I thought I would change the tranny fluid and filters today. Got both internal and external filters, don't need the pan gasket as it is reuseable but came to find out the tranny takes Mercon-SP. Here's the problem Mercon-SP is not available!??!???

Is the dealer the only option or has someone else found a source for it?

Thanks.

 

ABC auto here in Louisiana carries it. It is still Motorcraft but only 5.49 a quart. The local dealer wants 8.99 each.

 

Diesel Filters Online also carries the SP.

 

This is the company i bought mine from. Motorcraft TorqShift fluid XT-6-QSP Mercon SP I got a full case (you need about 8qts) plus i got all of the filters from them. They were the cheapest i had found. If you have 4x4 you should also change the transfer case fluid at the same time. You can use the SP in it or you can use Mobil 1, which is what i did. You will need 3 qts for the transfer case.

 

Drain and both filters, NOT flushing, mine took 9 qts. Get 9 to be safe. I also got mine from www.DieselFiltersOnline.com I thought they were a site sponsor but I don't see them at the top of the page. I've heard you don't need to change the internal filter unless you're doing a rebuild but I changed mine anyways- cheap insurance. I thought my TC only took a qt or 2, don't remember it being 3, but I can't remember off the top of my head. But the trans def took 9 qts. FWIW don't use anything but Mercon SP. I'll prob get some flak for this but so be it. My .02

 

Well Tim - lets think about it ...............

Mercon SP is synthetic.

It works quite well and will withstand very high temps (up to 220 and even 250 for very brief exposure).

A former Ford Transmission Engineer (who worked on designing the Torqshift) says to use only Mercon SP and Ford has not licensed the formulation specs to others.

If you still have warranty miles/time - Ford's warranty will be voided if you used anything other than SP.

The cost of SP is absolutely NOTHING compared to the cost of transmission repair bills.

Looks like I have to agree w/ your .02 worth of input.

 

And if your that tight on money, take the internal filter back. It stops trees and boulders and only needs to be changed during major overhauls or if the tranny has grenaded which once again is a major overhaul. Do not short cut the SP, you will probably be sorry.

 

Is there anything other than the SP or Mobil 1 to use in the transfer case. I was going to change the Trans fluid and the T-Case coming up here soon since I am close to 60k. I figured change the fluid more often than Ford says and maybe save a little coin on the flush. I was quoted 350.00, cause I have the Mag trans pan so I hold additional fluid.

If the SP is the best for it than thats what I want to use. Just want to check with you guys first.

Sarge

 

I recently put Royal Purple Synchromax in my transfer case.

 

Really any good atf will work in the transfer case. I used mobil 1 but you can use SP or what ever you want. If you swing by your local marina or boat parts suppler you can get a oil pump that will screw onto the standard 1 qt container. This is the easiest way to put the oil back into the t-case. I also changed the internal screen on the first oil change. It was really not necessary. If in the end you don't want to do the work any normal mechanic can do the work. Except for changing the external filter the rest is relatively generic.

 

I guess I qualify,

I own and operate my own repair shop, I think I know the guy that will be working on my truck.

Mark how do you like the syncro max, do you think its worth the price. I F'd up this winter and put MercV in mine cause thats what I had at the shop and didnt do my research, I was in a hurry.

Sarge

 

I do not have much "run time" on the Synchromax, but no issues so far. Is it worth the extra $$'s - probably not, but I did want to go w/ a synthetic.

 

What's the difference between Mercon V and SP? What happens if you mix them or use the wrong one?

 

Nothing wrong with Merc V in the T-case. That's what the Ford spec is in my manual. I used the Castrol version of Merc V in mine early this summer.

 

Mecon and Mercon V are the only fluids for the transfer case. My manual states to use Mercon, but we all now that Ford has since updated their service manuals for the use of Mercon V since Mercon is no longer made or licensed.

Do not use Mercon SP... it is a different viscosity and a waste of money.