2nd Gen RAM general discussion/NON-tech This section is for general discussions about your 2nd gen RAM. Non tech related RAM threads belong here.

Why is transmission fluid impossible to buy?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 8, 2013 | 11:14 PM
  #1  
thebullfrog's Avatar
thebullfrog
Thread Starter
|
Amateur
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: N. Illinois
Default Why is transmission fluid impossible to buy?

I went out today looking to get a couple gallons to do a fluid/filter change. NOBODY carries ATF+4. Autozone only carries 1 quart bottles and every time I go in there for some (my trans and transfer case both have slight leaks) they never have more than like 2 or 3 bottles in stock. O'Reilly only carries Royal Purple in-store for $15/ quart. Screw that. Nobody else around here even carries it. At all.

I can't figure out WTF anyone with a Chrysler product does around here, unless they all go to the dealership. I'm beginning to suspect the reason Chrysler has such a reputation for crap transmissions isn't because they're crap, but because nobody can ever change or add fluid to the things. I drove 20 minutes to the nearest Farm & Fleet which has like 10 shelves in a 6 foot section dedicated to nothing but transmission fluid for any motorized vehicle you could ever imagine, unless you own a Dodge. It was mind boggling.

I know I can (and probably will) order it online, but that's kind of an issue if I ever suddenly find myself needing some in a hurry.
 
Reply
Old Sep 8, 2013 | 11:16 PM
  #2  
stewie01's Avatar
stewie01
Legend
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 8,914
Likes: 4
From: Fredericksburg, Virginia
Default

WalMart usually carries their cheap brand ATF+4, which is usually fine.
 
Reply
Old Sep 8, 2013 | 11:19 PM
  #3  
dodge dude94's Avatar
dodge dude94
Banned Goober Smoocher
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 8,916
Likes: 1
Default

+1 for cheap wally fluid.
 
Reply
Old Sep 8, 2013 | 11:23 PM
  #4  
QuadCabLuv's Avatar
QuadCabLuv
Record Breaker
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,585
Likes: 0
Default

I haven't seen atf+4 in a gallon anywhere expect our local trans parts warehouse.
 
Reply
Old Sep 8, 2013 | 11:29 PM
  #5  
thebullfrog's Avatar
thebullfrog
Thread Starter
|
Amateur
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: N. Illinois
Default

After working there I have a long-standing boycott of Wal-Mart. I'll let my trans run dry and weld itself together on the highway before I'll buy my fluid there.

It's weird how hard it is to find ATF+4, when I practically trip over Dex/Merc everwhere.
 
Reply
Old Sep 9, 2013 | 10:11 AM
  #6  
HeyYou's Avatar
HeyYou
Administrator
Veteran: Air Force
Community Favorite
15 Year Member
Community Builder
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 87,468
Likes: 4,220
From: Clayton MI
Default

Meijers?
 
Reply
Old Sep 9, 2013 | 10:36 AM
  #7  
SilverSS's Avatar
SilverSS
Captain
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 652
Likes: 0
From: Central Florida
Default

That's odd. It's on the shelf at every auto parts store around here. Maybe have a parts store order it for you so you wouldn't have to pay for the shipping.
 
Reply
Old Sep 9, 2013 | 04:30 PM
  #8  
Gary-L's Avatar
Gary-L
Legend
Veteran: Navy
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,663
Likes: 8
From: Central Oklahoma
Default

I've never had a problem buying ATF4+ for my vehicle at O'Reilly's.
 
Reply
Old Sep 9, 2013 | 05:22 PM
  #9  
ebxgsxr's Avatar
ebxgsxr
Professional
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 239
Likes: 0
From: Baltimore, MD
Default

NAPA? i work at one here in MD & we are totally stocked. i work in the commercial/wholesale section. but our retail store has like 2 cases on the floor & plenty more in the back.
 
Reply
Old Sep 9, 2013 | 05:35 PM
  #10  
zman17's Avatar
zman17
Retired Moderator - RIP
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 18,729
Likes: 17
From: NH
Default

I think I'd bite the bullet and go to Walmart, after all you would be also helping your ex fellow workers and the local economy after all is said and done in the long run.
 
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:49 PM.