transmission question

just the other day my odometer reached 120,000 miles and i know it is recomended to change the transmission oil every 30,000 miles. my grandpa said the guy got it done every 30,000 miles. however the car sat for almost the last 5 years, so i know it has to be done. i was wondering if anyone has used royal purple automatic transmission fluid, or know if it is even compatable with the tranny.

Hi Bubba,
:cheers: to grandpa and the guy !!

I'd say as long as you stick with a fluid that's Mercon® certified you won't have any worries.
According to the Purple website (http://www.royalpurple.com/prodsa/matfa.html), Mercon® is one of their replacements.

Here's the quote from your service manual: [and a well known blast]

«1992 Aerostar/Ranger/Explorer Table of Contents»
«Group 07: TRANSMISSION»
«Section 07-01A: Transmission, Automatic, A4LD»
«CLEANING AND INSPECTION»



Transmission Fluid Drain and Refill

Normal maintenance and lubrication requirements do not necessitate periodic automatic transmission fluid changes.
If major service, such as a clutch band, bearing, etc., is required in the transmission, it will have to be removed for service. At this time the converter, transmission cooler and cooler lines must be thoroughly flushed to remove any dirt.

When used under continuous or severe conditions, the transmission should be drained and refilled with fluid as specified. Before adding fluid, be sure that the correct type will be used.

For A4LD Automatic Transmission (Code T), use fluid that meets Ford Specification, Motorcraft Mercon® Multi-Purpose Automatic Transmission Fluid XT-2-QDX or -DDX (ESP-M2C166-H) or equivalent.

CAUTION:
Use of a fluid other than specified above could result in transmission malfunction and/or failure.

When filling a dry transmission and converter, refer to Specs for capacity. Check the fluid level following the room temperature checking procedures.

Procedures for partial drain and refill, due to in-vehicle service operation, are as follows.

1. Loosen the pan attaching bolts to drain the fluid from the transmission.

2. When all fluid has drained from the transmission, remove and thoroughly clean the pan. Discard pan gasket.

3. Place a new gasket on the pan, and install pan on transmission.

4. Add 2.8 liters (3 quarts) of fluid to transmission through the filler tube.

5. Check the fluid level following the room temperature checking procedures.

If it is necessary to perform a complete drain and refill, it will be necessary to remove the residual fluid from the cooler lines and flush cooler lines completely.

thanks, i just wanted a second opinion. i dont have the equipment to do it my self, so i am going to take it to a shop i know and trust.