I have some of this laying around, was gonna use it in the built tranny for the SRT but they used different. I noticed that it says Dex III on the back, use it or not? Heres pics of the specs on the back.....

 

I did a 1-1 swap of all my original fluid to Amsoil tranny fluid at 30k on my 99 and have been dropping what is in the pan and refilling it every 30k. At 170k my transmission shifts silky smooth. Well, as smooth as an AW4 can!

This fluid is Dex/Merc III compatible and that is why it's fine to use. The lubricity package is compatible with the AW4.

 

Thanks man! Thats what I like to hear!

 

Curious... tjwalker does your AW4 work on ATF+4 too?

 

Personally, I wouldn't use actual ATF+4. That forumulation is hit and miss with the AW4. Some (not all to be fair) experience "slippage" with ATF+4.

Amsoil ATF forumulation (lubricity/viscosity, etc.) is closer to Dex/Merc III than ATF+4 from what I've researched.

I've put Amsoil in quite a few AW4s (not just mine) with absolutely no issues over long periods of time, so I'll continue to use and recommend it.

But I also have absolutely no problem with conventional Dex/Merc III compatible fluid in the AW4, which is widely available and inexpensive....

Fluids are one of those topics that get a lot of attention and generate a lot of buzz. Kind of like which vehicle mfg. is your favorite. It is hard to quantify what is best/better/best and it's always interesting to hear symptoms/personal experience that people share.....

 

Yeah, I'm just confused on how a fluid can meet ALL of those specs at the same time I thought those new ones, like ATF+4, Mercon 5, were super thin. Maybe not... Dex III-H seems to be the latest GM one though Guess I need to do more research!

 

Salad, I'm not real clear either on how these companies claim compatibility and what is required to do so.

Just relating my personal experience. To each their own. There are likely many fluids that will do the job on this transmission.

But whatever you choose, please be sure to change it at a reasonable interval. Rock on!

 

And I thank you for posting up your real world findings.

 

No, it's good to know! I was just saying that some AW4s DO work okay on ATF+4, you know, those that have ALWAYS had frequent changes and were treated nicely (but who has one of those, right?)

I don't believe AMSOIL certifies all of their products. It would be very expensive to do so, hence the wording "recommended for use in applications that specify...". Guess I answered my own question there! They haven't actually claimed to meet the specs!

For reference, I think Valvoline MaxLife D/M is a synthetic ATF.

 

I have Amsoil in my MJ's trans. works fine and is compatible.

 

Good to know that you approve of it! thanks cruiser!

 

Did you drain all the old out, then put the new in?

 

At 30k on my 99, I used a machine at a friend's shop that performs a simple complete exchange of all fluid. If you just drop what is in the transmission pan, you'll only get out 3-4 quarts. However, after I performed this complete exchange service, I simply drop what is in the pan and replace it every 30k.

The machine is charged with fresh fluid into a double-ended cylinder, with a piston and seal at one end. The machine is then connected in series with a cooler line.

When the Jeep engine is started, the transmission's own pump pushes the old fluid into the "empty" end of the machine's cylinder, which causes the sealed piston to push the fresh fluid back into the transmission at the same rate and pressure as would happen under normal driving.

There is no mixing of the old and new fluid. Assuming the machine is charged with sufficient fresh fluid, all of the old fluid should be exchanged for new.

 

Thanks