Since I got my truck a few weeks ago, I've been changing out the fluids as I have no idea if/when the previous owner did, so I want to start out with a clean slate. Being the first manual I've ever owned, I don't know what kind of transmission fluid to use. All of the fluid at the auto parts stores says "For Automatic Transmissions". I have found what Chiltons says is recommended: MERCON (Dexron II), but again, say "for auto transmissions". Does it matter that it says that?

 

That's what it takes, use it with confidence. Also, you're not likely to find M/D II. It's been superseded and I think we're up to M/D V. That IS a direct replacement and is what you want.

 

Very good. Thanks for the reply.

 

to joeged, please check again, is it really a manual?...I have worked on all my vehicles since 1956, never knew of anyone using automatic trans. fluid in a manual....jerry

 

Straight out of the owner's manual

 

I typed that wrong above. The Chiltons manual says to use MERCON (DexronII) ATF on all 5-speed manual transmissions. Obviously, ATF stands for Auto Trans Fluid, but it doesn't make sense to use that for a manual trans.

 

BTW, what do you use in your manual trans?

 

so you were refering to the chilton manual, when you said its the first manual..? but your truck has a 5 speed automatic transmission?..sorry about rambling,..did'nt want you to waste the wrong fluid or maybe harm some bearings.....jerry

 

about 80 or 90 gear oil (in older trans.- I have automatics now)

 

This is CORRECT, 90w gear oil is too thick for the later transmissions, it WILL cause problems shifting and maybe just kill a bearing or two.. Use the recommended ATF....

 

Well, I bought 3 quarts of Wolf's Head DX III-H/M ATF. It is the second item listed on this spec sheet:

http://www.wolfshead.com/specsheets/trans.pdf

It is, after all, what Ford recommends. I wanted to get some synthetic oil due to the trans having almost 100,000 miles, but the guy at the auto parts store suggested to go with manufacturers suggestion.