I hesitate updating this thread for a couple of reasons.
1. It is poor etiquette to dig up an old post.
(At the same time, I don't want to start a new post since this one is already established, the products are still current, and the transmissions are also still a current model)
2. Regardless of my results, and results of others, we're going to get shouted down about how LG Platinum isn't the right thing to use.
3. I DO NOT believe that LG will help the CDF drum failure mode of the 10R80, so that possibility is still hanging over my head.
I began using Lubegard Platinum at around 10,000 miles in the 10R80 in my 2020 Ranger. At the time it was operating well, but had a bit of clunkiness in a few of the shifts from time-to-time.
As of today 6/25/2024 I have used the product with every fluid change I've done on the box, and it has been absolutely stellar. No clunks, no hung shifts, nothing off the oddness that 10R80's are becoming known for. I am doing very regular D&F's on the transmission. So is it LG or is it the clean fluid? Hard to say. I've seen and heard of a few people just adding it to their existing fluid and it freeing up the VB, restoring proper operation.
My results have led me to recommend it to a few other people in the Ranger community that have had issues with their transmissions. At least one of them has had excellent results, although I don't know the total number of people that have used it.
As the 10R80's have gotten some miles on them, it is pretty clear that the valve body has some wear issues, evidenced by the amount of replacement valves that the aftermarket has designed. I believe that the LG is helping to keep the VB's operating as they should, and in cases where they are already getting sticky, to help free them up.
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I'm at ~55,000 miles on the truck currently, and have been using LG Platinum at the recommended dose for the last ~40,000 miles. I've pulled a 5500-6000 pound travel trailer around 5000 miles in that time period. To date, everything is working as it should and the truck still shifts like it did the day I drove it home.
I also know that someone will bring up HPL and their ULV fluid. While I do think that is a viable option, I believe that part of the battle we fight is not with the fluid, it is with keeping contaminates OUT of the system, and the only way to do that reliably is to replace the fluid on a regular basis. I'd love to try the HPL fluid, but I can't bring myself to waste the $$$ just to turn around and send it to the recycler, so regular Mercon ULV is the pick. Besides, by all accounts, ULV is a decent enough fluid, it just isn't quite enough for these valve bodies.
Also, I'm aware the thing might still fail. I have an extended warranty that will get me to the point of buying the next truck, which will be some form of Hybrid with an onboard 'Generator' for the travel trailer (Come on GM/Ram, lets get with the hybrid thing)
Also, I'm sure CKN will come storming in at any moment now to talk about how crap Ford is. Dude, we get it, let it go, your truck was a turd (in your mind). It's time to move on.
In summary. If you have a 10R80, and it is funky. Try the LG, my opinion is that it won't hurt anything. Even in an F150 and even towing it should be just fine (You guys have an extra clutch or two in your 10R80's that us Ranger guys don't get).
Also, if you do try it, report back about your findings. I'm genuinely curious if the results I've seen, in limited numbers, are repeatable.
I am also fully aware that I might come off as a cheerleader for the product. I receive nothing from LG, not affiliated, don't earn a commission, etc etc. I'm just interested in if the product can solve a problem and if it can, or at least help, to pass that info on to others. Of course, it is a partial bandaid on a product that Ford should fix, but that doesn't help people that are having to live with a vehicle day-to-day, or are out of warranty, etc.
