So I'm checking the tranny (46RE) dipstick on my '96 4x4 5.2L, and it says I can use Mopar ATF Plus or Dexron II tranny fluid - I thought Chryslers were Mopar ATF only?

Can I mix both, or is it one of the other? In other words, if it has ATF in it, and it's low, can I add Dexron II?

I have ATF Plus 4, is there another kind, and can they be mixed?

 

don't do it. Stick with ATF+4

 

If I remember correctly Mother Mopar issued a revision in recommended tranny fluid a couple of years or so to not use anything but ATF +3 or +4 in any of their rear wheel drive products.

 

From the factory Dexron II was acceptable fill for the RH and RE transmissions. Chrysler posted a TSB a few years back stating this was wrong, and to only use ATF+3 or better. I however run plain ole dexron in my 42RE with no ill effects, but I do however use a friction modifier mixed in. This brings the Dexron up to ATF+4 specifications. My father does the same thing in his 98 1500 with over 200k miles on it, but he does not use a friction modifier.

The biggest reason that Chrysler developed ATF+ line of oils is because people were experiencing hard shifts and chattering from the clutches, similar to that of an LSD differential without a friction modifier. Chrysler took it upon themselves to produce a specific, full synthetic oil to use in their products.

Now, if you have a rebuilt transmission with aftermarket clutches, there's no reason to waste the money on ATF+4. The Rayabestos internals don't know that they're in a Chrysler transmission.

For a stock or dealer rebuilt transmission, I would recommend staying with ATF+4 though.

 

EDITED FOR CONTENT...

I didn't know they made Dex 2 yet...It had such a low sheer strength and boiling point that GM went to DEX 3.
I remember the that when my tranny guy would rebuild my old school Torque flites he would have us use Ford ATF due to to its higher sheer and temp breakdown. Based on how hot Ram trannies get, Dex 2 is the last thing I would use, modifiers or not.

When I rebuilt my rams tranny 2 years ago my I bought Mopar ATF+4 and had him use it. We talked about what to use and he agreed that anything less would void his warranty, and he had planned on using ATF+4 Valvoline. Raybestos clutches or not, theres still idyosicracies in the, well, the 46 RE (like cramming 4 gears into a space that use to hold 3) that create heat that Mopar ATF is supposed to handle.
Use anything else at your own peril...