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FDak99
GenIII
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3/26/2002
16:51:21

Subject: Trany Fluid
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Any Opinions on the best trany fluid for a 42re.
I'm installing a transgo kit and I want the best fluid for my 99 Dak.




BigHank
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3/26/2002
19:58:34

RE: Trany Fluid
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Type F fluid!!! I changed to type F in our '97 Dak-by the recommendation of a well known MoPar guru-and couldn't be happier! The shifts are more firm and it extends trans life! Nothing special-Wal Mart Tech2000 type F fluid @ $1.50 a quart-that's what I use!

MoPar to Ya!!!

sandman
Dodge Dakota
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3/26/2002
21:12:20

RE: Trany Fluid
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Redline Synthetic. Best trany fluid period!!! They have a fluid for everthing even ATF+3 and ATF+4.



PSU
Dodge Dakota
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3/27/2002
08:21:17

RE: Trany Fluid
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I have also been wondering what the best tranny fluid is...I've heard that Redline is the best, but what is this F-type you are talking about?...Also, are there any "jiffy lube" type shops that use Redline?...I would do it myself, but I'm at college and don't have the place, time or tools. Thanks



QCOwner
Dodge Dakota
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3/27/2002
10:34:13

RE: Trany Fluid
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Yeah, right... whatever you do, don't use what the MANUFACTURER RECOMMENDS. All we ask is that we don't have to listen to you complain when you eventually have transmission problems... sheesh...

And BTW, right now, Dodge/Chrysler is the only source for ATF+4, period.

Get smart guys, don't mess with substituting transmission fluids in modern auto transmissions... you are playing Russian roulette.





FDak99
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3/27/2002
16:36:46

RE: Trany Fluid
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Sandman or QCOwner which one of you are correct?



BigHank
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3/27/2002
17:20:59

RE: Trany Fluid
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Type F fluid is refering to it's properties/chemical makeup--i.e. DEXTRON III, ATF+4, MERCON, Type F, etc. I use Type F in our Dak and it works GREAT! See Type F fluid was designed by Ford way back when to provide more firm shifts and longer trans life in their autos--the mass buying public didn't really care for hard shifts so GM countered with it's DEXTRON fluid which made shifts less firm at the cost of trans life! Anyway Ford followed suit and came out with the MERCON fluid to please the mushy shift lovers. To make a long story short-Type F fluid is higher viscosity (thicker) than these other types of fluid--the BRAND you choose really doesn't matter AS much!
Please remember this is just my opinion!!! Don't use Type F fluid in the newer multi-speed autos--stick with what DCX recommends!
I let everyone know when our trans needs a rebuild @ maybe 250,000 miles!

MoPar to Ya!!!

sandman
Dodge Dakota
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3/27/2002
19:15:46

RE: Trany Fluid
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I suggest you e-mail Red Line and ask them if their C+ATF meets ATF+4 spec.'s. I e-mailed them a few mounths ago and they assured me that their product which was origanly designed to exceede ATF+3 spec.'s also exceedes ATF+4 requirements. I have seen what happens when fluids that do not meet ATF+++ spec.'s are not used in a vechile. I have not had any problems with Redline. All the fluid has to do is meet the spec.'s that Chrylser put forth. You do not think that Chrysler is bakeing this fluid themselfs do ya? Rest assured they have multiple suppliers to prevent shutting the line down in the event one refinery has an accident or strike.



sandman
Dodge Dakota
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3/27/2002
19:33:34

RE: Trany Fluid
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I think that Chevron is the main supplier to DC ATF+, and ATF+4 Chevro only sells ATF+3 to public. Their web site was nice enough to mention that ATF+3 is based on crude oil and that ATF+4 in synthetic based!! It did not mention if it was a synthetic blend or 100% synthetic. My $.02 is that they are using either a synthetic blend or full synthetic with nearly the same additive package that they used with ATF+3. I say this because it has to be at least compatiable with transmissions that use Atf+3 and their unique friction needs. I bet redline can answere your questions. My 2001 QC 4.7L 45rfe shifts great with it!



QCOwner
Dodge Dakota
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3/28/2002
10:49:13

RE: Trany Fluid
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Of course Redline or whoever is going to tell you that their product is OK, would you expect otherwise? Slick 50 says that their product will double your engine life, better grab a bottle of that, too... I say again, ATF-4 is currently available only from your dealer. That will probably change in time, but until it does there is only one place to buy it. Sorry.

