Think Ive read 20+ posts. Can someone just tell me as of today what is the best to use? Schaeffers? If not availible in my area what would your other choices be?
1) Schaeffers?
2)?
3)?
2001 F-350 CCLB stock auto trans

 

Mobil 1 or any syn is better the standard. Is it for power steering?

 

I personally would rather not use synthetic. Actually too slippery for clutches. I rather just change it and the filter more often. Also at least 1/2 the price. For the motor on the other hand, synthetic is the only way to go.

 

I just did an atf change using Schaeffer's. Buy a 5 gallon bucket and you have enough to flush the power steering too.

 

Synthetic can with stand heat way better then standard ATF. Most performance builders use it. But I thought OP was talking about power steering.

 

No it's not. Synthetic ATF like Mobil 1 is good stuff and works great for the 4R100.

Stewart

 

John Wood concurs with you Stewart....good company torun with when talking about 4R100's.

 

Information JW has stated to me was why I corrected robinsonpowerstroke's post.

Another source was Mark K who has stated many times that Mobil 1 is a good trans fluid, and that synth is good stuff for the 4R100.

Stewart

 

I was under the impression from John that he recommends putting Motorcraft MercV in his trans. I don't see the need for anything synthetic in anything other than PS fluid. Motorcraft MercV trans fluid and Lucas High TBN motor oil for me.

 

I haven't specifically talked to him about trans fluid in a while, but he used synth for the trans he built in my Ex and he sold me a case of Lubrication Engineers trans fluid to have for when it came time to change the trans fluid.

Stewart

 

I must be a glutton for punishment for posting this. But after I got beat up on another thread for using nonsynthetic Napa Premium Mercon/Dextron III instead of nonsynthetic or synthetic Mercon V by a bunch of people who undeniably know way more about transmissions than I ever will, I came across this statement on the BTS Valve Body Installation instructions (pdf attached):

"Step 12: Put 8 quarts of oil in then check it. (If your transmission & converter is stock, use Dextron III)"

 

I wonder if Brian has ever updated that pdf. For awhile, Dex III/Merc wasn't even available.

Stewart

PS - "beat up?" C'mon Tim!

 

Nobody would ever on someone else around here I promise......Now where did I leave my sledge hammer from tim's old post?

 

O.K. Stewart (and 1fixitman), you got me on that one. I may have been throwing a pity-party on the "beat up" thing.

If I remember right, Mr. Kovalsky and you guys did state that Mercon was not available for a while, and I have no reason to doubt that. Could that be why BTS calls for "Dextron III" in his installation instructions and omits the word "Mercon?"

In other words, are you sure that Dextron III ever went out of production? I mean Dextron III is a GM spec right? Not a Ford spec?

Just wondering if that could be the reason why BTS specifically calls for "Dextron III" in Ford stock 4R100 transmissions with BTS valve bodies?

Unfortunately, I am limited to reading and applying logic to reach a conclusion from what I have read, because I have no technical knowledge or personal experience about the thing in question (for example transmissions) from which to derive my own conclusion.

So I am left with the BTS statement that "Dextron III" (which I believe is the same spec as Ford Mercon) should be used in stock 4R100 transmissions with BTS valve bodies.

Maybe it is old and needs to be updated, but it is on the BTS website currently.

Just sayin'.

 

I'm sure Mark K will chime in for the millionth time, Mercon V. I will change mine once a year anyway, run an external filter, Blackstone gave me a clean bill of health last year after a 9500 mile tow trip out west.
I can find Merc V anywhere.
What's not to like.