what kinda transmission fluild is best for my 2002 explorer? Is synthetic fluild better than non-synthetic? How often should it be changed?

 

I just purge flushed and went with Amsoil ATF on my '05.
About to do the same thing on our '05 Corolla.
Been using Amsoil ATF for years in my vehicles.
Great stuff.

 

I believe all explorers with the 5R55E transmission since 98 have required the synthetic Mercon V ATF. I wouldn't mess with anything else.

 

Mercon V is a synthetic blend.
Not 100% synthetic.

 

Yes, however, my personal recommendation stands. Stick with Mercon V. If you do a full fluid exchange, not just the pan, you can probably get 30K miles out of it if you're not doing a lot of heavy towing.
BTW, There are a number of 100% synthetic ATF's out there that meet the requirements of Mercon/Dexron III, that still don't meet Mercon V requirements, including the anti shudder capabilities that drove its development in the first place, so you need to be careful of assuming any 100% syn will do the job. Out of curiosity, how much does a quart of this amsoil 100% syn go for, anyway?

 

I shudder to think!

I just got a case of Mercon V today at Napa for 3.09 a qt. That was on sale, normally 3.69.

 

I bought a two 10 gallon containers of Amsoil ATF for the purge of trans fluid,transfer case and soon to be power steering fluid change.
With shipping cost was approx $8.25 a qt.Also changed the front and rear diffs with Amsoil Severe Gear fluid.
Mobil 1 in the engine.
Full synthetic always cost more.
Never had any problems with Amsoil ATF in any of my vehicles over the years..
My Expedition had 130K miles without a trans problem.Shifted like day one.
Synthetic make the trans run 20-30% cooler and fluid has the ability to last longer than the 30K interval.Heat kills a trans
Amsoil recommends 60K changes severe,100K normal use change intervals.Because I'm **** with my vehicles,I'll probably do a 45-50K mileage change with trans filter intervals and considering what a PIA a change and fill is in the explorer,Amsoil or any other 100% synthetic is worth it.

 

Make that a 10qt 2.5 gallon container.

 

The 4R100 tranny in the Expedition takes Mercon, not Mercon V, so you might get away with using a mutli-purpose ATF, like Mobil 1, or Amsoil.
The Explorer tranny, however, calls for Mercon V, so ONLY Mercon V should be used, not a multi-purpose ATF!!!

 

Well Bob,my brother has Amsoil in an '02 Explorer for the last 88K miles without a problem.
I'm about to Amsoil ATF changeover my '05 Corolla which uses Type T fluid.

There are many who are using Amsoil ATF in a variety of transmissions that call for a specific type without a problem.
http://theoildrop.server101.com/ubb/...ubb=forum;f=16

The trans in an Explorer is a bad design to begin with.
I want it to run cooler and any 100% synthetic does it.
Synthetics trans fluid from Red Line,Amsoil,Mobil 1...

Speaking of Mobil 1.
Do you trust Mobil?
They have a new MULTI-PURPOSE Synthetic fluid .

Applications


Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF is a multi-vehicle formula recommended for use in modern high performance automobiles, SUV's, SUT's, vans and other light trucks requiring Dexron III , Ford Mercon and MERCON V performance levels(How can this be,Bob )
Also recommended by ExxonMobil for Chrysler automatic transmissions
Surpasses the off-highway power transmission requirements of Allison C-4
Suitable for Caterpillar TO-2 applications
Recommended for use in any power steering unit where a Dexron or Mercon fluid is recommended

Benefits of a full synthetic


Product Description

Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF is a multi-vehicle, fully synthetic fluid designed to meet the demanding requirements of modern passenger vehicles.



Features and Benefits

Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF with SuperSyn Technology outperforms conventional ATFs and provides outstanding resistance to oil breakdown and deposits. The inherently high viscosity index and stability of Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF protects against thermal breakdown at high operating temperatures, while still providing outstanding performance at ambient temperatures as low as -54º C. Further, it improves overall transmission durability and cleanliness. Key features and benefits include:




Features
Advantages and Potential Benefits
Enhanced, long-term frictional properties Improves and extends transmission efficiency, smooth shifting performance and fuel economy
Exceptional thermal and oxidation stability Keeps transmissions clean to extend life and performance even under severe driving conditions
Outstanding film-strength and anti-wear properties Significant wear reduction and longer transmission life
Excellent low-temperature fluidity Provides prompt and reliable lubrication at ambient temperatures down to -54º C
Exceptional shear stability Viscosity retention even under the severest heavy duty, high temperature operating conditions
Compatible with mineral ATF fluids and all common seal materials Reduced concern in top-off emergencies and excellent leakage control

For more specs and such...here ya go..

http://www.mobil.com/USA-English/Lub...thetic_ATF.asp

 

Joe, check out this TSB from Ford on ATF applications:

http://v8sho.com/SHO/TSB01157ATFUsageChart.htm

They are explicit in saying DO NOT use mutli-purpose ATFs in Mercon V applications. The friction modifiers are much different with Mercon V.
Bottom line, USE ONLY Mercon V in Mercon V applications.

Do you believe what a MLM company like Amsoil says, when they lie about the API certification on the oil products???

 

I appreciate your imput.
Bob,do you believe Mobil when they say you can use their multi-purpose synthetic in a Mercon V application?