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Which atf fluid is good?

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Old 04-07-2011, 05:48 PM
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I went with dex6. Builder recommended it and you can get it from o o oriellys cheap. I think maybe 3.77
Old 04-07-2011, 11:21 PM
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Originally Posted by Jake's Performance
You have it backwards.
Think of using synthetic as using a "slippery" brake pad, like some semi-metallics. It will take more heat but it takes longer to stop, or more apply pressure, or otherwise has to be compensated for. Whereas an organic pad (Type F) will grab harder but doesn't like heat ... etc.
Great explanation - thanks. I just did a fluid and filter and used Dex VI for the first time. Next time it'll be back to Dex III.
Old 04-07-2011, 11:36 PM
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Originally Posted by RevGTO
Great explanation - thanks. I just did a fluid and filter and used Dex VI for the first time. Next time it'll be back to Dex III.
I will 100% GUARANTEE you that synthetic is a step up from conventional...probably several steps. I am not sure what the explanation was getting at but it seems misleading. It does not take any more pressure to make your tranny function properly with synthetic than it does with conventional. You have obviously found this out because you are already using synthetic. I have used it in three different vehicles with zero tranny adjustments and it works fine.

I have nothing to gain here!!! I am just trying to help you guys save money by significantly prolonging the life of your trans with substantially reduced wear.
Old 04-07-2011, 11:58 PM
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I didn't quote his entire explanation, which you can read, but his point is that while the synthetics have many admirable qualities, their extra slipperiness may increase the time of a WOT 3-4 clutch apply - leading to increased clutch wear. 3-4 clutch pack failure is THE major threat to a 4L60/5/70e that sees a lot of track or WOT action.
Old 04-08-2011, 08:35 AM
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Originally Posted by Paul57
I will 100% GUARANTEE you that synthetic is a step up from conventional...probably several steps. I am not sure what the explanation was getting at but it seems misleading. It does not take any more pressure to make your tranny function properly with synthetic than it does with conventional. You have obviously found this out because you are already using synthetic. I have used it in three different vehicles with zero tranny adjustments and it works fine.

I have nothing to gain here!!! I am just trying to help you guys save money by significantly prolonging the life of your trans with substantially reduced wear.
Did you monitor your before and after shift time?
I see your point about wear, but I don't think you're seeing the point about synthetic effects on clutches (aka FRICTION MATERIALS).

They need friction to hold (mainly to apply properly), synthetic reduces that friction.

I've experienced this with an ATV that I put synthetic in. The engine, trans, and clutch are all oiled with the same oil. The clutch never was the same with the synthetic. I had to flush it out, replace the clutches and go back to conventional. Another apple to oranges comparison for you lol.
Old 04-08-2011, 08:51 AM
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Thanks for clarifying. The primary factor for clutch engagement is pressure not friction. I am not telling anyone anthing new hear...just clarifying. IF (and that is a really big IF) there was any added delay at all the anti-wear properties of synthetic negate the "potential" added wear.

I went back and found this...
Originally Posted by Jake's Performance
A clutch or band friction under high load needs to apply quickly. It is effectively an oil cooled disc brake.
Although this seems like a fairly good comparison it really is not completely accurate. A clutch is meant to (fully) apply almost instantly while brakes obviously can not because they would lock the tires up. So, I think (hopefully) you will understand when I say (primarily) brakes work off friction while clutches work off pressure...even though both have the other property taking place (to some extent) at the same time too.

Last edited by Paul57; 04-08-2011 at 09:19 AM.
Old 04-08-2011, 08:54 AM
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Originally Posted by Jake's Performance
It's a high quality fluid, like any other synthetic. Great for OEM stuff with extended service interval, smooth shifts, PWM converter apply, etc.
Did you just say dex 6 is a synthetic? Yank dosent recomend synthetic for their tcs. I went to gm trying to get dex 3 but the tech said there is no more its been all switched to dex6. So I ended up using dex6 but nowhere on the jugs does it say its synthetic. If this stuff is synthetic ill be pissed

Last edited by senicalj4579; 04-09-2011 at 06:54 AM.
Old 04-08-2011, 09:19 AM
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Originally Posted by Jays_SSZ28
I've experienced this with an ATV that I put synthetic in. The engine, trans, and clutch are all oiled with the same oil. The clutch never was the same with the synthetic. I had to flush it out, replace the clutches and go back to conventional. Another apple to oranges comparison for you lol.
Not sure why you had issues with an ATV...mine worked fine.
Old 04-08-2011, 12:28 PM
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Dex6 is synthetic and is the replacement for 3. Go to any parts store....they have oodles of dex3
Old 04-08-2011, 12:38 PM
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Originally Posted by SuperSlow02
Dex6 is synthetic and is the replacement for 3. Go to any parts store....they have oodles of dex3
OK, so now I have about 9 qts of synthetic in my trans thats NOT recomended by Yank. Thats just ******* great.

