Hi Everyone,

I am getting ready to change my tranny fluid and install a temp gauge and inline filter.

Any recomendations on what fluid?I am confused after some reading on the forums and net

ATF+3 is available localy at the shell bulk oil dealer, is it worthwhile to use dextron with the friction modifier? Or is ATF+4 even though not a full synthetic worth it? ???

 

I would like to know as well.

 

ATF +3 is the safest bet. I know it's a little harder to get and costs a little more, but that's what the manufacturer calls for. If you change it regularly, then no worries. I have read that others have used dextron without modifier and have had no problems. I believe it's on an individual basis. Some have had to use the modifier due to shudder. I think it will shift firmer with the dextron. Ford has the "grabiest", then dextron, then atf +3. If using dextron, just be careful with the modifier. Hate to put to much in and encourage slipping.

I thought atf+4 is synthetic. It sure costs as much as a synthetic. Correct me if I'm wrong, have not done much homework on it. Hope this helps, Kevin

 

I found a thread on another forum and it quoted "Appears that DC is using the legal synthetic marketing trick and it is merely hydro-cracked pretroleum crude based. Better, but still not synthetic "

It appeared to be backed up by substantail info. It also seems quite pricy, I think I will stick with ATF+3 on my change.

 

I had this same question. I checked with the local dealer and for the 97 (mine) I need to use the ATF+3. I did and works great after the change.

 

So they are playing the same game that some of the oil manufacturers are playing? (like shell rotella t "fully synthetic" castrol, and valvolene blue?) it funny how they can get away with this play on words.

Instead of calling it a synthetic, why can't they call it "a premium conventional" . Thanks, for the info, Kevin

 

I'll stick with the ATF+3

 

I ran ATF+3 for a year after my tranny was rebuilt....I just did a tranny fluid change and put in Amsoil Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid and so far the shifting has improved some and I think the torque converter is locking up a little smoother