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Which auto tranny synthetic fluid?

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Old Apr 4, 2007 | 04:52 AM
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Which auto tranny synthetic fluid?

Now that warm weather is on the way I'm ready to install an aftermarket remote tranny cooler. The Valvoline synthetic fluid I was using is no longer available. What synthetic tranny fluid do you all like?

Also, I'm planning on a Derale cooler with fan. For you guys with a Derale, is the 18500 the one to get? 30,000lb & 1/2" ports.

Thanks for your opinions.
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Old Apr 4, 2007 | 08:14 AM
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I've been trynig to locate some of new Dex VI for the 727 in my old Chrysler, but no luck so far...
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Old Apr 4, 2007 | 08:21 AM
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Why not use ATF +4? Fully synthetic and from NAPA, Valvoline part number VV-346.
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Old Apr 4, 2007 | 08:41 AM
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You might want to re-read this thread:

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...&highlight=TSB
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Old Apr 4, 2007 | 09:14 AM
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Interesting reading, I've had no problems with my 727 crew cab?? Have you?
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Old Apr 4, 2007 | 09:59 AM
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I think you may be able to get away with it. Some people have reported running it with no problem. But I think if you work the truck hard it will cause problems. The + fluids have very different friction characteristics than the earlier fluids. They are made with a proprietary Lubrizol add pack specifically designed for the newer friction materials in the later model transmissions. It was released for licensing by 3rd party blenders only last year. That is why the stuff was so expensive and available only from the dealers until recently.
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Old Apr 4, 2007 | 11:58 PM
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Originally Posted by KRB
Now that warm weather is on the way I'm ready to install an aftermarket remote tranny cooler. The Valvoline synthetic fluid I was using is no longer available. What synthetic tranny fluid do you all like?

Also, I'm planning on a Derale cooler with fan. For you guys with a Derale, is the 18500 the one to get? 30,000lb & 1/2" ports.

Thanks for your opinions.
I prefer AN fittings (fewer leaks) so I went with the AN -8 size Derale 15850 (30,000#) and used a Derale AN -8 switch 15721. I put the switch in the output of the cooler so anytime temp out goes over 180, the switch turns the fan on. Also have a switch in the cab that turns the fan on.

I use ATF+4.

Regards, DBF
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Old Apr 5, 2007 | 04:26 AM
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Originally Posted by Ace
You might want to re-read this thread:

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...&highlight=TSB
Thats whats got me messed up in the first place. I searched the forum a few days back to find out what the preferred fluid was and came away more confused than when I started. Basically what I determined the concensus to be was that its best to run what was originally made for the tranny and not what is made for the new ones even if it says its backwards compatable.

But now DBF says that he uses +4 and from reading his earlier posts on cooling, he does a lot of towing and should know if +4 is a problem or not.

By the way DBF, "I prefer AN fittings (fewer leaks) so I went with the AN -8 size Derale 15850 (30,000#) and used a Derale AN -8 switch 15721. I put the switch in the output of the cooler so anytime temp out goes over 180, the switch turns the fan on. Also have a switch in the cab that turns the fan on.", thats EXACTLY what I was looking for. I'll order it ASAP. How long have you been using the +4 now?
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Old Apr 5, 2007 | 09:12 AM
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DBF is also running an aftermarket torque converter and valve body. That makes his tranny a whole different animal.
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Old Apr 6, 2007 | 10:50 PM
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I run an AMSOil 100% Synthetic ATF in my 93 and its worked out perfectly. Shifts smooth and the extended drain life helps save lots of cash. Try AMSOil.com or locate a dealer in your area.
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Old Apr 7, 2007 | 04:20 AM
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Originally Posted by GasganoFJ60
I run an AMSOil 100% Synthetic ATF in my 93 and its worked out perfectly. Shifts smooth and the extended drain life helps save lots of cash. Try AMSOil.com or locate a dealer in your area.
Which type?
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Old Apr 7, 2007 | 08:39 PM
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AmsOil ATF

Originally Posted by KRB
Which type?
The standard Synthetic ATF. Its universal. They do offer a high-torque oil for heavier aplications but the ATF works just fine for my stock engine and trans. My parents also run it in their 02' Duramax w/Allison and its run like a charm, even with a 100hp chip and my heavy foot.

here is some site info on the Universal ATF
https://www.amsoil.com/storefront/atf.aspx
From that page you can read up on all of its different ATF products and other synthetic products.

Last edited by GasganoFJ60; Apr 7, 2007 at 08:48 PM. Reason: add info
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Old Apr 7, 2007 | 10:14 PM
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Aerospace lubricants ATF in mine with Lube Gard for a friction modifier. I have extensive mods and a Suncoast converter with aprox 10000 miles so far.
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Old Apr 8, 2007 | 05:28 AM
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Originally Posted by GasganoFJ60
The standard Synthetic ATF. Its universal. They do offer a high-torque oil for heavier aplications but the ATF works just fine for my stock engine and trans. My parents also run it in their 02' Duramax w/Allison and its run like a charm, even with a 100hp chip and my heavy foot.

here is some site info on the Universal ATF
https://www.amsoil.com/storefront/atf.aspx
From that page you can read up on all of its different ATF products and other synthetic products.
Hmmmm, now even more confused. I have never heard anything bad about Amsoil products and figured that would be the route to take. Only thing is, how can one product "do it all"? Everything from Dexron III to ATF+ & ATF+4 and even hydraulics?

How long/many miles have you guys been running it?

Thanks
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Old Apr 8, 2007 | 08:02 AM
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Yep, Amsoil does it all. That's all you ever need to know about any kind of oil or lubricant - Scamsoil !
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