I just got my 04 f150 screw. What interval shoul I change the trans and the differential oil? Should I use full Synthetic or the blend the dealer runs and what filter do you suggest?

 

Trans and differential oils depend on your driving habits. If you drive alot on dusty roads or in the case of a bad winter with the use of road salts, or pretty much anything above and beyond normal street driving, change it every 15-30K miles. Otherwise you may get away with every 30-60K. Changing it more often is expensive, but cheaper than replacing the parts.

Synthetics are alright, but ask others besides me for advice.

 

Ford uses full synthetic 75W140 in the rear differential (with friction modifier if limited slip). You can use Redline, AMSOIL, etc... But stick with full syn in the differential. For the transmission, check your dipstick to see if it uses Mercon or Mercon V ATF They are not interchangable.

I just ordered 16 quarts of AMSOIL ATF for my 4r100a trans in my Expedition. It is full synthetic and I have never heard anything bad about it. The results of independent tests are pretty impressive. It is pretty expensive. Any quality ATF fluid should keep your tranny happy (again Mercon or Mercon V depending on your dipstick).

The transmission should be done atleast every 30k. It is also important to drop the pan to inspect the condition of the transmission and replace the filter. The filter does not typically get replaced if a "flush" service is done. There seem to be a lot of slipping problems noted in the 45k - 60k range if the transmission has not been serviced (4r70w & 4r100a transmissions).

The rear differential can easily go 60k miles if you are not towing or it has not been submerged in water. Check the level every 30k to be safe.

Hope this helps.

 

Amsoil ATF is dual rated MERCON/MERCON V.

Ford specifically says not to use a dual rated MERCON/MERCON V fluid in the 4R100.

Lots of people do.

I'm just telling you what Ford says.

 

I agree with jschira, and would like to add that automatic transmissions, especially todays high tech ones, ARE NOT a place where you want any confusion about what fluid you're putting into it. They have enough problems already without having the fluid adding to it. So if Ford says to only use Mercon V, not the dual rated stuff, then that's what you should do. They wouldn't say that without having a reason for it.

 

Thank you. Everyone has an opinion about oil. I also have a motorcycle that has a Harley motor. Harley said never use synthetic oil in their bikes....that was until they came out with their own synthetic oil...now they recommend synthetic. I am putting AMSOIL in the bike as well.

I'm not trying to plug AMSOil, but I believe in their products. I didn't say anyone else should use AMSOIL ATF, just that I am going to. AMSOIL actually addresses this myth about dual rated ATF in Ford transmissions. Its interesting to read, give it a look. I've done enough research to make up my mind that the AMSOIL ATF is the product that I want in my transmission.

 

Ford doesn't say don't use syn. Ford says don't use MERCON V, and Ford sells both MERCON and MERCON V. This isn't a marketing gimmick.

Where on the Amsoil site is the comparison of MERCON to MERCON V. Link please.

 

http://www.amsoil.com/faqs/faq4.htm

 

Thanks.

 

No problem. I wasn't trying to 'stir the pot' or anything by mentioning AMSOIL. I feel like they have a good product. They make it pretty clear that their ATF meets or exceeds all Mercon requirements. I'm looking forward to putting it in my transmssion. What got me started on AMSOIL is that they have been around for a long time. I have heard great results from guys who this stuff exclusively.

I didn't make the Harley analogy very clear. My point is that the manufacturer is covering their *** (rightly so). But they don't necessarily have your best interest in mind.

 

Pounder90, a small (but friendly) word of warning:

1. Dont get caught up in the Amzoil MLM scheme. It will make you disliked far and wide by most normal people, well, me anyway.

2. Most people that tell you they've had really good results with Amzoil, are probably trying to sell it to you, and therefore cannot be trusted. You'd be surprised at some of the stuff they've said.

If you're gonna use it, that's cool, by all means go right ahead. Just be carefull who you listen to, and make sure you make it painfully clear that you aren't a dealer when you tell anyone that you use it.

That aside, I'd still trust Ford's word before Amsoil. If you dont save the receipt from Amsoil showing that you purchased x number of quarts of their transmission fluid, and have the installer sign that he did in fact install said fluid in your transmission, along with the mileage, how likely do you think it is that Amsoil will honor their warranty? Something else to get that pot stirring good.

 

Rusty,

I made it as clear as possible that I was not trying to promote AMSOIL. I have only heard good things about it and read independent tests (not AMSOIL's) that showed it provided good results. No one has ever tried to sell me the stuff.

I appreciate that you are skeptical. Can you post any facts or first hand information that AMSOIL does not meet their claims?

 

Ahhhh...now I see. I read the thread that Amsoil dealers, reps, etc... have been kicked off this forum. I can understand the animosity now. They must have all moved over to bobistheoilguy.com. Their propaganda is pretty annoying on that site (not that it necessarily takes away from the product). Sorry I missed that.

I am convinced of the benefits of full synthetic. I also have seen great test results on Mobil 1 ATF and Redline ATF. I just like fact that the other "stuff" comes delivered to the door; not even going to type the name again.

Rusty,

Thanks for the "friendly" warning. I think I see where it is coming from now. You could have pointed me to the top post on the forum and I wouldn't have questioned your further.

Since we already have the thread going...
I will be doing the fluid/filter change myself and have a good method to clear out the cooling lines. That may make it even harder to prove things were done right, I agree. But here's the thing with that: manufacturer's seem to brainwash people into believing that doing their own maintenance will void the warranty, or not using their brand oil. It is not true and there are laws preventing manufacturers from voiding your warranty for such. The burden of proof is on them. Anyway, my Ford dealership (and most I've dealt with) loves to do warranty work. They get guaranteed payment without customer hassle for things like unnecessary work and pricing.