Type F ATF Compatibility??

[insaneranger]

I just got a refurbished PS box from Redhead for my '88 ranger & planned to use type f atf. Redhead included a letter that they tested the box with Dex III/Merc (I plan to flush it out). The only type f available locally is walmart supertech or a parts store brand & I would rather use a name brand like Mobil or Valvoline if possible. Is there another type of atf that's compatible with my power steering system? I may be overthinking it, but I just want to take care of my truck.

 

[Dirtman]

Type F isn't compatible with anything else. You can still get motorcraft type F online at places like amazon

Amazon.com: Genuine Ford Fluid XT-1-QF Type-F Automatic Transmission and Power Steering Fluid - 1 Quart: Automotive

Buy Genuine Ford Fluid XT-1-QF Type-F Automatic Transmission and Power Steering Fluid - 1 Quart: Transmission Fluids - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

 

[bobbywalter]

works great in my yz 250 trans and the ktm, what did redhead say? why would you not run their recommendation?

 

[insaneranger]

Type F isn't compatible with anything else. You can still get motorcraft type F online at places like amazon

Amazon.com: Genuine Ford Fluid XT-1-QF Type-F Automatic Transmission and Power Steering Fluid - 1 Quart: Automotive

Buy Genuine Ford Fluid XT-1-QF Type-F Automatic Transmission and Power Steering Fluid - 1 Quart: Transmission Fluids - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

That's what I thought, but I just wanted to check with you guys here on the forum to see if I overlooked anything.Thanks.

 

[Dirtman]

I agree with bobby though, if the people who rebuilt it say use merc/dex why use type F?

 

[19Walt93]

Mercon is slipperier and stands up to heat better than F and actually works better in power steering. Your 88 has a C2 power steering pump so it's going to whine anyway.

 

[insaneranger]

They didn't say for me to use dex atf. Redhead told me to use the same fluid that Ford recommends for my vehicle, which is Type F. He said they use Dex 3 to pressure test all of their products, no matter the make or model. Then switch to the manufacturer's fluid before use.

Years ago I used regular power steering fluid. Until I got on TRS I didn't realize that most recommend atf. I'm still learning as I go.

 

[bobbywalter]

then you are using the fluid redhead recommended as you did the homework.



if they put some spec bushings ect...which they do do in some cases it will have a spec fluid.


in the general...f is the dryest cheapest simplest fluid. the walmart brand is fine for this application..

 

[19Walt93]

B&M used to sell type F as quick shift, slick shift or something like that for use in GM transmissions in combo with their clutches to get a crisper shift- because it has less/no paraffin and is less slippery. Putting the old GM spec fluid or mercon/dexron in a trans that specifies type F will make a smooth shift and early failure like a GM transmission.

 

[insaneranger]

B&M used to sell type F as quick shift, slick shift or something like that for use in GM transmissions in combo with their clutches to get a crisper shift- because it has less/no paraffin and is less slippery. Putting the old GM spec fluid or mercon/dexron in a trans that specifies type F will make a smooth shift and early failure like a GM transmission.

+1. I have a TCI "streetfighter", C4 with a shift kit & use type f because I wanted firm shifts. It's smooth if left to shift on its own, but has firm, instant shifts if I do it manually. TCI said dex/merc would be safe to use, but that would defeat the purpose & it wouldn't perform as intended.

 

[insaneranger]

This morning I ordered some Valvoline Type F atf. Valvoline's website says that it's designed for use in transmissions & Ford power steering systems. If all goes well, I'll have power steering back in my ranger in a few days.

 

[Dirtman]

If you weren't so far away I'd have given you all the type F you need. I have a case and a half of the stuff Ive just been using for nonsense like oiling fishing reels for the past 20 years lol. Ford put out a TSB that mercon was to be replaced with mercon V in power steering systems but it strictly says its not a replacement if it calls for type F.

I know mercon is alot slicker but never really understood why it would matter in a power steering system, there are no clutches. But I go by what ford says. They say don't use it, dont.

 

[19Walt93]

The C2 power steering pump that was introduced in 78 and used well into the 90's is a slipper style pump and shouldn't run type F. Their claim to fame was that we could rebuild them but I don't think any parts are still available except seal kits. The old Ford-Thompson pump had about a 6" round metal housing, the C2 used a plastic housing and an aluminum body. I like the C2 pumps-probably because I'm so familiar with them- but a truly quiet C2 pump is a rare find.