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DW
Dodge Dakota
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6/12/2003
01:04:40

Subject: ATF+4 substitutes
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Anyone know where to get AFT+4 cheaper than DC, or if any of the major oil manufacturers make ATF+4. The local DC dealship wants $7.00+ for a quart of ATF+4 and I would rather get Amsoil or Redline full synthetic which is probably close to the same price as DC's ATF+4.

My owners manual says to use ATF+3 and thats what I used on the last service, but DC now says to use ATF+4 in the 45RFE and I want to flush the entire trans. How much ATF does a 45RFE takes to do a flush, I think it's somewhere from 12-16 quarts, but at $7.00 a quart I don't want to get more than I need.

Thanks, DW



BigBlue QC
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6/12/2003
07:58:34

RE: ATF+4 substitutes
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14 quarts for a complete flush, another 1-1/2 quarts if you have a 4x4 for the transfer case, which you have to drain and re-fill. You will need a pump for the transfer case to re-fill. If you bought whatever you decide locally why can't you return whatever you don't open??? Having an extra 2 quarts on hand while doing this is not a bad thing as a just in case.

And yes, I have had perfect luck with AMSOIL ATF in my trans, it has been in the truck for 60000 miles, tested twice, with perfect results each time. Good luck.

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, Pace Edwards Power Tailgate lock
3.55 rear, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, all possible fluids are AMSOIL

dakotaguy
Dodge Dakota
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6/12/2003
10:58:42

RE: ATF+4 substitutes
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14 qts and 1 1/2 trans case - how much more with tranny cooler ???



Rittner
Dodge Dakota
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6/12/2003
11:50:21

RE: ATF+4 substitutes
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BigBlue, I have a 2002 QC, that I did the transmission and 4x4 transfer case on. About 1 1/2 quarts came out of the transfer case, but I couldn't get that much back in. Probably closer to a quart. I've driven it around, and every time I check at the top fill hole, the fluid level is even with the bottom of the hole. If I add any more, it'll spill. I'm doing this on a level surface. Any idea how to stuff the extra half-quart back in?



haha
Dodge Dakota
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6/12/2003
12:44:34

RE: ATF+4 substitutes
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Park on a big a$$ slope!!!!



DW
Dodge Dakota
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6/12/2003
13:19:27

RE: ATF+4 substitutes
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Sounds like I better get a case to do the job. How much did you guys pay $$$ for the Amsoil Universal ATF.

Mr. haha, what came dribblin out of your mouth didn't make any sense at all. What does parking on a big slope have anything to do with buying ATF. Guess any friggin idiot can type on a keyboard and bash the users of this site.

Thanks again guys, well except for haha,
DW



Timberwolf
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6/12/2003
13:29:15

RE: ATF+4 substitutes
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Rittner - Just because it was done at the factory, doesn't necessarily mean it was done correctly. I would assume that they fill them before they install them. Sounds like they overfilled it. Just fill it to the bottom of the hole and you'll be fine.



DW
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6/12/2003
13:48:11

RE: ATF+4 substitutes
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Hey Rittner,
If 1 1/2 quarts came out, 1 1/2 quarts should go back in, unless it was over filled to begin with or something like that. I don't have a 4X and haven't seen where the fill hole is in the transfer case, but if it realy needs another 1/2 quart to bring it to Dodge specs, try this. Jack up the side of the truck by the transfer case fill hole, this should make all of the fluid flow to the other side of the transfer case and allow you to add in more fluid.

I used to have a V8 S-10 where the radiator sat very low and it was a royal pain to get it completely filled. I had to jack up the front corner of the truck by the filler neck, so the antifreeze would flow downhill. This allowed me to completely fill the radiator. Same thing should work with the transfer case, but don't over fill it, could do more harm than good.

Hope this helps,
DW



Dakaty
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6/12/2003
19:52:45

RE: ATF+4 substitutes
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Ha HA

I mean HE HE



14.63 @ 91.8

BigBlue QC
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6/13/2003
08:17:27

RE: ATF+4 substitutes
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OK, let me try to answer the three questions I read.

Dakotaguy, the 14 quarts is with the tranny cooler as I have one also.

Rittner, all I remember is 1-1/2 quarts, it has been over a year since I changed the transfer case to AMSOIL ATF. I remember filling to the hole level and then buttoning it up. Haven't had any problems with it.

DW, I am a preferred customer for AMSOIL (I pay the $20/year to get the wholesale pricing) and I remember it is cheaper to get the bigger jugs of fluid, like 2-1/2 gallons, when you need larger quantities. 2-1/2 gallons is 10 quarts, if you got two of them it should be enough for the trans, transfer case, and power steering. Yes, I have changed the power steering fluid in my truck to AMSOIL ATF also(my year uses ATF+4 as the ps fluid) with no regrets.

Contact Steve the AMSOIL guy here at dodgedakotas.com and I am sure he can help you out with placing an order or becoming a preferred customer. Look up any post about vehicle lubrication and you should be able to find a post from him where you could get his e-mail address.

