According to my Dodge Owners manual it sayd to use either Dexron 3 or Mercon 7176. On here I see everyone say to use ATF-4.

Last time I changed my tranny fluid I used Dexron 3 IAW withe the owners book. Is it the same thing or did something change.

 

Use ATF+4.

 

Yes, I have read that, but why does that differ from what is in the Owners Manual?

 

Because Dodge sent out a TSB in 1998 stating that all Chrysler transmissions to switch over to ATF+4.

 

are you sure your manual says Dexron 3, or could it say Mopar ATF Plus 3, type 7176 ?

my Haynes manual says
2000 and earlier is Mopar ATF Plus 3, type 7176
and 2001 is Mopar ATF +4, type 9602

if your owners manual really does says Dexron 3, i believe you because 94-95 had the RH46 transmission, and 96+ (more or less) has the RE46, which would be "better" haha.

anyway, ATF+4 replaced ATF+3, and they are full synthetic.
you can safely use what's in your owners manual, just double check it.

 

I am getting this out of the Owners Manual that comes with the truck when bought new, I don't have a Haynes because none of the parts stores 'round here don't have them.

What is the difference between the two trannys?

 

RH is all hydraulic. (hope i don't screw this up) RE has hydraulic shifts for 1-2 and 2-3, electric for 3-4 and TC lockup. damn things are full of wires and solenoids.

funny story - i've got a friend thats a mechanic and a racer and when he has a few too many beers in him, you can ask him a transmission question and he goes off the deep end -- "damn a transmission! you get one little spec of dirt in them, just one, and it f**ks up ! just one little hair! you eat out your girl and you get just one hair in your mouth, and you spit it in the transmission and it f**ks up! damn a transmission! "

 

Dexron III is fine. Keep using it if you like.
It won't cause any problems.
The ATF+ fluids are newer and higher quality but if you manual or dip stick says dex III there is no problem or reason why you can't use it.
Dex III is cheaper to buy!