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".

 

[Brandoncw]

I'll bite.


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

I’d say you are right. I feel like this transmission is nearing the end of its life anyhow. I will say the JD fluid brought a lot of life to my old 47re transmission that had 200k at the time I swapped fluids. It was shifting way too softly and would slip a bit under full throttle. That was 60k miles ago and it shifts firmer than when I got the truck at 150k still today. From my understanding the jd fluid is heavier, comparable to iso 46 or 10w30, and has a friction modifier package that promotes better grip between clutches than any traditional atf. That may cause slightly more aggressive and firm shifting. Another thing I noticed when I switched, with atf +4 as the 47re calls for, the operating temp of the transmission was about 160-190°. With Hy-Gard, the average temp dropped to 130°

 

[lowspeedpursuit]

I think "my trans is on the way out, slipping, and I'm looking at bandaids knowing they're bandaids" is a totally different situation than "is this a good way to save money on ATF".

 

[scotts90ranger]

I know guys run that in GM turbo 400 transmissions and it works fine but I've never heard of it mentioned on here, the A4LD and the 4R and 5R transmissions that followed aren't known for having much reserve durability. I'm sure you could try it but I doubt it would be a game changer...

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

I’d say you are right. I feel like this transmission is nearing the end of its life anyhow. I will say the JD fluid brought a lot of life to my old 47re transmission that had 200k at the time I swapped fluids. It was shifting way too softly and would slip a bit under full throttle. That was 60k miles ago and it shifts firmer than when I got the truck at 150k still today. From my understanding the jd fluid is heavier, comparable to iso 46 or 10w30, and has a friction modifier package that promotes better grip between clutches than any traditional atf. That may cause slightly more aggressive and firm shifting. Another thing I noticed when I switched, with atf +4 as the 47re calls for, the operating temp of the transmission was about 160-190°. With Hy-Gard, the average temp dropped to 130°

So…

These automatics (A4LD, 4R__ and 5R__) are notorious for sloppy shifting and slipping. Here’s the thing though the intermediate and high bands are supposed to be adjusted every 20-30k, which nobody seems to ever do. Fluid and filter every 30-50k. Reverse servo gaskets and o-rings (especially on the A4LD and early 4R/5R) are notorious for leaking and that also controls pressure on the low range band.

Stock cooler is arguably barely adequate.

A shift kit and a full service can potentially breath life back into these. I threw the whole deal at my 92 Ranger at like 165k or so. Went from feeling like it was on its way out to being able to smoke the back tires off just by stomping the gas from a stop and being able to chirp second if you were really on it with an empty bed. Your results may vary, but I was incredibly impressed. I don’t want an un-modified automatic anymore. I went towards the max on what the shift kit recommended and I’d gladly go to the max after how that performed.

 

[Brandoncw]

So…

These automatics (A4LD, 4R__ and 5R__) are notorious for sloppy shifting and slipping. Here’s the thing though the intermediate and high bands are supposed to be adjusted every 20-30k, which nobody seems to ever do. Fluid and filter every 30-50k. Reverse servo gaskets and o-rings (especially on the A4LD and early 4R/5R) are notorious for leaking and that also controls pressure on the low range band.

Stock cooler is arguably barely adequate.

A shift kit and a full service can potentially breath life back into these. I threw the whole deal at my 92 Ranger at like 165k or so. Went from feeling like it was on its way out to being able to smoke the back tires off just by stomping the gas from a stop and being able to chirp second if you were really on it with an empty bed. Your results may vary, but I was incredibly impressed. I don’t want an un-modified automatic anymore. I went towards the max on what the shift kit recommended and I’d gladly go to the max after how that performed.

I completely agree with the lack of maintenance. Most of my experience working on autos is with the 47re behind a 12 valve Cummins diesel. I religiously do a fluid/filter change and band adjustment every 20-30k miles. Most people don’t.
Also a lot of people check their fluid on those trucks in park. That gives a bad fluid level reading on them trucks since the transmission isn’t pumping any fluid in park. They must be checked in neutral. because of that, many people’s issue with them is that their fluid is just a quart or two low.
I am going to do a fluid and filter change on this Ranger tonight and look up the specs for band adjustments. Unfortunately I don’t have time or money for a full shift kit right now but may be able to do a quick cleaning of the valve body

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

I completely agree with the lack of maintenance. Most of my experience working on autos is with the 47re behind a 12 valve Cummins diesel. I religiously do a fluid/filter change and band adjustment every 20-30k miles. Most people don’t.
Also a lot of people check their fluid on those trucks in park. That gives a bad fluid level reading on them trucks since the transmission isn’t pumping any fluid in park. They must be checked in neutral. because of that, many people’s issue with them is that their fluid is just a quart or two low.
I am going to do a fluid and filter change on this Ranger tonight and look up the specs for band adjustments. Unfortunately I don’t have time or money for a full shift kit right now but may be able to do a quick cleaning of the valve body

TransGo shift kit is less than $100 last I checked for your transmission, should be a 5R55e.