ATF fluid

[demented]

Getting ready to do a tranny service on my 2500hd. It has the 4L80e. What is a good tranny fluid that I can use? Should I use a synthetic? I not up on all the latest and greatest oils. Any help is appreciated. Thanks

[Freyguy]

I'm running the Amsoil ATF in mine. I figured I don't change it alot, so the extra money spent on the fluid isn't too big of a deal. So far so good with it. Probably about 30k on the fluid and it still looks good. Don't forget to get 2 extra quarts for your t-case. Makes sense to do it at the same time.

[demented]

Should I be looking at a synthetic oil or will your standard dextron work fine. I have no problems using a synthetic but just want to spend my money appropriately. I'm going to change out the differentials with royal purple but do they make a tranny fluid worth trying?

[Black02Silverado]

If you are going to use your truck to do more than average in the hauling and towing area then a synthetic is worth the change over for the added protection in the area of heat.

 

Other wise you can just use a good quality Dexron III or now VI since it just came out and will be replacing dexron III. Pennzoil is a good brand to use and you can get it at Wal-Mart.

 

AMSOIL's ATF is a really good high quality synthetic. If you choose to use it then you can go up to 50k miles till you need to change it. That is under severe service which I feel is most anyones driving these days. Normal service is 100k miles.

 

I'm not to familiar with Royal Purples ATF's. They do make a good engine oil and I would feel their ATF's should be the same, I'm just not familiar with them since they have not been around to long. AMSOIL has been around for 35 years.

 

Choice is yours, either go with regular ATF and keep it fresh every 30k or switch over to synthetic.

[davzog]

I think the owner's manual specifies a Dexron VI....does Pennzoil meet that spec??

[superbee]

I also use Amsoil ATF.

[davzog]

I checked the Pennzoil website and they do have the Dexron VI available....have not seen it anywhere, but Advance Auto said they could order a case for me.

 

Not trying to flame anyone, but I am very leary of the multipurpose ATFs, be it Amzoil or Mobil or anyone else. I have a 2000 Dodge Ram and a guy convinded me to try Amzoil ATF instead of the factory ATF+3....tranny quit 3 weeks later 1000+ miles from home. It was still under warranty and they replaced it, but I only use factory recommended fluids, grades, weights, etc. I feel llike they built the vehicle and designed it...they know what's best IMO....

[mcaje]

Not trying to flame anyone, but I am very leary of the multipurpose ATFs, be it Amzoil or Mobil or anyone else. I have a 2000 Dodge Ram and a guy convinded me to try Amzoil ATF instead of the factory ATF+3....tranny quit 3 weeks later 1000+ miles from home. It was still under warranty and they replaced it, but I only use factory recommended fluids, grades, weights, etc. I feel llike they built the vehicle and designed it...they know what's best IMO....

 

 

Thanks for the input man. That's just the type of experience I look for before deciding to try a new product.

[superbee]

What was the failure mechanism? Was an analysis performed on the fluid? I have seen this same thing happen to abused/ high mileage trannys after fluid changes with all types of fluids. ATF (all) has a very high detergent content, when there is junk built up from lack of regular maintenance or heavy use, a fluid change can release a lot of buildup and sludge causing various failures. I would not be quick to blame the brand of fluid. Just my anecdodal experience.

 

Make sure you use a Dexron VI fluid, Dex VI can replace Dex III, but not the other way around.

 

I have seen temp reductions using all synthetic fluid brands compared to dino.

 

 

Hope this helps.

 

BTW demented, my wife's family has a camp on Harrisburg Lake Rd, it's beautiful up there.

[Tad83k]

+1 for Amsoil

[demented]

Thanks for all the input guys. With all the opinions that everyone has I sill am undecided what I will use. BTW, Superbee, Yes It is beautiful up here. Moved here to get away from it all,If you know what I mean.

[landryd]

When in doubt, stick with the Goodwrench brand.

[davzog]

I have no idea if an analysis was done on the tranny fluid...the Dodge truck had 14,000 miles and was under warranty. I don't know wht happened nor do I care...it quit, Dodge fixed it and I am fine with ATF+3 factory recommended (MOPAR) transmission fluid.

 

Mr Goodwrendh is a great source for GM stuff....