PS fluid is recommended, anyone ever see any ill effects of running Dextron/Amsoil ATF instead?
In the Canadian Military we ran dextron in the 1976 Chev 5/4 ton trucks(basically a SBC 350ci and the truck was really only a 3/4 ton) for 20yrs, they basically had the same hydroboost system, I dont remember too many issues with that, and definately none related to the fluid.

any comments are welcomed.

 

I've never seen anyone that ran ATF in the steering box so I can't tell you about any ill effects. If it was me I would stick with the recommended fluid type.

 

I would stay with P/S fluid. Read somwhere that ATF is hard on the seals in the newer P/S units. I suck out the dirty p/s fluid with a turkey baster, and installed valvolene synthetic. Made it smoother and quited it down.

 

Have about 400K on mine with no problems using Valvoline synthetic. Have not replaced any hoses or seals, yet. Do change the fluid occasionally.

 

I like the turkey baster idea. Never thought of that

 

Turkey baster--can you get all the fluid out?

01 2500 xtd cab, 65k, K&N air, stock, autom. -d

 

I was browsing thru a lot of PS fluid posts this evening I have seen this mentioned several times.. its basically like draining the transmission fluid and then adding back what you drained...

You suck as much of the fluid out as possible and then refill (I think you have to make sure you dont damage some screen down there though).. run it for a while and then suck/refill again.. lather/rinse/repeat several times.. You slowly get a mixture of new fluid in there..

Brian

 

the valvoline synthetic is the ticket...it stops the cold weather growl also.

 

I am using the Valvoline as well. Sure quieted the pump down.

Dave

 

On 3rd gen trucks Dodge prescribes ATF+4. It's in the owners manual and service manual too.

I don't see any difference int the system between 2nd and 3rd gen, I would go with ATF+4 which is also a synthetic fluid.

I like when it gets simple, everything with ATF+4, transmission, transfer case, PS pump. Only front and rearend gears have different fluids. Saves from having 10 different kinds of bottles in the garage...... or in the toolbox

 

Should probably adhere to the recommended fluids.

TSB 19-005-03
Power Steering Fluid Usage
http://dodgeram.info/tsb/2003/19-005-03.htm