Hope I answered all your questions, good luck all

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, Pace Edwards Power Tailgate lock
3.55 rear, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, all possible fluids are AMSOIL

AmsoilSponsor
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6/13/2003
10:31:17

RE: ATF+4 substitutes
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Thanks BigBlue QC !!! Here I Am !!!

DW,

AMSOIL Synthetic ATF provides outstanding high and low temperature performance and oxidation stability. AMSOIL Synthetic ATF also improves fuel efficiency, reduces transmission temperatures and increases equipment life. The service life of the universal AMSOIL Synthetic ATF is up to five times the service life of conventional ATFs.

Since 1999, due to the special requirements of their automatic transmissions, Chrysler has recommended a unique ATF+4 formulation. In addition, Chrysler has been recommending ATF+4 for all previous makes and models of Chrysler Corporation vehicles.

The new AMSOIL Synthetic ATF exceeds the performance specifications for Chrysler ATF+, +2, +3, and +4 as well as MS-7176 A, B, C, D, & E; MS-9602 A, B, & C. as well as Ford Mercon or General Motors Dexron III applications. AMSOIL Synthetic ATF is available in quarts, quart cases, twin packs, 30-gallon and 55-gallon drums.
--------------------------------------------------



Steven Roark , Amsoil Dealer , Proud Sponsor of www.DodgeDakotas.com

AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils, Lubricants, Filtration, and Truck Care Products



DW
Dodge Dakota
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6/16/2003
21:42:48

RE: ATF+4 substitutes
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Big Blue QC, how much ATF did it take to flush the P/S pump and R&P, 2-3 quarts?

Thanks for the input guys. I drive about 30K a year so I think that the Amsoil is going to pay for itself in the long run.

DW



BigBlue QC
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6/17/2003
09:54:07

RE: ATF+4 substitutes
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power steering pump was 1 quart, sorry, I don't know what R&P is, Rack & Pinion maybe?? Here is where my ignorance shows, there is fluid in the rack & pinion, assuming that is what R&P means??

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, Pace Edwards Power Tailgate lock
3.55 rear, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, all possible fluids are AMSOIL

JasonB
Dodge Dakota
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6/17/2003
10:11:49

RE: ATF+4 substitutes
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Just a note if anyone is actually concerned...ATF+4 transmission fluid is recommended as replacement transmission fluid in ALL Chrysler Corp. transmissions, where ATF+3 was used previously, EXCEPT 1999 and older minivans. The service bulletin said something about shudder/vibration from the torque converter in those minivans when ATF+4 is used in them.



DW
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6/17/2003
11:52:05

RE: ATF+4 substitutes
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Yep, rack and pinion. I'll probably get 3 quarts of Amsoil ATF for the steering system just to be safe.



BigBlue QC
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6/18/2003
14:14:33

RE: ATF+4 substitutes
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thanks DW, I will have to check to see if there is a separate drain & fill for the R&P and replace with equivalent AMSOIL

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, Pace Edwards Power Tailgate lock
3.55 rear, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, all possible fluids are AMSOIL

DW
Dodge Dakota
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6/18/2003
15:32:54

RE: ATF+4 substitutes
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I just replaced the P/S and R&P fluid last night with Amsoil ATF, pretty easy procedure. Remove P/S pump return line that connects to the R&P and disconnect the 2 lower feed lines on the R&P. Sloooowly turn wheels back and forth until fluid has been pushed out of R&P (engine off, truck jacked up). Reconnect lines, fill system and your good to go.



BigBlue QC
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6/18/2003
16:18:57

RE: ATF+4 substitutes
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DW, what was the total fluid needed to re-fill the resevoir with what you did. thanks

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, Pace Edwards Power Tailgate lock
3.55 rear, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, all possible fluids are AMSOIL

TECH
Dodge Dakota
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6/18/2003
20:49:53

RE: ATF+4 substitutes
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14 quarts! Dang, that is a lot of trans fluid. Is that including the torque converter on the 45rfe? I'll be doing this soon enough, but I didn't expect that much fluid. Granted, I don't work on trucks for a living, and am a little surprised. Oh, well.



BigBlue QC
GenIII
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6/19/2003
07:58:30

RE: ATF+4 substitutes
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yes, 14 quarts for a flush, 7-1/2 to 8 for just dropping the pan.

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, Pace Edwards Power Tailgate lock
3.55 rear, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, all possible fluids are AMSOIL

DW
Dodge Dakota
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6/19/2003
12:26:49

RE: ATF+4 substitutes
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Took less than a quart to fill the P/S pump and rack and pinion unit. I emptied them out and re-filled with some P/S fluid I had laying around. Started the truck and turned the steering wheel 30 times lock to lock, (while adding fluid). Drained them again and refilled with Amsiol ATF.

I guess you dont have to re-fill the unit, work it 30 times and dump the fluid, but I wanted to get most of the old fluid out.





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