I've always changed my own trans fluid. I've got 10 years (168,000 miles) on my ATS Stage IV rebuild in my '95, 2500, and I've been using ATF +4. However I can't find enough of it to do a full change and I was wondering if anyone with an ATS trans here has used Dexron III Mercon fluid?

 

Robert, as I recall, Clint told me to stick with the ATF-4 but I hear what you are saying on it being hard to get. It is pretty expensive now too. Let me know what you find out.

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John_P

 

I did call ATS and talked to a tech guy. He said I could use the Dexron III Mercon with no problem. And I called Bellflower Trans--they are an ATS shop in Bellflower, Cal., and they said the same thing. So I guess I'll give it a try.

The problem was I couldn't find the ATF +4 in gallons. Buying it by the quart, when I need 14 quarts or so just makes it more expensive than it should be.

 

Add a bottle of Red Lube Guard to that Dextron III.

 

Thanks Fox. I'll get some and add it.

 

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Thanks Robert!!

 

John, do you remember how much the ATS takes? I always drain the TC, and with the MagHytec pan, I remember it takes a lot, but I just guessed about it holding 14 quarts.

 

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Mine holds right at 20 quarts Robert with the TC and all drained.

 

Do you have the double deep pan or the regular Mag Hytec pan?

 

Robert, I have the double deep pan on both of my trucks.

 

How much red LubeGuard should I add? I couldn't find it locally and ended up ordering a quart of it.

 

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Robert, when I used LubeGuard I always added the whole bottle and then adjusted the ATF accordingly.

 

Dave Goerend recommended Dextron mercon 3 with a napa additive. No problems this far.

 

Start out with no LubeGard.
If the shifts are too jerky (I call it crisp) for you add about 6 oz of LubeGard at a time till the shifts are mushy enough for you.
I've always used the LubeGard Black.

 

Thanks Bill. I have straight Dexron III/Mercon in it right now. But I'm going to add a bit of the LubeGuard-I'll do 6 oz and see what happens.