I have a 97 4.6L with the 4r70w. It is time for a transmission fluid change. I have the tow package and do light towing. I would like to know if there have been any problems using synthetics or should I just continue with mercon fluid. Is there a definite advantage with using synthetics?

 

The advantages of a "true" synthetic fluid or "non-petroleum based" product is proportedly less degradation, high stability.

IMHO, anything less than 100% synthetic, isn't worthy of the added expense. However the 100% stuff is amazing.

synthashield is the same stuff as synlube.


Anyhow, within two weeks I should have:

1. new motorcraft filter in there

2. A drain plug installed in the pan
(thanks mr. speed shop man)

3. As much SynLube ATF as I can replace in there (10-12 quarts, not exactly sure yet)(right now I'm running 4.5 quarts in with the rest)

4. Synlube trans additive

5. Synlube high-tensile magnet in the bottom of the pan (already installed)


It's just that everyone warns me how these transmissions blow up and suck compared to the engines.!@#$%

 

In regards to transmission fluids, do you have a dealer change the fluids, obviously we're not talking about the clutch resevoir here....

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97F150 XLT SC 4x4 Flairside 4.6 V8 5sp Dk Toreador Red, 3.55LS
ARE tonneau cover, p255/70rx16 tires (came w/235), Superchip
Pioneer CD w/4 Polk Speakers, skid plates
bed liner, side window deflectors, reese hitch, K&N air filter
40s-2chamber Flowmaster, Bosch +4 spark plugs, rustproofing
Better Built Stainless nerf bars
heavy duty shocks

 

I may have been a bit hasty in gulping in that synthetic with the Mercon fluid.

Reading over several threads, I realized I have caused a flutter, ever so slight, dealer flush soon for me, many people on here have reported good news about their trans after a good dealer flush. Even with the standard ATF. I still like the idea of synthetics, the chemistry aspect.

 

I had Mobil 1 (Mercon) put into the Expedition at the beginning of this year. Since then, I've done the normal boat towing, wife does "stoplight drags", and we've taken a 2500 mile trip to DC and done some off-roading. So far, the tranny fluid looks like when it was in the bottle. I've been extremely happy with it.


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1997 4x4 Expedition- 4.6L, true dual exhaust w/glass-packs, K&N air filter, SuperChip, airbox mods, Edelbrock shocks, 285/75R16 BFG ATs, 2000 "XLT" wheels, 4.10 gears, Auburn LS, Clarion In-dash CD player, Smitty Bilt push bars and nerf bars.

2000 4x2 F150 XLT Reg. Cab LWB- 5.4L, Tow Pkg, 3.55LS, CD player,Remote Keyless Entry, Sliding back glass, Special Appearance Pkg., tinted windows, Line-X bedliner, K&N air filter, SuperChip, airbox mods, 285/60R16 Goodyear Eagle GT IIs and Prime #155 wheels.

http://members.visualcities.com/NoMo

 

Update: my flutter thing was only the computer regulating the engine. And once I changed the diff. oil It went away. Plus my air cleaner is dirty like a prostitute on Saturday night.

I'm putting off items 1 thru 4 on my list for another 10k mi. My mechanic said the trans was in very good shape.

That 4.5 qt. of syn-ATF is doing a good job for now.

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97 XLT SC w/62k mi. 3:55, 4.6L, 2" Fabtech lift, Tow package, CD, Auto, avg. 17.2 MPG w/ Goodyear GA 255/75/16's
future mods: BFG 285/75/16's, 3" fabtech coils, K&N air filter,
80-90k mi. mods: 3" spindles, centerline rims with 35's
creativepen@yahoo.com