Local part store only has Mercon V. Is this acceptable .

 

I don't believe it is but I didn't take chances so ordered the Mercon SP XT-6-QSP from tousleyfordparts.com. diesel-filters.com also has it.

 

Mercron SP or LV only!

 

There are O'Reilly's stores in Washington. They carry Mercon SP and LV at prices well below Ford dealers. Although I can't remember the exact name, there is a Valvoline ATF that meets Mercon SP/LV specs. If you decide to use Valvoline, make sure it's the correct spec.

Found it:

Valvoline.com > Products > Automatic Transmission Products > Automatic Transmission Fluid > MaxLife® DEX/MERC ATF

 

What XB said, O'Reilly's has the mercon sp i just got some from them 4.50 or so a quart. The val max life is 6.00 plus a quart way to much.

 

Mercon SP is the fluid that was in our trucks from the factory and a good fluid at that.

Mercon LV is a new fluid, and has been approved for our trucks.

I personally use Mercon SP as that is what I have always used and it is still available (for less I think).

I would NOT use multi-spec'd fluids or any other type of fluid claiming to be universal in nature or meets different spec's... just use a single spec'd fluid of either Mercon SP or LV... again, I hate mixing fluids... so I just stay with "SP" until it is fazed out (who knows when).

I change the internal and external filters every 30,000 miles (drop pan and refill)... and the pan has always been spotless.

 

LV is a buck a qt. cheaper than SP at our dealership.

 

Pretty sure that I have seen Mark Kovalsky post up that the Valvoline MaxLife is an acceptable fluid. I also know that at least one person has used the Royal Purple "equivalent" for quite a few miles with good results.

That being said, I have stuck w/ SP also.

 

That's because there are guys like Beachbumcook who will pay more for vintage reserve.

 

Wow, that was a very nice complement.

I like vintage reserve cigars, wine and scotch.

Also, here a few quotes that support me using only Mercon SP fluid:

1) If it works, stay with it.

2) Let sleeping dogs lie.

3) Don't stir a turd that isn't stinking.

I now have 201,000 miles on my truck and I change the fluid and filters every 30,000 miles (as directed in the manual).

I alternate between drain/refill and flushing the entire system (always changing the external filter). I am starting to think that just a drain and refill (both filters) every 30,000 miles is all I now need.

I do not tow much, but the tranny cooler and external filter really help keep the tranny and fluid performing very well.

 

Last time I checked, O'Reilly's was selling SP for less than LV. Since SP is no longer manufactured, you might want to stock up. I use SP, and will continue as long as I can get it and it's Cheaper than LV. Mike Kolvasky says it's compatible with SP, and that's good enough for me.

If LV was cheaper, I would use it now.

 

The LV was 4 and change at our dealer per qt.

 

Just bought 8qt of SP (p/n XT-6-QSP) from my local dealership. List price $9.34 but I got a great deal, only $7.01 a quart!

 

Rusty did they use lube when you paid 7 bucks a quart? Orielly's has it for 4.50 or so.

 

No lube. Trans filter was $43.19 list $32.39 out the door.. No reach around either!

I did get the full blue spring kit (with cover) for $64.62, didn't think that was TOO bad.

Definitely be ordering online next time. The parts man had his way with me. Found out earlier today that I got a free weekend and wanted to get some stuff done. Didnt ask prices until i was checkin out. At least I get to throw away some genuine Motorcraft trans fluid bottles!