I have a 02 F-150 4X4 with the 5.4 engine. I want to switch to Amsoil synthetic transmission fluid. My owners manual states to use only Mercon fluid and not use Mercon 5. My dilemna is that Amsoil has a transmission fluid that they state can be used for vehicles that use Mercon and Mercon 5. Has anyone switched to Amsoil?

 

I was looking for this information yesterday. Here are some threads.

http://theoildrop.server101.com/ubb/...=000290#000000

http://theoildrop.server101.com/ubb/...=000139#000000

 

I have a '97 F-150 4x4 with 115k highway miles on it with very little towing.

At 20K I drained the pan & T.C., reused the filter because it looked like new, added 11.25 Qts. of Mobil 1 fluid.

What I am about to say is "fact".

90K miles later I started getting the usual vibration caused by dirty or worned out xm fluid.
I replaced the filter that still looked great, cleaned the mignet, replaced what looked like good clean xm fluid, added 11.25 Qts of new Mobil 1. The vibration stopped.

Conclusion. Mobil 1 will go 3X but would recommend it at 2X. Heavy pulling, more often.
Also, don't go by sight or smell. Change the filter and fluid no matter what.

 

calinkus, are you happy with the Mobil 1? I'm at 32k and ready to change out the fluid. I would like to run synthetic. I would be just as happy to go to a local Mobil oil change shop.

I think I'm going to ad some Auto-RX Trans Medic this week and run it 1000 miles to remove the built up varnish and have it changed using the machine that replaces the oil in the tc.

 

I always thought that running an ATF longer than 30,000 mi. was pushing it. I change mine every 15,000 mi.

 

I never knew the numbers, just go by two years. I'm a little over that target also.

I don't change it again after the first, because I'm concerened about the varnish that builds up, and the reaction of the new fluid to the old varnish.

 

George,

Check out this link. If you have a 4r70w this my be helpful.

http://www.tccoa.com/articles/tranny...on/index.shtml

Read chapter5, paragraph title, what transmission fliud should I use?

I have been using amsoil ATF for 90K miles and no problems. I change it once a year with filter and drain converter, 131/2 - 14 quarts to fill.

 

Geez! Aren't y'all changing your ATF way too often? Ford recommends changing the fluid at 60,000 miles! That stuff's expensive too! Is there a good reason you're canging it so often? Or is it overdone preventative maintenance? No flame intended, I would just like to be enlightened.
-Thanks

Oh, and how do I tell what transmission model I have?

 

MyFordTruck98--

Both of my maint. books that came with the trucks call for 30,000 mi. change periods. I have a 4R-70W in both. In the book it is listed at 30,000 mi., 60,000mi. and so on. It also specifies that during severe duty you should cut that time in half. That is why I do mine every 15,000 mi. 60,000 mi. is even a long time for fully synthetic ATF's like Red Line D4. They only recommend 50,000 mi. change periods. While I have my pan down, I throw on a new filter, too. Might as well...they're not that expensive.

Matt

On the driver's side door support beam there is a sticker. On that sticker if you'll look under "TR" you will see either a "U" or a "E."

U=4R-70W
E=E40D

 

Thanks man!
Every 30,000 is what I thought, I just never heard of doing it more.:o

 

Lets all drink some beer!!!

 

Yea! In about a month I'll be able to do it legally!

 

My experience with Mobile ! was exactly the same as calinkus'

Did not make it past 30K without the shuddering. I was wondering why I spent the extra $ for synthetic.

I have heard of several instances where synthetic will make the transmission seals leak.

 

Has anyone checked out the link I posted put together by Jerry Wroblewski, Ford transmission engineer? What do you think?Good info.

 

I'm reading it now. I use dialup so I have to read one screen while the other loads.

It is a lot of information, more than I can use. I'm on page 8 of 17, and about done learning. I did notice that he clearly stated to use Mercon 5, and highly supported the use of synthetics.

One thing I did notice is the Royal Purple trans fluid is for use in Ford Mercon applications. Why don't more people use Royal Purple?

I could go with either Mobil 1, Amsoil, or Royal Purple.