Tempted to try a different fluid

[Brandoncw]

Hi everyone, I have a 2002 2wd with the 4.0 and an automatic. I’ve considered putting a different transmission fluid in this truck and for two reasons. Reason 1 is it’s much much cheaper. Reason 2 is because I’ve already use this fluid in another truck and have had very good results.
The fluid I’m considering is John Deere Hy-Gard.
Any thoughts and input is welcomed

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Hi everyone, I have a 2002 2wd with the 4.0 and an automatic. I’ve considered putting a different transmission fluid in this truck and for two reasons. Reason 1 is it’s much much cheaper. Reason 2 is because I’ve already use this fluid in another truck and have had very good results.
The fluid I’m considering is John Deere Hy-Gard.
Any thoughts and input is welcomed

I'll bite.


Because the correct fluid is probably cheaper than a new transmission.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Simple answer? No.

Spec is Mercon V for your transmission and not even the older Dex/Merc is acceptable. Some transmissions may be more forgiving but these are not so much

 

[Curious Hound]

You're better off saving money by not replacing the fluid, than you would be by putting the wrong fluid in.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Also I believe it’s the red bottle Valvoline multi-vehicle fluid in gallon jugs that is supposed to meet Mercon V spec if you’re really trying to minimize cost but stay somewhat in spec. Or buy bulk Mercon V.

 

[lowspeedpursuit]

I'll happily use reputable aftermarket/off-brand fluid that meets spec. I'm using Valvoline MaxLife for Honda DW-1 and it's been fine. I think the bar needs to be higher on this for automatics than for other stuff (manuals, power steering, tcase, etc).

I wouldn't use random shit just because it's also "transmission fluid".