Hi Folks,

I realize I'm asking for the impossible here but I'm looking for opinions on a higher quality YET AFFORDABLE transmission fluid for my auto trans (e4od).

My truck has 180,000 mi on the clock and I'm not sure if it's even beer rebuilt but years back I had her at a shop and the mech who test drove it said he thought someone did some upgrade work to the trans. Not sure how relevant this is but I have a feeling the trans may have been rebuilt at one time or another. I've only had this truck for 40,000 miles.

Anyhoooo, I'm thinking that if I want to keep this thing going a lot longer I should be using a better fluid than the garbage off the Wal-Mart shelf.

Is anyone using a GOOD yet affordable trans fluid? I've only heard and read good things about red line, amsoil and royal purple fluids but at $10 to $16 per quart times 16 quarts...it adds up quick. albeit using a high quality fluid is good insurance to prolong a pricey trans rebuild, I also have to stay within my budget.

Just looking for thoughts, etc. On the subject. I'm not trying to be cheap; there's only so much I can allot to the vehicle for maintenance and frankly I'd rather change the fluid than not.

Thanks for the input!

 

Heck even cheap fluid is over 5$ over quart.
I just use the house brand of the parts stpre I'm at and do proper service intervals.

 

I use Shaeffers all trans. BTS and John Woods use it so it must be good.

 

How much is the Schaeffer's? Nobody around here carries it. In a "good" trans I would spend the cash on good fluid. At stock power levels I am gonna be a tight wad lol

 

My .02 it's not about having the best fluid. I always used valvoline.

If you do your service on time and don't abuse yiur trans it should last a long time.

 

It's not cheap but not as expensive as red line or mobile 1.

 

thanks. The truck is pretty much stock with the exception of aftermarket cooler, bigger air cleaner and new down pipe. Call the police, with all those "mods" I'm gonna be tearing up the neighborhood. Haha!

going down the road I do plan on chipping the truck but still that's a ways away (in all actuality by time I get the funds to chip the truck they probably won't make chips for it anymore).

I think the last fluid change I did use Valvoline ATF. Probably bought it because Walmart had it and it was their "best" available option at the time.

Just curious why Valvoline?

 

Schaeffer's is about $100/12 quart case. Shipping is free is you order over $350. I buy once a year to 18 months and also get motor oil and anything else I need at that time.

Rusty