1997 Mercon V vs mercon

[Tom S]

1997 4R70W transmission. I have found no TSB recommending Mercon V although this has been suggested on previous threads. I have read suggestions of seals in the transmissions that are different for Mercon V and the 1998 and newer transmissions. I would like to do what is best for my transmission and truck but would like some hard data recommending Mercon V for this year(even though the owners manual says Mercon as well as my dipstick). ------------------ 1997 F150 EXtended Cab 4X4. 4.6L. 3.55 with tow package. K&N Filter. Flowmaster Delta 50 with dual exhaust out the back and 3.5 inch tips. Kenwood CD player.

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[The White Monkey]

Just ordered 6 gallons of LE 7500 ATF. Some really super slick heavy duty industrial ATF from Lubrication Engineers. I was also torn on the Mercon v. MerconV issue. I asked five people, got 5 different answers, but they all agreed not to use the V. Well one hinted at using the V.

So instead of upgrading the ATF classification, (Mercon to MerconV) on my own, I just decided to buy one of the better quality ATF's out there made for my model year and spec.

I'm also planning on putting some of this LE 7500 in my power steering unit. It supposedly helps with highway speed steering shimmy. Uses about 2 qt.

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97 XLT SC w/63k mi. 3:55, 4.6L, 3.5" Fabtech coils w/arms & 2" add-a-leafs, snug lid, Tow package, 6CD, Auto, avg. 17.2 MPG w/ Goodyear GA 255/75/16's
future mods:BFG 285/75/16's, Trans-go shift kit,
80-90k mi. mods: 3" spindles, centerline rims with 35's
<creativepen@yahoo.com>

[cphilip]

I ran Mercon in my early 97 4R70W for all the time I had it. Never was convinced to change to Mercon V. It always ran fine. Changed it onnce at 28K but sold it right before it turned over 50K. But if I was to have changed it again, it would have been to a full synthetic like TWM says or stuck with Mercon if not rather than switch it to Mercon V.

[redlariet]

My dealer flushed & filled with mercon5 at 36000 for an ongoing prob. That fixed the trouble & is still fine at 61k.

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97 Lariet-sc-4.6-4x off road-auto-3.55 LS-
superchip-K&N-3"
pvc air box mod-Granetelli MAF

[mightyfur]

i have a 1997 sc 4.6 auto. when i bought it used it had 37,000 miles on it. Went and put in mercon V 2 weeks after i bought it. i now have 48,000 on it now and no problems.

[rom]

I have a 1997 f150 the transmission uses mercon, and the manual says to use mercon, why would a person use anything else?

[msparks]

If anyone is interested

Amsoil now makes a Universal ATF that is both Mercon and Mercon V in the same bottle. I'm sure after a few other companies find out about this, they will all have it.

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[Nickster]

Once you use Mercon V you can't switch back to Mercon due to the sythetic consistancies in Merc V.

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'97 Ford SC 4X4 XLT Off Road pkg., 4.6,A/OD, 3:55, premium sound w/CD chg, Black clct,towing pkg., hvy duty elec. pkg., Bridestone dueler AT's, line X, Flowmaster true duals, chip, K&N air filter, westin black painted (custom) nerf bars, 5th wheel diamond plate alum. Delta box.

[redlariet]

My manuel & dipstick said Mercon too. The truck almost shook itself apart till the dealer-under warrenty-flushed & filled with Mercon V. Been great ever since - 25K. I won't put anything else in except maybe MSPARKS amway. That should please all of us.

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97 Lariet-sc-4.6-4x off road-auto-3.55 LS-
superchip-K&N-3"
pvc air box mod-Granetelli MAF

[johnsc]

If you have a 4R70W trans. there are plenty of tsb's and other oasis ser. messages that
say to use Mercon V. Any other trans. use Mercon III or what ever is recommended. The
V in the 4R70W helps the converter lock up
shudder.