If MerconV was made to stop transmission shudder on the 4R70W and the MerconV was developed in '97, then why did not the TSB 01157 Aug. 6, 2001 go back to the first years of the 4R70W? The TSB states "ISSUE-A new automatic transmission fluid was introduced in 1997 for use in some Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles. This new MERCONV fluid is not used in all applications and is not interchangeable with others transmissions fluids that are currently used. Using the incorrect fluid may cause transmission or transaxle concerns." If you open the below link the chart indicates Mercon V only back to the '98 to date 4R70W. The MerconV was not developed for the 4R70W only but other applications as well. There are 2 out of 9 transmissions that actually went back a year earlier for the MerconV application than the 4R70W. I am not saying that the MerconV is not a good oil but the concern is when the TSB was developed in 2001, it only went back to the '98 4R70W for SOME reason, whatever it was. It is possible that the fibered clutch pacs or band fibers in the '93 - '97 were made out of something different than the later models which the TSB allowed the MerconV. Maybe the seals are different? Who knows...Something is different in these earlier models or the TSB would have went back to '93. Since 2001 there has been no new update on the TSB. What gives?

Check the graphs on the TSB link

http://www.thedieselstop.com/faq/949...les/011507.pdf

 

It was technically intended for the dynax frictions. It's mandatory with them. The aftermarket has learned it helps tremendously with torque converter shudder issues but the type of lining used does not really require it.
Alan

 

Also , Ford upated the seals ia all there transmissions in 98