Tranny fluid
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 244
Likes: 0
Tranny fluid
Can someone recommend a good non synthetic fluid? In the past I have always purchased the higher end synthetics but seems I sort of overkill that as I always drain the pan at 6 month intervals and refill. Thought I might try a less expensive dino based fluid. Is a fluid with a DEX/Merc rating compatible with the 4R100? Seen Valvoline and a few other less expensive brands with that rating. I know Ford swapped the formula in the MerconV to be compatible and thought of the Super tech MerconV but that brand I know little about. I dont tow and I dont hot rod so was thinking I could go to the less expensive stuff. I figured the rating of Dex/Merc would be better for the 4R100 since it originally was rated for Mercon. Thanks in advance......Maxx
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,546
Likes: 9
From: Wellington, Co
Can someone recommend a good non synthetic fluid? In the past I have always purchased the higher end synthetics but seems I sort of overkill that as I always drain the pan at 6 month intervals and refill. Thought I might try a less expensive dino based fluid. Is a fluid with a DEX/Merc rating compatible with the 4R100? Seen Valvoline and a few other less expensive brands with that rating. I know Ford swapped the formula in the MerconV to be compatible and thought of the Super tech MerconV but that brand I know little about. I dont tow and I dont hot rod so was thinking I could go to the less expensive stuff. I figured the rating of Dex/Merc would be better for the 4R100 since it originally was rated for Mercon. Thanks in advance......Maxx
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,613
Likes: 9
From: Flagstaff, Arizona
how many miles are you logging a year on your truck? Fresh tranny oil every 6 months definitely sounds like overkill. Mercon V synthetic is what is going to keep that transmission going for years to come....
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,613
Likes: 9
From: Flagstaff, Arizona
I don't know a thing at all about Super tech. Why do you feel you need to change tranny fluid at 6 month intervals? Once a year is more then sufficient, with my miles.....I do it every 2 years
Trending Topics
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,613
Likes: 9
From: Flagstaff, Arizona
I would say just back it down to once a year fluid changes, and double your savings right there. With that little of miles....you'll be fine
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Trying to Gain Knowledge
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,571
Likes: 2
From: Ezzell, TX
With the analysis I had done on my tranny fluid at a 55,000 interval, the analysis stated I could continue at that interval and report back at the next change. That interval lasts about three years.
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,712
Likes: 2,632
From: SE Florida
It was designed for MERCON. The problem is that the MERCON spec is no longer valid. Ford licensed manufacturers to produce MERCON fluid. Ford discontinued licensing MERCON in 2006. So now you can't get licensed MERCON, you can only get fluid that says it is for transmissions that require MERCON. Does that fluid still meet the same spec? I don't know, and nobody is checking. Ford checks fluids from those that have licenses.
Any fluid that says it is MERCON V is licensed. You do need to watch for the weasel words that say, "for use where MERCON V is required." There is one well known synthetic that uses those words because they do not license their product.
If that were my truck I'd use a fluid that is MERCON V. The Supertech is fine. It has a license so it meets the spec.
Any fluid that says it is MERCON V is licensed. You do need to watch for the weasel words that say, "for use where MERCON V is required." There is one well known synthetic that uses those words because they do not license their product.
If that were my truck I'd use a fluid that is MERCON V. The Supertech is fine. It has a license so it meets the spec.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 244
Likes: 0
Thanks for all the replies guys.....I know my intervals are pretty short but when I get bored and not much going on I start looking at my truck seeing what I can do. Dropping the drain plug and draining 5 or 6 six quarts is about as easy as it gets and it keeps fresh stuff circulating (Thats my thought anyway). I probably change oil too frequently also (3500 miles with syn.Rotella). I may give the Super Tech a shot once I replace the Valve body in a few weeks...Thanks again Maxx