I just changed my fluid AGAIN to try to cure some shudder I have been feeling. Unlike the 3-4 upshift shudder, mine seems to come in on the down shift when I go to part throttle at 35-45.
My question is this. I have for the last two trans fluid changes used the synthetic blends rated for both Mercron and Mercron v.
My trans calls for Mercron but I have read posts that it is ok to use these synthetic blends. Has anyone else with this year trans used the synthetics??
I hate to waste $40 worth of fluid but if it is going to make a difference in the shift problem then maybe I should switch it out for Mercron only fluid.

 

I have this transmission and year truck. I just used Mercon fluid for cost reasons. The transmission is shifting and working just fine with the Mercon. I have used synthetics in other vehicles with out problems as well. However, I don't know if it will help you get rid of the problem you are having.

 

My 97 had the "shudder" bad a few yrs ago under warrenty. The factory service people had the dealer flush & fill with mercon V (after 6 months of other fixes). It's been fine the 25K since. Dealer said use only mercon V.

 

Well it has improved since the fluid change. There is no other problems with the trans (certainly not enough to have a rebuild). It is a funny shimmy and very hard to duplicate. My truck is WAY out of warrentee so I guess I will live with it for a while.
I read somewhere in one of these post about an additive to help with the trans. Anyone know what that is??

 

Friction Modifier.

 

Hi,
I put Valvoline DuraBlend ATF fluid (MERCON & MERCON V rated) around a month ago (?) Already did 3000 miles...
I cannot tell that anything has changed since then. No problems what so ever..
I have around 96000 miles on the truck...

_______________________
'97 Ext Cab, 4.6L V8

 

I used the Mercon / Mercon 5 fluid when I did the TransGo Shift Kit and all seems fine. Take a lickin and keeps on tickin...

 

Your tranny will be fine with a full synthetic that meets Mercon ratings. I'm using the Valvoline Durablend ATF that meets both with no problems, but it sounds like synthetic is the next idea to get rid of the shudder. Best of luck!

 

I had the same problem in my 97. Took it to the dealer and had them change the fluid with Mercon V. Did you change the filter and also drain the torque converter? After the full tranny service, mine shifts like a charm with no chatter.

 

Yea, I did the torque converter and changed the filter.
It's kind of hart to explain, it shifts crisp as ever. I have the super chip which makes it shift very nice. It seems to hand up on the down shift...
I'm wondering if there is some kind of servo or something the effects the down shift that needs attention.

 

Valvoline Durablend here too!! No problems whatsoever!!
JJ