ATF fluid
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 564
Likes: 0
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
Found it:
Valvoline.com > Products > Automatic Transmission Products > Automatic Transmission Fluid > MaxLife® DEX/MERC ATF
Got Diesel?
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,345
Likes: 21
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.
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.
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Joined: Jul 2005
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 27,871
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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 being said, I have stuck w/ SP also.
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Got Diesel?
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,345
Likes: 21
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.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 564
Likes: 0
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.
If LV was cheaper, I would use it now.
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 8,241
Likes: 155
From: L.A. (Lower Alabama)
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!
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!
Last edited by Rusty Axlerod; Nov 4, 2011 at 08:00 PM. Reason: Add