whats the difference between atf+3 and atf+4. book says my truck requires atf+4 but i cant find it at local parts stores. will atf+3 be ok to use or should i bite the bullet and get it at the dealership?

 

I have a 24V 98.5, and I believe my manual says +3, but not sure. I do know I always put exactly what it says, though. I would think there would be someone besides the dealer that carries the one you need. I don't believe I had to buy any at the dealer.

 

+4 is, I believe, a semi-synthetic, and is still only available at the dealer. I have always used it in transmissions that call for it, and I don't think I would take a chance using anything else. As someone who works in the trade, I have always been pretty fussy about using the proper fluids for each application, instead of just filling everything up with bulk Dexron like some do.

 

If it says use ATF4 I believe you need ATF4.
ATF3 users can use ATF4 but you're not supposed to downgrade.
There's supposedly differences in the friction additive package.
The Dealer handles it and AMSOIL advertises their ATF is also ATF4 rated.

 

gotcha, oh i didnt want to just put anything in it. i was just wondering the difference. conclusion seems to be partial synthetic so i'll go with that

 

you could always just get regualar atf and add a bottle of lube gaurd which will bring it up to spec and save you a lot of money

call the big tranny builders, none of them use atf+4 or +3 for that matter

 

Valvoline (I believe) makes one that is ATF+4 compliant.

I think it's called Valvoline Extreme ATF or something like that, red bottle, available at most parts stores.

That's what I topped mine off with when I lost 4 quarts sealing up my temp sender leak.


phox

 

Mopar ATF +4 is stocked at my local parts store but, If I remember right its pretty expensive

 

If your truck is still under warranty, I wouldn't use anything else including any additives except for what is recommended.

 

If you want to use the ATF4 like the book says, take a clean 5 gallon bucket to the dealer and have them fill it from their bulk tank. I did that and I THINK i saved around 1.20 a quart. I asked my transmission builder if I should use Synthetic and he said that the atf 4 basically is and there is no reason to change. Everyone has their own opinion though...

Anybody know if the additive is needed in the 01 auto like it is in the older ones???


Kip

 

redlineoil.com redline offers their c+ atf fully synthetic and comparably priced to mopar they say exceeds chrysler specs for atf + 4 . you can order from summit or any redline dealer .

 

FWIW, I refilled mine (twice) with the Valvoline fluid when
my rubber hoses split (twice) at the front cooler, dumping
basically all the fluid out of the tranny (twice). The TC is
noticeably less Converting on accelleration but still locks
up fine. I can't say whether this additional 'slop' is from
the fluid, or damage from dumping the fluid (twice).

Oh, did I mention this happened twice?


Also, there's a dealer(?) on ebay that sells Mopar +4,
case of 6 gallons for $100. Sometimes a case of 12
quarts for $60 wi shipping. Still expensive, but much
less than walking into a dealer around here ($29/gal).

Lowell