I have an 04.5 4x4 with AT. Currently have 10,000 miles, and called a local transmission shop with an excellent reputation for quality work to inquire about their recommendations and costs of maintance. I indicated I had a truck that required ATF-4 and what their source of that was or whether they used a synthetic and they replied that they would "add additives to their products to bring it up to ATF-4 specs". This is an area I have not explored and I wondering, does anyone of you more experienced gearheads know about this?? Thanks. Bill Nissen

 

I think ATF-4 is synthetic...others will know for sure. I would walk away from use of additives!

 

ATF+4 is a synthetic.

 

If yo want to use a different brand then AMSOIL's ATF meets and or exceeds the ATF+4 requirements. Yes ATF+ is synth but AMSOIL is even better IMO

 

I am totally sold on the AMSOIL,it will be going into my truck when it is time.

 

I have done a lot of reading in this forum and have come to the conclusion from most the posts read that Amsoil is definately going into my 48RE.

 

Everyone approves of Amsoil except the people who are holding the warranty card. For than reason above all others, including that Amsoil isn't API certified, I use ATF+4 from the dealership. I just bought two 1-gallon containers of it for $16.50 each. The filter was $14.50. I don't see any reason to do anything else. The dealership charges $85 for a pan drop fluid and filter change with band adjustments. I did it myself as I like to let the truck sit for two days over the weekend and drop the pan Sunday afternoon. That way the torque converter can drain back into the pan if the drainback valve doesn't seal completely. Apparently mine doesn't. I got 7 quarts out of the pan. The gasket is reuseable and it's a very easy job to do.

 

I just took 5 gallons of AMSOIL ATF to the dealer and had them do a flush with the AMSOIL. All they do is note it, however they have noticed that my tranny does operate better than most of the ones they have worked on It runs cooler and shifts better IMO

 

If it were me, I would walk away from a fluid + additives. ATF+4 is synthetic and meets the DC specs. For warranty purposes it's the only way to go. I can not speak to the use of Aimsoil. Sound like a good product and might be something to consider after a warranty period is up. Only downside to the atf+4 is the cost and getting it only from a dealer.

 

Here is a link to a letter regarding the use of after market filters and fluids.

I found it very informative.

LINK

 

It's very informative but only half as informative as the entire article. There are also provisions to protect the manufacturer. DC doesn't state that your warranty will be void if you use aftermarket parts. They only provide a list of filters that they approve of. If you choose to use a K&N filter and your engine suffers from galled cylinder walls, you've only sealed your loss by having an un-approved filter installed. If you use a Fleetguard filter and you have galled cylinder walls, Fleetguard is a Cummins subsidiary so DC is less likely to rip up your warranty card. It's up to you. Personally, I don't see the attraction to K&N. The dyno shows absolutely no advantage in performance or MPG. Saves money? I bought a $37,580 truck. I can afford $18 for a filter once a year. It costs almost $50. for a tank of fuel...
I just paid $4.125 a quart for ATF+4 at the dealership. They have some attractive sweeties at the cash window and lots of eye candy on the lot. I don't see the negative aspect of going to the dealership. That and I have a receipt for a Mopar filter and ATF+4 if something goes south in the tranny.
Why doesn't K&N guarantee that their filter won't damage your vehicle instead of hiding behind half the Mag-Moss act? The lowly Fram filter manufacturer does and has paid up when their oil filters damaged some Cummins engines. K&N states in writing that they will not be held liable for any damages either directly or indirectly as a result of using their product. If THEIR product causes damage to YOUR truck that you voluntarily istalled against the recommendation of DC, do you really think it's right to expect DC to pay for it? That's what K&N is saying...
Just my $.02

 

Why hang your butt out in the wind? Use the factory approved filters and oils and safeguard the warranty, unless you have a brother-in-law that is a lawyer. I have a nephew that is an attorney, but I tell everyone he plays piano in a house of ill repute. That way he gets more respect.

Seriously, I have used K&N for years in new gassers, but from what I have been told, diesels are much more sensitive to dirt, so i will stay with factory approved filters.

 

Think I can use this?