ok there are friction modifier additives like "lube guard" (also oem recommended) that even monty C our tranny specialist here recommends.... They are not snake oils if they actually have scientific purpose and work to keep temps down and modify friction and wear properties to be within spec or better....
(There are additives that places like NAPA and carquest sell that more commercial stores like autozone and advance do not carry) I agree that stuff like lucus and tranny honey seems to be snake oil in transmissions. its all in the additive packages...even with oem fliuds and auto oils...
ATF+4 was developed for a specific minivan tranny that dodge had an issue with not the a518...They were speced for atf +3 or dextron 2 according to my manual and dipstick.... when I had mine rebuilt a couple weeks ago the shop used some sort of universal ATF and an additive package that he said would give the same properties as aft+3 or 4 as far as the tranny needed..
He explained tranny fluids have evolved since my truck was built and specs have changed. He also said he has been building and warranting them that way for years. (I added another bottle just to be sure) He went into the speal about some of the newer trannys needing special synthetics due to design but not mine. I have read that a good majority of shops do not stock AFT+4 fliud and modifying packages are often used. That being said will I use ATF+4 when I have it flushed for piece of mind? yes If I have the choice.
If I was tight on money looking to get a few miles out of a junkyard special? I'm not so sure.
Just my two cents

 

Augiedoggy, you confused me. Are you saying for me to use ATF+4 in the junkyard tranny or not? We already bought ATF+4 but can exchange it for something else if necessary.

 

Use the ATF+4. Chrysler updated their documentation after ATF+4 was developed to specify it for all 46R's.

 

Dodge recommends ATF+4 in the truck transmissions. Just use straight tranny fluid. No need for additives.

 

Got it...straight ATF+4 it is

 

No I'd use it if you have it...just saying if you have a tranny thats already been filled with regular ATF fluid there are additive packages to bring performance levels up to par with AFT+4... not all those additives are snake oil thats all... there's no need for additives with straight ATF+4 but it can improve performance especially when you have issues like torque converter shudder.... at least thats what Monty C stated ... lube guard can lower temps by up to 40 degrees and it is approved by OEM manufactuers... and its a good idea to look in the DIY section here for the thread on cleaning the governor pressure soleniod just to see what it is, how to remove it and clean the screen..they plug up often and cause problems down the road like late shifts.

 

Ok, thanks for clearing that up. I've already downloaded the FSM and done some research on the governor solenoid cleaning procedure, we'll be doing that on the used one before we install. Will probably adjust the bands too. Having the FSM is great.

 

I'f I'd have to bet many of the junk yard trannies have a mix of whatever ATF fluid they had at the gas station at the time it was filled... which often doesnt include ATF+4.... good thing your eliminating any chances there's nothing real bad in there like fords type F fluid... designed for brass gears in old c4 trannies...

 

I know we're taking a chance on a junkyard trans so I want to check it out real good before we put it in.....are there any special tricks I need to know about pulling the trans from the truck? I've swapped several 700R4/4L60E tranny's on GM trucks, can almost do that blindfolded. Just wondering how different it is on a Dodge.

 

Only thing you really need to be concerned about is the crank sensor. Take it out before R&R on the trans..... it tends to become a casualty if you don't......