Some people have changed their ATX (auto trans) over to sythetic fluid. Synthetics run cooler and cleaner and longer than dino ATF. I'm wondering if there is a certain mileage when it may not be adviseable to do so. It really isn't as much of a problem changing the MTX (man trans) over because it doesn't have the clutches, pumps, bands & so forth that the ATX is saddled with. I've heard about the slipping at first but some say this goes away after a couple days.

So, I've got 74,000 mi on my runner and the trans seems rock solid...but, I don't want to create a problem either.

What do you think, or know from personal experience?

Thanks,

Mick

 

Here is Gadget's tranny flush info for you:

http://www.gadgetonline.com/TransFlush.htm

Mainly, check out the "when not to flush" section at the bottom.

Al

 

Thanks Al, I've read that and it's really good advice. I'm fishing for some "personal" experiences here.

Mick

 

Ah, sorry. I'll give you my personal experience details in the spring when I get it done lol. I'm looking forward to it, but it will be costly...

 

Mick, when I bought my 2nd gen in '98, it had 132K on the speedo.

I switched to full synthetics everywhere in the rig awhile later.
I have around 170K plus on the rig now, and no ill effects from doing the Amsoil ATF.

I think it ˟˟˟˟fed better after doing it.
I'm also on the 2nd batch in there also for the tranny.

I run Amsoil through out the whole rig.
Even the gas tank as I use an Amsoil fuel injector cleaner.

 

Thanks, Corey, that's good news. I used to be an AMSOIL dealer back in the '80s, sold my business and got into another line of work but I have always thought highly of the products.

You're right, the P.I. is good stuff, used it for years.

 

Micker-

You know, I've been thinking about switching over to synth. ATF as well. I'm at 57K and thought I'd do it at 60K. I've read old posts on 4X4Wire about how you can flush it yourself by unhooking the lines that go to/from the cooler. What I was considering is to drop the pan and replace the screen filter and reseal the pan, and top if off with dino fluid, since it seems you'll only get out about 3-4 quarts when you drop the pan. Then drive it just a little, and then flush to put in the new synthetic ATF.

So, is replacing the screen a good idea before you flush? Seems to me it would be. Some where, someone has a write up on flushing it yourself and the approx. amount of new fluid you should buy. Maybe I should just do a search...

 

You don't need to replace the filter, all you have to do is spray it with brake cleaner. I did the thing at 65k and kind of regretted dropping the pan, it was a pita. The filter looked fine so I have that piece of mind, but I'd say I added 1.5 hours to the job. If you search on 4x4wire you will definitely find some write ups.

 

It is not cheap at all. My dealer quoted me $146.95 for a total tranny fluid exchange using the Amsoil I would provide. The Amsoil fluid alone is another $120 or so. Very expensive and I am still trying to decide if it is worth it. Dealer says no, but I am not going to argue with all of ya'll that have done it and noticed a difference, not to mention the peace of mind of the added protection.

Matt

 

Jayson, here is a procedure to drain and refill and also to do a complete flush go here

Hope this helps.

Mick

 

Matt, I followed jalaber's write-up regarding synthetics. Jiffy lube was going to charge me $99 for the fluid exchange (even with my own Amsoil ATF), then I found a place here called "Gold River Lube n Tune" that charged me only $79 for the process. They also used a T-Tech machine for the fluid exchange.

 

Thanks. I will have to find a Jiffy Lube around here and see what it will cost me. One more question about the Amsoil, is there a huge shipping cost for sending all that stuff (oil, tranny fluid, etc) Thats a lot of quarts of fluid!!

Matt

 

I actually bought 16 quarts (as indicated on J.A.'s site, but only used 14). There is an Amsoil distributor a block away from me , so that makes it very convenient.