I went to AutoZone looking to buy some transmission oil for my truck and noticed they only had of two types of Mercon V and they were both synthetic. I called Ford and they said they use non synthetic Mercon V oil. The manual says to use Mercon V it does not say anything about synthetic. What to use?

 

Mercon V is actually a part synthetic fluid....aslong as it conforms to Mercon V specs then buy it. My past three vehicles had 4R70Ws and I used $2.xx a quart stuff from walmart and changed fluid every 20K. No problems.

Seabass

 

I hate to sound ignorant but how can you tell which tranny you have?

 

Unfortunately you have the 4R70W trans, thats all ford puts in the 150 trucks anymore unless you buy the 3/4ton f150 which you cannot get in the screw.
Terry

 

HI!... I've been using REDLINE D4 full synthetic tranny fluid for about 2.5 years now and have no complaints.

 

You can use any MERCON V fluid. Ford does not make any recommendation about dino, blends, or full synthetics. As long as it says MERCON V it is fine for the 4R70W.

Mark

 

Thanks for your responses

 

Terry w 123,

Thanks for the insight.


Truck,

Sorry to jump into your thread like that.

Pete

 

You can tell which tranny you have by looking on your driver's side door sticker.

 

What would be the difference/benefits between an actual Mercon V fluid and a "universal" fluid that meets Mercon V specs?? Synthetic or otherwise.

 

well, i'm not sure about differences and or benefits...but my owner's manual says not to use the universal fluids...mercon V only for the 4r70w... when the manufacturer says something like that i'm bound to follow that advice.

 

I just went and looked at my manual (2002 5.4LSCrew) and it said the opposite. Mine said you can use a universal fluid for Mercon V but not to use one in a transmission that calls for Mercon, even if the fluid meets Mercon specs. Didn't say anything about not using a universal fluid in place of Mercon V. Not trying to start anything but I read it three times to make sure I read it correctly. Just trying to see if there is a performance or other difference between the two.

 

oops, you're right. i had it *** backwards. anyhoo, mercon V was specified for the 4r70w to help eliminate torque converter shudder. i'm not sure how well dual useage fluids are at keeping torque converter shudder minimized...

 

Well, I guess it can't be too bad or too big of a difference. Everyone swears by Amsoil fluid and it is a "universal" fluid that meets Mercon V specs but it is not solely a Mercon V fluid.

 

D4 Redline is good stuff. Mercon is good if you want to change it every 30,000 mi.

I will be switching to D4 at my first change period ( 30,000 mi.).