2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission What happened to ATF+3 ??

[DLBurns]

It is time for my semi-annual trans fluid change, I have been using Valvoline ATF+3 and I cannot find it anywhere.



I have checked Pepboys, Kragens and Autozone, no one has it. The only thing I have found is Dexron III/Mercon, Type F, and ATF+4 Synthetic.



Anybody seen it available online anywhere?



Dave

 

[raychem]

atf+3 was replaced by atf+4



Richard

 

[Allnew2Me]

Hi Dave. I just redid my trans as you know and I went back and forth over which fluid to use. My trans wizard told me that the only reason Dodge says to use +4 is because they want to have a common fluid for all vehicles and that it is for the intermittent use of the lockup clutch in the TC in vehicles like the mini-vans. Our trucks are on or off and don't really need the additives that prevent chatter. Suncoast told me they use DexronIII and others have told me the same thing also. I went ahead and used ATF+4 because it is a good fluid and I found it for 3 bucks a quart, and I wanted to have one fluid in the trans and transfer case to avoid confusion. The only negative thing I've heard and this is true of some other fluids also, is that the temp rating is not as high as some other synthetics out there, but they are also about 3 times as much so I guess it comes down to what you feel you need.

 

[rweis]

I think there is a thread on the DTT site about using dextron III plus a bottle of red friction modifier to equal atf+3.



Bob Weis

 

[Silver_Ram]

The bottle of Valvoline brand ATF+4, I saw at a parts store, said it was a full synthetic. I don't have an auto trans to use it in, but the Valvoline is definitely cheaper than the dealer... .

 

[RRees]

I've found Mopar ATF+4 at my local Walmart. I forgot the price, but it wasn't too bad. I need a few quarts when I swapped transmission lines for my trans temp gauge.

 

[rweis]

ATF+4 may be too slippery in some cases.



I think on the DTT site there is a discussion about using Dextron III + an aditive to make Dextron III have the correct characteristics of ATF+3.



Bob Weis

 

[DLBurns]

Hi Dave. I just redid my trans as you know and I went back and forth over which fluid to use. My trans wizard told me that the only reason Dodge says to use +4 is because they want to have a common fluid for all vehicles and that it is for the intermittent use of the lockup clutch in the TC in vehicles like the mini-vans. Our trucks are on or off and don't really need the additives that prevent chatter. Suncoast told me they use DexronIII and others have told me the same thing also. I went ahead and used ATF+4 because it is a good fluid and I found it for 3 bucks a quart, and I wanted to have one fluid in the trans and transfer case to avoid confusion. The only negative thing I've heard and this is true of some other fluids also, is that the temp rating is not as high as some other synthetics out there, but they are also about 3 times as much so I guess it comes down to what you feel you need.

Hey Dave... Dexron III is about 2. 50 a quart, where did you get the +4 for 3. 00??

 

[raychem]

For the stock trans just run atf 4 you will not have a problem since they are backwords compatable. On modded trannies i will run either dex 3 or atf 4 depending on the client.

 

[keimmmo]

I am running Dexron III with a pint of FULL SYNTHETIC 5W-30 motor oil every change in the stock trans in the 01. 5. Been doing so for 150k miles without a problem. Cheap, effective, and readily available!



Steve Keim