcome to it. Give it a good filteration. It's only 4 months old. If you live near Denton TX, come on by. Save yourself about $90

No thanks. I'll pass. I might use another ATF product besides Mopar, but I don't do the multi level marketing thing. The day Amsoil puts their product in a retail store I might look into purchasing some.



I looked into buying their product for my new Kabota tractor. They were WAY OVER PRICED compared to Redline or any other product line I researched. Including the synthetic Super Kubota UTD fluid. I can't believe their product is that much better than other companies products.



Maybe Amway might get into the oil business someday also. I won't buy their product either. Besides, my 01 trans has always shifted and locked up just fine from day one until now with 48,000 miles on the truck using Mopar ATF type 4.



Now why in the world would you save your old ATF? Just go buy some extra Amsoil. I don't care how new or expensive my fluid is, I dump it and buy new.

 

[AKAMAC]

Originally posted by Muleskinner



Also note, our 01's don't have 47RE transmissions in them. It's a 48RE and Chrysler specifies ATF type 4. ATF type 3 was for the 47RE.



??????????? I am quite sure that we have the 47RE.

I just wish that there was an inexpensive fluid for our slushers.

 

[Muleskinner]

Originally posted by AKAMAC

Originally posted by Muleskinner



Also note, our 01's don't have 47RE transmissions in them. It's a 48RE and Chrysler specifies ATF type 4. ATF type 3 was for the 47RE.



??????????? I am quite sure that we have the 47RE.

I just wish that there was an inexpensive fluid for our slushers.

Your right. I'm tired. We have a 47RE. The older trans was a 47R and used type 3 fluid. I to wish we could find reasonably priced ATF. I spoke with Redline and Mobile over the phone and was told by both that their products do not meet the type 4 specification for Chrysler or Toyota vehicles. I have not researched Royal Purple.



Toyota also uses type 4 fluid in their new transmissions. Toyota sells Toyota brand type 4 fluid. So type 4 fluid specifications must not be too big of a secrete!! Interesting point, Toyota dealers sell their Toyota type 4 ATF for about $3. 00 a quart. Why is Mopar so expensive??

 

[amsoilman]

Muleskinner

The day Amsoil puts their product in a retail store I might look into purchasing some.

For your info, Amsoil is in many Retail stores! It is left STRICTLY up to Amsoil Dealers to set up Commercial/Retail accounts. These accounts then belong to the dealer that set them up, and are payed a commission on what they buy. I have several of them in my area, and enjoy getting a paycheck from them!



I see nothing wrong with MLM, but a Commercial/Retail accout is NOT MLM!



Wayne

amsoilman

 

[RobertMiller1]

Napa

Frankly, I don't like the way Amsoil is marketed. smacks too much like Amway. I don't like product sold that way. But I know the products are excellent. Royal Purple has a good reputation, Just can't make myself buy something with such a doofus name. sorry...



Why I prefer redline.



Redline ATF+3 will probably work just fine. If it were available locally, the redline is what I would have used.



The toyota type 4 is doubtfult the same as Chrysler since Chrysler has not released the composition to anyone.



Also, mule skinner... I bought my Amsoil ATF at Napa and for a dozen they reduced the price to $7 a quart. The chrysler cost me over $8. 50 a qt this summer at only place you can get it, the stealership. I hear it was reduced in price about a month after i bought it.

 

[AKAMAC]

Wayne,

I don't think that the knock is toward syn. mfg. I believe it is the cost/benefit factor.

What is good and cost effective is important to us. I personally don't want to buy a by-pass system that costs x to run an oil that cost x. y for 40,000 miles. Protection can be had at about 30. 00 per change at 7500 miles. Cost per quart/mile is the factor that scares some away from syn. products.

Not a flame, just a rational look at synthetic products.

The problem is the cost of synthetic products.

Mike

 

[RobertMiller1]

slippery...

I hate slippery trans fluids... . slippage builds heat. Heat is the enemy of auto transmissions.



Why I have always run type F in all my trannies that called for Dexron over the last 30 years. to very good effect and very long mileage. Learned that from B&M racing back in the 70's.



Unfortunately, the computer controlled locking tq convertor clutches makes that impossible in modern electronic transmissions.



They try to make the transmission so smooth it won't disturb your grandma in a HD Truck! so if it grabs too quick, it will unlock (and relock) in milli-seconds, potentially harming and wearing out the clutches. so... . let's make a real slippery fluid... .



gotta get a 6 speed...