i always have spare tranny fluid, coolant, gear oil, and oil in my toolbox. its just cheaper already having the tranny fluid on hand. cuz to get all that spare stuff it was like 50 bucks...

EDITED: This is wrong -- read post #17 in this thread!
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OK - sounds like I should flush it out and go with ATF+4. It's the line in the TSB that says:

"On some past models, MS9602 (ATF+4) should be used as the replacement fluid..."

Great -- what the heck does "some past models" mean? It seems to suggest that you should replace with ONLY the original MS5931, HOWEVER, there are SOME models that you can switch to ATF+4. They don't seem to want to tell us what those models are...

I just don't want to damage the seals and make more work for myself later...

I've got to run by the dealer tomorrow for some parts -- I'll see what they have to say and post a follow-up.

Thanks for all the advice-:icon_toast:

I see your point with that statement they make. Be sure to let us know what the dealer says.

ditto

double ditto.
I forgot I even had power steering fluid, don't think I've checked it in 6 years.
Alls I know is it steers just fine.

when they say earlier, maybe they mean the OBD1's

CONCLUSION

Here is what I found out about PS fluid for 94-2001 Rams.

NEVER use ATF+4, or any other transmission fluid, in the power steering system of a 2nd generation Ram, unless your manual specifically says so. Do not use it to "top off" or to replace the entire fluid after a flush. You must use MS5931 fluid only.

BACKGROUND
1) TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) 19-005-03 specifically states this (http://dodgeram.info/tsb/2003/19-005-03.htm):The TSB indicates that all Rams from 1994 - 2002 require MS5391.

2) To confirm, I went to the dealer and talked to the parts guy and service manager. They confirmed that you must use 5931 fluid only. Note that some newer generation Rams CAN use ATF+4 (check your manual.)

3) I bought the Mopar MS5931 fluid from the dealer ($9.95 / qt). There is a specific warning on the back of the bottle:This indicates that the hoses and rubber seals in the PS system can be damaged by ATF+4 transmission fluid.

4) Be careful using PS fluid bought at a parts store. You have to check the back of the bottle to make sure it says it is compatible with Chrysler 5931. I looked at a couple of bottles at Kragen, most don't state any specs, but some do.

5) Some of the posts in this 2nd Gen forum are WRONG. Like this one:
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...-ps-fluid.html


I don't claim to be an expert on any of this -- I've owned this truck for less than a week -- so please post if you think I've got this wrong-

I'll claim that you are right because it says right in my service manual to never use transmission fluid in the steering system. I almost used ATF+4 too when I flushed my system, but took the FSM's warning!

The Valvoline Maxlife PS fluid I used says its "Compatible with GM, Ford, Chrysler and certain import vehicles." Now, is it compatible with MS5931? Nobody knows! But what I do know is that now my sterring box is leaking. The Maxlife may be the culprit!

Now, the regular Valvoline PS fluid says it meets Chrysler spec. 5931, so I guess it means MS5931. Should have used that! Silly me!

Yep -- I just got this truck and it didn't come with a manual. So I came here for advice on what to use. I read that bogus post about using ATF+4, so now I have more work to do flushing the system. Most of those parts store PS fluids just say something vague like "compatible with most domestic vehicles..." Buyer beware, I guess...

Yep, thats what my bottle of Maxlife says. Damn!!! Wish I would have got the regular Valvoline now! I am almost sure now that is why my steering box is leaking.