transmission fluid

[Rippin' Ranger]

What kind of fluid goes in a 2001 2wd manual Ranger? The Haynes manual says Mercon. Other sources say Mercon V. Also I am changing out the shifter bushings. Any reason I can't or shouldn't just dump the fluid in through the shifter opening?

 

[scotts90ranger]

The shifter hole is by far the easiest way to pour fluid in so go for that...

As for what fluid I'd just go for the synthetic dex/merc valvoline, it's good stuff...

 

[SenorNoob]

Just don't overfill it!

 

[4x4junkie]

Yes, be sure to use fluid that is labeled "Dex/Merc" (available at auto parts stores and places like Walmart, but not from Ford dealers). Many sources will say Mercon V is backward-compatible with Mercon, but for a manual transmission, it's not (has caused hard-shifting issues and is difficult to get rid of).

Fluids specifically made for manual transmissions that specify ATF should be fine as well (Royal Purple Synchromax, for example).