Is synthetic transmission fluid the way to go?

[doctorD]

Originally Posted by jward doc, not that you'd ever want to use it, but fyi, I've had really good luck with the Castrol multi-vehicle import ATF fluid. Stays cherry red through my 30K or so changes on my Odyssey. Smooth shifts at a good price. 170K+ miles on my transmission, now. http://www.castrol.com/castrol/secti...tentId=7028224 Sweet. Never heard of it. Where is it available? I'll check it out, but the Amsoil stuff seems to be working so well, and we're in a pretty cool situation here since I have so many neighbors and we all go in on some pretty substantial orders. Really lowers the price per quart. I have no problems trying the Castrol stuff though. At the present, it isn't conducive since I have about 10 gallons of Amsoil ATF in my garage.

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[doctorD]

Originally Posted by dirtyd0g

Doc I never said you said those thigs it just seems ths stuff comes up often and I just don't understand the desire. A cooler is a one time purchase, the fluid still needs to be done every 30k. Seems like the cheaper and more effective solution to me.
Alan

I know you didn't.

The problem with forums in general is unless we take the time to spell out all applicable circumstances for a given situation, the premises and conclusions aren't quite as clear to the reader as they are for the poster.

I have my reasons for using the syn in every car I have even though it isn't necessary. If all I had was an F150 and didn't do any towing, I may just use the regular Merc V. But since we have such a big group of guys sharing in the expense of large orders from either Amsoil or RP, or whatever, it only makes sense to just stick with one fluid that works in everything instead of trying to save a few bucks here and there by making a trip to a dealer. In my particular case, I have ultimately decided that Honda branded Z-1 is nothing but Sh_t in a bottle that lasts about a third as long as it should. That doesn't set well with me.

And it is truly an excessive charge, IMO, for what you get. The fact is, the Amsoil is cheaper, (and superior) as far as I'm concerned. So, to that, I must ask myself, how can I go wrong?

We are currently working out a deal where we may be able to get the RP for a flat $7 per qt. for their Max ATF. Up on the hill from where my house is, we have about 7 new neighbors. 6 of them have F series trucks in the driveway. The other remaining guy has a Sierra. Nonetheless, they'll be invited to the next block party and we'll try to coax them into the group to see if they may want to participate in sharing the orders. I know 4 of them are hunters so that in itself will be enough for us to chat about.

[glc]

Originally Posted by dirtyd0g

The OEM stuff is semi syntehtic and is all I will use in a traction lock diff. I have heard too mahy horrow stories about noises and failures from ford 8.8's using other fluids. Personally I have never run them or had the problems. I use standard 80w-90 that I buy for $22 a 5 gallon bucket in open diffs and the expensive but worth it 75w1450 motorcraft in traction locks.
Alan

Sorry, the rear is factory filled with 75W140 synthetic, both open and limited slip, and all sizes - 8.8, 9.25, 10.25. The Motorcraft 75W140 is full synthetic. On 4x4's, the front axle is filled with 75W90 "premium". This is straight out of my owner's manual.

[dirtyd0g]

Originally Posted by glc

Sorry, the rear is factory filled with 75W140 synthetic, both open and limited slip, and all sizes - 8.8, 9.25, 10.25. The Motorcraft 75W140 is full synthetic. On 4x4's, the front axle is filled with 75W90 "premium". This is straight out of my owner's manual.

I always thought it was a semi synthetic I guess that explains the high cost of it.
Alan