Some advice from the vendors would be superb please?
Old 04-08-2011, 12:56 PM
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sooo much debate about freaking transmission fluid lol.

after tons of research i found that synthetic fluid is reccommended for daily drives that are putting normal miles on vehicles. this is a long life fluid not a performance fluid. the charactoristics of it make it soo slippery that it does not do well in performance situations where quick hard shifts are needed to reduce friction material wear.

this is why regular non sythetic fluid is recommended for performace/ racing transmissions. if you build enough heat to ruin regular fluid you have pretty much ruind the transmission seals anyways.

never was i told to use synthetic fluid by anyone when it came time to build a trans for my car. i was actually told to use a hydraulic fluid made by a company called Lubrication Engineers. the fluid is called Monolec 7500. its a hydraulic fluid used in a lot of cattapillor heavy equipment. it lowered my trans temps by almost 10 degrees my tuner noticed when i drove the car up to get a retune. and it actually started cooling when it set for only a few minutes. most transmissions would have heated up some before cooling after a long period.

to each his own i guess but im not looking for going 200,000 miles before i change my fluid. ill be changing mine at the end of the racing season like i do evey year.

Old 04-08-2011, 01:05 PM
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I just thought of something. On yanks card that came with converter it says sythetic is not recomended but dex 6 is ok. UMMMMM?!?!
Old 04-08-2011, 01:54 PM
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Prolly something to do with yall lock up clutch. Iz ain't got one so I'm not worried myself. As I said "my" trans builder said dex6, FTI(my converter) gave a thumbs up. So for myself I'm not worried. Best for you to call yank and ask them personally. I don't care about mileage, as 402 said. I'll be changing mine out sometime between nov-feb
Old 04-08-2011, 02:33 PM
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I do care about mileage and thats why I asked about Dex 6. I have 210k on my current stock 60E and converter... I drive an average of 35k miles per year. My 2004 truck has 210k already and I have a Yank 'verter on the way and a built trans is to be ordered Monday.

I dont mind changing the fluid once a year, but do want something that will help prolong the trans/ verter life. I have, however, only changed the fluid one time in my truck since Ive had it in those 210k miles.. lol
Old 04-08-2011, 07:46 PM
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Originally Posted by 402GOAT
sooo much debate about freaking transmission fluid lol.

after tons of research i found that synthetic fluid is reccommended for daily drives that are putting normal miles on vehicles. this is a long life fluid not a performance fluid. the charactoristics of it make it soo slippery that it does not do well in performance situations where quick hard shifts are needed to reduce friction material wear.

this is why regular non sythetic fluid is recommended for performace/ racing transmissions.
This seems to sum it up fairly well. Although, I think 98+% of people will find FAR greater benefits of prolonged transmission life verses the millisecond that got lost in shifting...unless you are running a "strip only" vehicle in sub 9 second range. Besides, the insignificant loss in shifting (speed) can be compensated for by added pressure.
Old 04-08-2011, 07:51 PM
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Originally Posted by Country Boy
I do care about mileage and thats why I asked about Dex 6. I have 210k on my current stock 60E and converter... I drive an average of 35k miles per year. My 2004 truck has 210k already and I have a Yank 'verter on the way and a built trans is to be ordered Monday.

I dont mind changing the fluid once a year, but do want something that will help prolong the trans/ verter life. I have, however, only changed the fluid one time in my truck since Ive had it in those 210k miles.. lol
I don't know if I would recommend putting synthetic in after that many miles?? I have heard a few stories of it put in high mileage vehicles and they either leaked because the seals were worn/dry or it did not act right. Just letting you know that it is ideal to use from new-ish...or at least not over 100k miles (a "ballpark" cut-off on miles).

Last edited by Paul57; 04-08-2011 at 07:59 PM.
Old 04-08-2011, 07:57 PM
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Originally Posted by 402GOAT
sooo much debate about freaking transmission fluid lol.
Next...we will be debating the thermodynamics of windshield wiper fluid and how it effects performance.
Old 04-08-2011, 10:35 PM
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Originally Posted by Paul57
I don't know if I would recommend putting synthetic in after that many miles?? I have heard a few stories of it put in high mileage vehicles and they either leaked because the seals were worn/dry or it did not act right. Just letting you know that it is ideal to use from new-ish...or at least not over 100k miles (a "ballpark" cut-off on miles).
Its not for the current trans. Im not touching that fluid.. lol Ive seen too many times when people changed really high mileage fluid and then the trans dies. I ment for my new trans and converter going in.
Old 04-08-2011, 11:54 PM
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Originally Posted by Paul57
I don't know if I would recommend putting synthetic in after that many miles?? I have heard a few stories of it put in high mileage vehicles and they either leaked because the seals were worn/dry or it did not act right. Just letting you know that it is ideal to use from new-ish...or at least not over 100k miles (a "ballpark" cut-off on miles).
Well we will see what happens to my trans after putting like 9 qts new dex6 in. Trans has 94k
Old 04-09-2011, 01:08 AM
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It seems like a mechanical failure usually shows up relatively soon. A leak may take a little more time. Hopefully you'll be OK. If you kept clean fluid in it all along then there is a better chance that everything will be fine but having the first new fluid/change in at 94k would make me nervous.


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