I emailed Amsoil via their website and here is what I wrote and here is what they replied with....

QUESTION I SENT AMSOIL:
Saw your synthetic ATF fluid rated for Mercon, Mercon V and Mercon SP (and many others)... and was wondering how this can be? I drive a 2003 Excursion with the 6.0L motor and torqueshift transmission and the manual clearly states to only use Mercon SP and no other type or rated fluid (I take that to mean do not use Mercon V or Mercon)? If the specs from Ford are different for each type of fluid, how is Amsoil able to sell and market their fluid as being compatible as a Mercon, Mercon V and MERCON SP fluid? I do not want to void my warrenty by using the wrong ATF fluid... so with different specs for Mercon SP, how is your product compatible as it is Mercon V rated? Do you see my confusion... please clarify and explain how your "universal synthetic ATF fluid" can work in my tranny when the specs for these two types of fluids are different according to Ford?

Thank you,

Jeff

FIRST REPLY I RECEIVED FROM AMSOIL:
Thank you for contacting AMSOIL with your concerns. In response to your inquiry, when Mercon V came out, Ford said not to mix it with Mercon, and not to use one to replace the other. They have changed tha due to lube manufacturers like AMSOIL that come out with innovations. Once again we are ahead of the game in being able to make one fluid that works for all 3 applications. Thank you again for the opportunity to respond to your concerns. As always, please feel free to contact us again if we can be of further assistance.

Sincerely,

Byron Selbrede

AMSOIL Technical Service

The Accuracy of this e-mail response is dependent upon the information provided. AMSOIL INC. is not responsible for wrong recommendations that were based on inaccurate or incomplete information


HERE IS MY FOLLOW-UP SINCE THEY DID NOT ANSWER MY FIRST QUESTION FULLY:
Byron,

Thank you for your quick reply below.

What about Mercon SP fluid?

This is the fluid called for in my truck and from what I have read is totally different than Mercon V (the newer of the Mercon and Mercon V family). Is Mercon SP transmissions able to use your "multi-type" ATF fluid? According to Ford they do not allow... so how does Amsoil make such a fluid?

I would like your reply to specifically state that I can or can not use your ATF fluid in my 2003 Excursion with the torqueshift transmission and that my Ford factory warranty will not be affected by using your product. Ford states only Mercon SP in their manual and your website claims that your fluid is Mercon V and Mercon SP compatible, yet no one else makes such a fluid... again how can this be???

Thank you,

Jeff

HERE WAS THEIR FOLLOW-UP REPLY:
Jeff,

We have been in business for nearly 40 years and we plan to stay in business for many years to come. In light of this, we would never make a recommendation that could cause harm to our customers equipment. Our AMSOIL ATF meets all of the requirements of MERCON SP and can safely be used in your 2003 Excursion.

Thanks again,

Ed Kellerman

AMSOIL Technical Advisor

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My take on this exchange of emails....

1) Common sense tells me to stay with Motorcraft Mercon SP as it is a synthetic, less expensive and I know it is properly rated.

2) Was not impressed with Amsoil's first response as it was incomplete and did not answer my question as requested.

3) I found the "disclaimer" at the bottom (in red) of the first reply interesting and not sure what to make of it - wonder how it protects them?

4) Was surprised, but impressed that a different gentleman answered my question "point-blank"... so I guess they are not afraid to stand behind their marketing message and I guess they have been able to develop a formula that Ford engineers could not!!!! A multi grade/spec'd ATF fluid that meets the Ford specs all at the same time??? Note there was no disclaimer on the second reply from Amsoil (for whatever that is worth).

Personally, Mercon SP is a great fluid, is synthetic, costs less and works... so why change - not me? I do not believe (common sense) that Amsoil is the only oil retailer that can make a multi-spec'd ATF fluid when GM, Dodge and Ford can't... and as it relates to Ford... Mercon V and Mercon SP all in the same formula? Again, I am sure it is a good fluid, but until it is labled correctly... I will stick with Mercon SP.