jerky1280

I've been reading around, and from the sounds of it ATF+4 is hard to get. I read somewhere you can get it at NAPA? I just don't want to pay the $7.00/quart the dealership wants.

On a similar note, can I put amsoil ATF in instead? It's ATF+4 certified, and a similar price, but I assume better because it's synthetic. I won't be doing a complete flush, just replacing what's lost when I pull the pan and filter.

Marine

I believe it is Valvoline extended life ATF. I did have a letter from Valvoline, but I must have it on my home computer.

Commatoze

Mike's correct. Valvoline MaxLife DEXRON® III/MERCON is suitable substitute for ATF +4. It's hard to find the endorsment on their web page, but you can find it at the bottom of the "product specs" page.
"Valvoline also recommends for use in Chrysler vehicles (including ATF+3 and ATF+4™)."
Notice the trademark symbol after the +4?

Marine

There you go. Thanks Commatoze.

jerky1280

After looking, I've found a number of posts saying that they've experienced problems (shudder most common) after switching to Dexron III/Mercon. I think I'll just spend the extra dough and buy the Chrysler ATF+4.

Marine

Valvoline makes the ATF+4 for DC. It will work fine. That is why they say for vehicles that also use ATF+4.

Fred Swanson

Just put ATF +3 in there. It'll work just fine.

jerky1280

Can I mix amsoil ATF with the ATF that's in my tranny?

Marine

yes you can

sverre

the only diferense on +3 and +4 is that +4 had a smothing stuff in it too make the cluhes engage smooteh

sverre

and we dont want it smooth do we use +3

jerky1280

There's a good discussion in the 3rd gen forum about the same thing.

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...d=1#post758812

Marine

Here is the letter from valvoline:

THOMAS R. SMITH
Technical Director, Valvoline Brand
Phone: (859) 357-2766
Fax: (859) 357-7610
e-mail: trsmith@ashland.com
August 14, 2003
To Whom It May Concern:
Valvoline has received several inquiries regarding the topic of MaxLife‘ ATF and its use in various vehicles
beyond those requiring Dexron III or Mercon approved products. In response to these questions Valvoline has
issued the following statements:
• Valvoline supports the use of MaxLife ATF in a broad range of transmissions beyond those requiring
Dexron III and Mercon fluids including those where the following fluids are recommended:
o GM Dexron II
o Ford Mercon V
o Allison C4
o Chrysler ATF+3“ or ATF+4“ fluids
o Toyota (and Lexus) Type T, T-III or T-IV fluids
o Mitsubishi Diamond SP-II or SP-III fluids
o Hyundai
o Honda ATF-Z1 fluid (except in CVTs)
o BMW LT71141 or LA2634 fluids
o Nissan J-Matic Fluid
• Valvoline has conducted in-house testing to support MaxLife ATF performance in these transmissions.
However, it is important to note that these vehicle manufacturers have neither evaluated nor approved
MaxLife ATF.
• Valvoline stands behind all of its products, including MaxLife ATF. Use of MaxLife ATF in transmissions
where recommended by Valvoline WILL NOT void the vehicle’s warranty. In the unlikely event that any
transmission was to be damaged as a result of the use of MaxLife ATF, please contact Valvoline at 1-800-
Team-VAL.
While MaxLife ATF is designed to meet the special needs of higher mileage transmissions, new transmissions can
also benefit from its enhanced oxidation protection and anti-shudder protection and many consumers have chosen to
take advantage of this level of performance.
Please note that we have not done extensive testing on the new 5 and 6 speed transmissions that are now being
introduced. We would recommend contacting your Valvoline representative before using MaxLife in these
applications.
Valvoline does not recommend MaxLife ATF for use in continuously variable transmissions (CVT’s) or in
automatic transmissions where Ford Type F is recommended.
Sincerely,
Thom Smith
Technical Director
Valvoline Brand

I have this letter in PDF format for those of you that want it. Just PM me, and leave your email.
Mike

neveragain

Mobil Oil sells a good syn ATF I have it in the transfer case.

H2SRDMB

i use a additive called lube guard.. i get it at the local parts plus source.. never done me no wrong.. there are like 4 diffrent kinds a gold red green and black

i use the black. heres a pics to show what it looks like

[URL=http://23b.org/gallery/just-stuff]