ATF Confusion
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
From: Hooksett NH
ATF Confusion
I'm confused now. (it doesn't take much these day's)
What ATF do I use. Last time I went to the auto parts store for Dextron III, I was informed that all ATF was the same now. So I bought a generic brand to use in my truck. I have the block out for rebuild and figured I'd replace the torque converter & front pump seal. Well, reading the instructions for the new converter, B&M recommends useing Type-F ATF.???
Now I'm not planning on droping the pan or changing the trans. filter & fluid at this point, and I'm sure there is Dextron III in there now. So what do I do?
What ATF do I use. Last time I went to the auto parts store for Dextron III, I was informed that all ATF was the same now. So I bought a generic brand to use in my truck. I have the block out for rebuild and figured I'd replace the torque converter & front pump seal. Well, reading the instructions for the new converter, B&M recommends useing Type-F ATF.???
Now I'm not planning on droping the pan or changing the trans. filter & fluid at this point, and I'm sure there is Dextron III in there now. So what do I do?
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
I'm confused now. (it doesn't take much these day's)
What ATF do I use. Last time I went to the auto parts store for Dextron III, I was informed that all ATF was the same now. So I bought a generic brand to use in my truck. I have the block out for rebuild and figured I'd replace the torque converter & front pump seal. Well, reading the instructions for the new converter, B&M recommends useing Type-F ATF.???
Now I'm not planning on droping the pan or changing the trans. filter & fluid at this point, and I'm sure there is Dextron III in there now. So what do I do?
What ATF do I use. Last time I went to the auto parts store for Dextron III, I was informed that all ATF was the same now. So I bought a generic brand to use in my truck. I have the block out for rebuild and figured I'd replace the torque converter & front pump seal. Well, reading the instructions for the new converter, B&M recommends useing Type-F ATF.???
Now I'm not planning on droping the pan or changing the trans. filter & fluid at this point, and I'm sure there is Dextron III in there now. So what do I do?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,520
Likes: 11
From: Hinckley OH
I went out to the garage and checked what I have out there and "all purpose" may not be too far from the truth.
I have a bottle of Quaker State ATF labeled Dexron III/Mercon. If you read the fine print it says it meets Dexron II, Mercon, a couple other Ford Specs, Allis Chalmers specs, Caterpillar specs, and Daimler Benz specs.
I think it's the bottle I have left from when I changed the fluid in the Vette. I have another bottle of Type-F which I believe is left over from my wife's 98 Eagle Talon.
I have a bottle of Quaker State ATF labeled Dexron III/Mercon. If you read the fine print it says it meets Dexron II, Mercon, a couple other Ford Specs, Allis Chalmers specs, Caterpillar specs, and Daimler Benz specs.
I think it's the bottle I have left from when I changed the fluid in the Vette. I have another bottle of Type-F which I believe is left over from my wife's 98 Eagle Talon.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12,142
Likes: 54
From: Taylor Michigan
Why would B&M recommend a Ford fluid for a GM tranny? Type F was replaced by Ford with Mercon in 1972 and Mercon III and IV in the 1980's, so Type F is pretty old and was used in the old Ford C6 and C4 transmissions. The differences in transmission fluids is the friction coefficient, and each fluid was designed to work with the unique clutch plates internal to the respective transmission. The one size fits all scares me!!
Your correct about the friction coefficients. I was on a B&M racing contract and was told to use Ford {type F} it dont slip. B&M`s trick shift is nothing more than Type F. Yes its safe to use in all transmissions. Presently all my T400`s are filled with Ford fluids and including the B&M Racing torqueflite.....It was interesting that they actually told you instead of recommending their expensive Trick Shift fluid.....
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 2,317
Likes: 111
From: St Louis MO
Fluids with a high coefficient of friction will make shifts feel very abrupt in TH-350 and TH-400s, which are designed for Dexron. If you are running very high torque/horsepower and very sticky tires, a fluid with a high coefficient of friction will increase the driveline shock and may result in more breakage. 
YMMV
YMMV
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Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
Any quality ATF is 'safe' to use in common auto trannies...but the performace may be different, and the primary issue is how the ATF and the tranny clutch plates react together. This translates to how much "grab" you get when the clutches apply. So, unless you want to experiment, the best approach is to use what the manufacturer recommends. If you decide to use non-stock clutch apply plates, then use what the clutch plate manufacturer receommends. P.S. If your tranny is a recent rebuild with newer seal materials, you should also consider using synthetic fluid. Most major transmission manufacturers have found the reliability benefits of putting synthetic fluids in their products; and several install it routinely.