The 45RFE is an all-electronic transmission that depends on certain variables to be consistent, such as transmission fluid characteristics. The 45RFE constantly monitors fluid pressure, clutch engagement time, etc., and uses these values in the operation of the transmission. If these factors are altered by the use on a non-specified transmission fluid the transmission control unit may make errors, such as assuming that a higher or lower than optimum line pressure is required because the clutch pack enagement time is not what it expects (due to the the fluid not matching the anticipated characteriscs). This is just one of the issues that can result from trying to 'out engineer' the manufacturer.

If you really believe that you (or your friend's buddy's mechanic whose cousin knows a guy who is an 'expert') have the knowledge, test equipment, and R&D facilities to ignore the manufacturer when they make a point in the owners manual to use a specific fluid and no other (as Dodge/Chrysler does regarding all of its late-model transmissions) then go ahead, but IMO it is an extrenely foolish risk with a lot of downside and no benefit. What I am saying is backed by the people who designed and built your vehicle, and the other comments are purely anecdotal. Take your pick... it's your transmission, and your investment...

Enjoy,




Big Blue QC
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3/28/2002
13:19:56

RE: Trany Fluid
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AMSOIL ATF also meets ALL Mopar specs for ATF+4.

2002 QC 4x4 Sport Plus, 4.7L, auto, Patriot Blue, Tire & Handling group,
Heavy Duty Service group, Leer cap w/out windows, Mopar Step bars and roof rack, Rhino liner in bed and on step bars,
3.55 rear, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, all possible fluids are AMSOIL

QCOwner
Dodge Dakota
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3/28/2002
15:06:58

RE: Trany Fluid
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>AMSOIL ATF also meets ALL Mopar specs for ATF+4.

Uh huh, right. Amsoil claims that their ATF meets the specifications for GM Dexron II, Dexron III, Ford Mercon, Mercon V, Chrysler ATF+, ATF+2, ATF+3, ATF+4, and just about every other type ever created by man, all at the same time even though many of these types have very different friction characteristics. If you feel that Amsoil still has any credibility after making this statement then I don't know what else to say... other than that I hope you bought the extended warranty...

ahh, youth...






CCOwner
Dodge Dakota
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3/28/2002
15:31:43

RE: Trany Fluid
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"other than that I hope you bought the extended warranty..."

Pretty dumb statement as use of fluid other than OEM will void warranty, IMO.





QCOwner
Dodge Dakota
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3/28/2002
16:53:40

RE: Trany Fluid
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>Pretty dumb statement as use of fluid other than OEM will void warranty, IMO.

Actually, that was meant to be a joke. And yes, they probably will try to void your warranty if the damage is due to negligence (such as substituting Type F for the specified fluid, for example :-) And well they should...






Big Blue QC
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3/29/2002
10:47:47

RE: Trany Fluid
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Believe what you want but companies like AMSOIL & Redline are the only synthetics as far as I know that can meet ATF+4 specs. A good fluid is a good fluid and if I ever have a problem with it I will be sure to let everyone know, not that I am expecting any. Knowledge is key.

2002 QC 4x4 Sport Plus, 4.7L, auto, Patriot Blue, Tire & Handling group,
Heavy Duty Service group, Leer cap w/out windows, Mopar Step bars and roof rack, Rhino liner in bed and on step bars,
3.55 rear, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, all possible fluids are AMSOIL

QCOwner
Dodge Dakota
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3/29/2002
15:00:47

RE: Trany Fluid
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>Knowledge is key.

On that point we agree completely :-)






Aaro
Dodge Dakota
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3/29/2002
17:10:04

RE: Trany Fluid
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The differnce between ATF+3 & ATF+4 is that the +4 has the anti foam in it ,ATF+3 was replaced with ATF+4 because even dealers were forgeting to add the anti foam.



sandman
Dodge Dakota
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3/29/2002
18:09:53

RE: Trany Fluid
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I talked with Dave at Redline Tech Dept. he assured me that C+ATF would meet the requirement for all Chrysler ATF+ tyoe fluids. It was developed speificly for DC vechiles and is completely synthetic. I do not think that a company as reputeable as Red Line would put their reputation on the line like this if they were not confident in their product!!!! The magnussen moss act prevents any company from requireing any particular brand of product to maintain warranty unless they give it to the customers for free. They can only demand a particular specification for the product not any one brand.



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