Synthetic Transmission Fluid?

[a_alyte]

Has anyone switched over to synthetic tranny fluid? If so, what was your mileage when you made the switch? Any negative aspects?

I switched over to synthetic motor oil months ago, but I'm more weiry when it comes to tranny's!

Also, my tranny functions fine, no signs of trouble, but my fluid always seems low when I check the fluid (engine idling warm in neutral after shifting through all gears) & I have no external leaks. Any ideas?

I also plan on having my local mechanic drop the pan for a fluid change, is there anything I should keep in mind or tell my mechanic?

[JDPascal]

looks like no one else has an an opinion on this one so I'll give mine.

The JGC transmissions call for the ATF +3 or +4 transmission fluid and instead of using a "full synthetic", I would upgrade to the ATF +4 in any of these transmissions. From what I've seen, the ATF+4 is a part synthetic fluid with an additive package for the friction materials in these transmissions.

The AW4 transmissions in the regular Cherokee's are spec'd to use the Dextron. With these, I would go to a brand name "Full synthetic" ATF like mobil1 or amsoil

Use a full synthetic ATF in any of the transfer cases as there is no requirement for any special friction additive in this application and there should be no fluid transfer between transmission and transfercase.


just my

JD

[fredjacksonsan]

JD, do you know what year the JGC moved to the ATF+3/4?

[JDPascal]

Originally Posted by fredjacksonsan

JD, do you know what year the JGC moved to the ATF+3/4?

The time lines are a little fuzzy but as best as I can remember/find

MS-7176 = ATF+ 1987/88
MS-7176D = ATF+2
MS-7176E = ATF+3 October 97
MS-7176F = ATF+4 98/99

The ATF+4 is backwards compatible with all of the previous 7176 spec oils.

Don't substitute any mercon or dextron into a transmission specing the ATF+ series

If the service manual or owners manual gives you a choicebetween dextron or ATF+(X) - - go with the ATF+4

Once you have used the ATF+4, don't change back to or top up with anything else.

The only provision I left out is on the transfercases. The nv247 requires a special fluid to prevent shudder in the progressive drive (Service bullitin on this) otherwise use the synthetic ATF from mobil or amsoil.

JD

[fredjacksonsan]

Awesome. Thanks for the info.

Do you happen to know if the ATF+4 must be from the dealer, or are there aftermarket ATF+4's that will work?

3k

[JDPascal]

Originally Posted by a_alyte

Has anyone switched over to synthetic tranny fluid? If so, what was your mileage when you made the switch? Any negative aspects?

I switched over to synthetic motor oil months ago, but I'm more weiry when it comes to tranny's!

Also, my tranny functions fine, no signs of trouble, but my fluid always seems low when I check the fluid (engine idling warm in neutral after shifting through all gears) & I have no external leaks. Any ideas?

I also plan on having my local mechanic drop the pan for a fluid change, is there anything I should keep in mind or tell my mechanic?

Most trany fluid changes on the JGC should also include a band adjustment. But then your mechanic should know to SELL you this service anyway.

JD

[JDPascal]

Originally Posted by fredjacksonsan

Awesome. Thanks for the info.

Do you happen to know if the ATF+4 must be from the dealer, or are there aftermarket ATF+4's that will work?

3k

DC doesn't seem to want to give out any ATF+4 authorization to the oil companies so the only place to get it is the dealer. Prices are coming down but the last I bought was about 4.50/liter

Amsoil has a +4 equivelent statement on their synthetic ATF but it is not an authorized equivilent.............. Some I've heard like it and a few have complained so take your pick.

Mobil1 difinitley does not list a +4 equivilent.

JD

[fredjacksonsan]

Thanks again.....