Well confision reigns. According to a recent discussion of a couple fo days ago there was a TSB specifically referring to using ATF+4 on the trannies. When I called DC they told me not to use the +4 but the +3 instead on my 99D. So I'd go with the TSB and assume that the tech rep didn't know what he was talking about. I'm staying with the +3 simply because I have got gallons if it still sitting in my garage.

greg

 

Well confision reigns. According to a recent discussion of a couple fo days ago there was a TSB specifically referring to using ATF+4 on the trannies. When I called DC they told me not to use the +4 but the +3 instead on my 99D. So I'd go with the TSB and assume that the tech rep didn't know what he was talking about. I'm staying with the +3 simply because I have got gallons if it still sitting in my garage.

greg

Ok thanks, which of those two should I go with, the +4 probably? Also, what's the best brand of gasket and filter to get?

 

should I go with the Mopar fluid brand or is there something better out there?

 

As for gaskets, the one the filter, whether Fram, Mopar or other comes with a gasket If you're concerned about leaks, add 1/8" of Permatex or similar liquid gasket all around. Since the fluid is way below the seam line, leaks are normally not a problem.

As for fluid, there's ALWAYS something better depending on how much cash you want to lay out. As long as you do your fluid changes regularly once a year and don't tow very heavy loads all the time, the standard ATF ones should be fine. Most of the are syntecs now anyways

greg

 

Ok I'll go with the Mopar filter and gasket kit, but what fluid should I use for sure I'm still not sure, the +3 is already in there so maybe I should stick with that since I'm not draining out all the fluid and replacing it all.

 

Just to make sure, in my '00 D SLT with the 4.7L, I have the 46RFE tranny right?

 

As I said, the TSB stated to go with the +4, however since I have a stock on hand I'm staying with the +3. If you're flushing your entire system including the gallons of fluid in the torque converter etc. then I'd probably go with the +4. If you're just changing the tranny filter, keep in mind you still have over 60% of the total capacity of fluid in your system which is +3. So my 2¢ would be to stay with the +3.

greg

 

And NO, you don't have the 46RE if you have a 4.7, you have the 42RE

greg

 

trans

The service will replace only @ 4 qts of fluid with the +4. That's ok according to Dodge. As for the gasket, all the trans people I know use just a silicone bead on the trans pan. When you pull the pan, check the pan flange to make sure the flange hasn't been dimpled at the bolt holes from torque stress. If it has, use a light ball-peen hammer and flatten the flange back out, then apply the silicone, skip the gasket, and re-install the pan with the new filter. You should have no leaks doing it this way. Next time you service the trans, repeat this procedure and the fluid will be on it's way to being replaced with +4. +4 is a synthetic fluid.

 

With a 4.7, you have a 45RFE, not a 42RE. The 42RE is for the now defunct 3.9L V6.

Since your vehicle came originally with ATF +3, you can still use that and get it locally.

If you use ATF +4, which is improved, DC hasn't made the formula available to independent lubrican't manufacturers. While some claim to be equivalent to +4, only Mopar dealetrs sell the true ATF +4.

 

Thanx for catching that Jim!
greg

 

If you have a 2000 4.7, you have a 45RFE transmission.
I'd opt for the ATF+4 tranny fluid as that TSB came within a year after that engine/tranny combo went into production.
I switched over to ATF+4 at 30,000 on my 2000 5.9/46RE and have had no issues, even towing.

 

Ok thanks guys, the +3 that's in there now, is it synthetic? If it isn't can I buy synthetic +3 and add that to the non-synthetic or is that a bad idea?

 

nevermind, I figured it out I'll go with the Mopar semi-synthetic stuff, it'll go good!