Now I know some use Dextron 3... Dextron Type 2 and Dextron True Type F but I would like to know what best suits my needs. It's been awhile since she had a tranny oil change... and she deserves it. So what's the word people?

Mike

 

I used plain old dex3 with some lubegard red, works great for me so far.

 

yup I just used some dex3 and some lucas just not too long ago... figured it was time.

 

It's my understanding that the difference between Dex II and Dex III is all to do with electronics...the Dex III is more "electronics friendly".
I have used both and frankly they do seem to firm up your shifts a bit, if you want to use the most "aggressive" ATF then go with Ford Type F.
They will all work and you don't have worry about it.
The synthetics deal with heat better than the traditional fluids do and they stand up to it longer without loosing their lub. package.
They also tend to allow a bit more slippage too...that's what makes a shift "smooth"...slippage, which, = heat.

If you're going to use the more aggressive fluids and you want to also provide some lubrication support then put in some straight, NON-DETERGENT 30w oil....3 or 4 quarts is ample.

pb...

 

PB, this is the second time I've seen the addition of motor oil to the automatic transmission? Wouldn't it have a "softening" effect on the shifts? Why is motor oil good for it?

brad

 

I refilled mine with Dex III and I shifted too sluggishly. Called the dealer and tehy said that the proper fluid to use for fluild changed is ATF+3.

 

Actually I was told DEX3+ is a better choice than DEX3 as well... BUT with my mixture of the lucas I'm almost positive the results aren't too far off.

 

Hey Bushy, speaking of ND weight oils in an auto tranny. I run straight 10w ND oil in a th400 chevy tranny for a high heat application, it takes 12 qts total, but i only run 8qts so it has room to expand. I have never had a problem with 10w, and it will take more heat than any ATF i have used. I wouldnt recommend a full fill for the street, nor have i ever mixed any for street use, but the little ND oil trick does work.

 

The type "F", Dex II and Dex III don't have as many friction modifiers in it...the motor oil adds some "lubricity" to the VB functions....you don't need to over do it, just a couple 'O three litres or 2'ish quarts is good.

pb...