Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) transmission fluid

[JDougherty]

I want to know what you recomend and why. My driving habbits are 50/50 city/highway and my towing in usually only recreational with an average of 10k or less (depending on how much gear i pack in the boat)



I have an auto with 80k on it.

 

[Lsfarm]

Often and cheap

Use Dexron3/MerconIII from Walmart, and change it every year or 10K whichever comes first.

The only difference between the Dexron/Mercon and the 'recommended' ATF3 or expensive ATF4 is that they have additives that make them slipperier.



Who wants slippery ATF?? Soccer Moms in Minivans, and LHS drivers. We want grabby sticky non-slippery ATF to make firm positve shifts. [to hold the torque from the Cummins]



There is a chance that the Dexron/Mercon will have a slight shudder or grabby shift, if you get this, use one quart of ATF3. I've never yet had any shudder from using this less expensive fluid, and the cost savings is enough that you can afford to change the ATF whenevery you want as often as you want.



Hope this helps, Greg L

 

[rrausch]

I recommend whatever your Owner's Manual says!



My '95 calls for ATF +3, type 7176, changed every 12,000 miles.

 

[Joe G.]

I use Dexron III/Mercon as recommended by Bill K. I have no problems with it after a some years of use. No signs of unusual wear when I service the trans.

 

[JDougherty]

thanks for the advice... .



how often do you adjust your bands

 

[DMC]

I use Chevron atf+3, available at your local Chevron distributor. I think I paid 2. 29 per Qt. This same fluid is available at Auto Zone under an AAMCO label. Some reputable builder on here once said to add a Quart of 10w30 Mobil 1 Motor oil also.



Good Luck



Don

 

[DMC]

I must correct an error... ... I stated that AAMCO ATF+3 was made by Chevron. It is not, It is made by Exxon/Mobil.



I'll try and do better in the future.



Thanks



Don

 

[Howard Durand]

Lsfarm,



Not to distract from the thread but your sig says extensive sound proofing. What did you use.

My truck and my hearing aids are driving me nuts.



By the way, I use Red Line C+ synthetic in my transmission. They also have a High Temp formula which doesn't have the Chrysler additive.

 

[JDougherty]

i have seen alot of posts where people use the soundproofing from Genos garage.

 

[Lsfarm]

Sound Proofing

Howard, check you PM's for a message.



Greg L The Noise Nazi

 

[Joe G.]

Greg,



Could you send me the sound proofing info? Or post it in a new thread?

 

[SRehberg]

By using the Dexron III/Mercon, is the only benefit the cost savings? I've heard/read it's a major no-no to use anything but the recommended ATF D/C recommends. It always angers me that the cost of a speciality fluid is so much more than all the others, but didn't want to experiment with the expensive trans. The oil is cheaper than replacement, but if it indeed IMPROVES the life or longevity of the trans by gripping better, then it would be worth it. Any long term experience with using Dexron?

 

[Joe G.]

Dexron III/Mercon is not quite as slippery as ATF+3 so you get firmer shifts. I've been using it a long time with no problems and no signs of unusual wear.

 

[SRehberg]

Joe, thanks for the info, as I am about to drain and replace the fluid. I will be pulling a trailer, so I would think firmer, less slippage type shifts would be desireable. I had a shift kit, but the trans was replaced, so now it is bone stock. Anything to make them last longer is a good thing.