am I suppose to use ATF+3 or 4 in my 2000 Durango 4.7? also I see alot of ATF on the shelfs of local suppliers saying ATF+3 is same as Dexron 3, and ATF+4 is same as Dexron 4. true?

 

check your manual for your specific ATF requirement, when i doubt get ATF +4 it will work in all of the transmissions just fine.

as for ATF +3 and dextron 3 being the same
OR
ATF +4 being the same a dextron 4

umm H3LL NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


idk who told you that, but definitely dont buy one that says that, you want mopar or valvoline ATF +4, there might be more companies on the Chrysler approved list at this point, but those are the only two i know of right now.

 

sorry meant compatable not same.

 

wait thats not right either. what I meant no name ATF available at places like walmart say they are compatable with particular ATF grades and I beleve one of them said compatable with Dexron3 and ATF+3

 

The only difference is the concentration of Friction modifier in the ATF.
Dex fluid has less friction modifier and clutch tend to have less slip. I would recommend you to stick with ATF +4 or the Multi-brand trans fluid that is compatible with +4.

You can Put Type-F ATF with No friction modifier in your car you will notice it will shift HARD. Drag racer uses it to reduce their quarter miles time, in the expense of shortening trans clutch life.

Dexron is for GM trans, Mercon is Ford. You can Mix and and match those 2 without a problem. majority of other brands like Toyota, Nissan, Honda, etc... accepts Dexron ATF in the service manual.
ATF +4 is for Chrysler, and acceptable in some Mitsubishi.

Some would tell you wrong fluid could accelerate trans wear, But I believe it depends more on your driving Habit.
If you put the wrong type of fluid in your trans, what could happen? probably nothing...
Just Avoid ATF with Stop leak, or Those trans fluid conditioner unless you are having trans problem, and planning to junk the car soon!!

 

was at my local walmart tonight.... WOW is ATF+4 pricey. $9 litre here in Canada. Castrol import multi vehicle that says its compliant to ATF+3 is $7 litre. going to look for better deal, or plan a trip to walmart in Bellinham just across the border from me.


last one about ATF, the Haynes manual I have kicking around here calls for Dexron in the transfer case, be fine with ATF+3 or 4 in there? and use it for the power steering as well?

 

save yourself alot of trouble any only use chrysler approved tranny fluid. Our trannys can be picky about that. Stick with atf+4 and don't use multi-brand

 

no dextron in the t-case, its atf +4 check your owners manual its all listed in there.

and yes chrysler trannys are VERY picky about the fluid you put in them, DO NOT PUT ANYTHING LESS THAN THE CALLED FOR FLUID IN THEM

ATF +3 in the manual, use +3 or +4, NOTHING ELSE
ATF +4 in the manual, use +4, NOTHING ELSE

and yes, use the same fluid for the transfer case and power steering on most trucks

 

Like they told you check the manual for which fluids to use, my D requires the old brown power steering fluid. Valvoline is the cheapest atf+4 I think. Could be worse, a friend just did his gm tranny with dex 4 @ $8 per qrt.

 

So ok hold on...
My book says to use ATF+3, But I was just going to put +4 in cause I thought it was better. So I grabed O'reilly's brand ATF+4 cause it was only $5 a bottle. Is this bad? I thought ATF+4 was a very strict blend to make?
Also, I put just normal power steering fluid with stop leak from walmart and I haven't had a single problem with it at all. And it was just shy of $3 a bottle...