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Let's Talk ATF

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Old Jan 26, 2008 | 10:17 PM
  #1  
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Default Let's Talk ATF

Guys,

Before I move back to TN this May, I am going to service my tranny with new fluid/filter and add a cooler. I want to put good fluid in it, but I think that is going to be too $$$. I looked at the RP Max ATF, but it is like $10-$12/qt. Amsoil is very $$$, too.RP also says it's recommended for Dexron or Mercon trannies...nothing about Dodge ATF +4. Now at Wally World, they have the Supertech (everyone's fav brand)ATF +4, at about $3/qt., and they have the Mopar ATF +4 for about $5/qt.. I put the Supertech in my t-case...no problems, but then again, it doesn't get as much action as the tranny. What are your thoughts on this? Go with the Mopar? Whatever I use, I will also be adding Lucas Stop Slip...I've heard/read nothing but good things about it. Some people have even claimed that it fixed their trannies when they were previously told they needed a rebuild. It also says it extends fluid life and lowers operating temps. Worth a try... Now...which fluid...price IS an option...
 
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Old Jan 26, 2008 | 10:21 PM
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Default RE: Let's Talk ATF

Just use mopar ATF +4 keep it simple , and NO ADDITIVES !!!!
 
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Old Jan 26, 2008 | 10:24 PM
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Default RE: Let's Talk ATF

Im convenced that its ALWAYS better to run the fluid, no "fixes in a bottle"

I also like to run the actual atf4 fluid over say an amsoil version of it... the amsoil version may be a better oil, just it might not be right for that tranny...
I dont understand why some trannys are picky about fluid, but I just like to stick to what it wants.

Remember atf4 is synthetic and isnt an all bad oil... I would just use the valvoline brand atf4... ive compared the stuff to the mopar brand atf4 and (without chemical data obviously) but it smells exactly same, looks the same, has viscosity... thats enough for me to think its the same stuff...

When I change my fluid soon I will just use atf 4 regular stuff from autozone or whatever.
 
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Old Jan 26, 2008 | 10:27 PM
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Default RE: Let's Talk ATF

valvoline atf+4. $4.50-5.00/qt. NO ADDITIVES.
 
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Old Jan 26, 2008 | 10:27 PM
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Default RE: Let's Talk ATF

I personally would sleep better at night knowing I don't put the supertechin anything. While the oil itself may be fine, there is no reason topossibly putsnake oil in your tranny. I'd shell out that 2dollars more / quart before questioning intregity. Just my opinion and is not based on any proven facts.

Good luck!,
pcfixerpro
 
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Old Jan 26, 2008 | 10:33 PM
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Default RE: Let's Talk ATF

+4 is a superior fluid (semi-syn) but I prefer +3 which is discontinued.
+4 is more slippery (friction coefficient) and I find it causes these trans to shift mushy.
+4 is the recommended fluid now that Chrysler discontinued +3
 
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Old Jan 26, 2008 | 11:07 PM
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Default RE: Let's Talk ATF

Ok, you might think that I am biased here because I work at a dealer but I think that you should never run anything but Mopar ATF+4. Dodge has a formula that they do not share with anyone. Just from experience the valvoline is not a substitute. Had a goodyear service center call me wanting Mopar ATF+ 4, when I told them the price, they said "valvoline is much cheaper, so we re going to use that". 3 weeks later the tranny died an early death. So goodyead saved a few bucks on the fluid only to have to buy this poor guy a new tranny...If you use anything except Mopar ATF+4 while under warranty, Dodge can refuse to pay a warranty claim....Again, please don't think I am biased to Mopar only, I just want your trans to last as long as it can.
 
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Old Jan 26, 2008 | 11:48 PM
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Default RE: Let's Talk ATF

I use walmart brand atf in my 46rh and it lasted 368k.Even then my rebuild guy said the atf didn't cause the failure.
 
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Old Jan 27, 2008 | 12:02 AM
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Default RE: Let's Talk ATF

Mopar atf+4....FYI my Wal Marts herecarry it and so did the ones in Phoenix. No additives, no overpriced aftermarket oils, nothin else.
 
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Old Jan 27, 2008 | 12:15 AM
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Default RE: Let's Talk ATF

Thanks for all the info. I'm curious...why say not to add the Lucas? I know from talking to many "more-experienced than me"people that Lucas has built a name for themselves that rivals those of RP, Amsoil, etc. My Grandpa swears by their products and uses them in all of his vehicles. They have a lot of customer testimonials that seem to be all positive.

http://www.lucasoil.com/testimonials/index.sd?catid=15

Hmmm...Mopar or Valvoline...at least I got a couple months to decide...

Thanks
 
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