2018 Suburban - Which Synthetic ATF?

[SpectreSE]

Hi...I have a 2008 Chevrolet Suburban LT 4WD with 5.3-liter Flex-Fuel V8.

It is time to do another ATF Flush - have done one very 30,000 miles - would like to try it myself this time due to cost.

I also want to use a Synthetic ATF - though Amsoil is out of my price range.

Should I stick with an ACDelco GM Original Equipment ATF - I was thinking perhaps of a Mobil 1 synthetic ATF this time...?

Your thoughts and comments would be appreciated...! Also which specific ATF should I use - I see a few different versions...?

 

[zrxkawboy]

Most approved Dex VI fluids are synthetic. I'd just pick one that is readily available at a fair price.

 

[tyman]

ACD or Maxlife, the nod towards Maxlife.

 

[mattwithcats]

AC Delco 109243…

Careful, AC Delco Dexron VI changed from a full synthetic to a semi synthetic…

109243 is the old version.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/parts/acdelco,109243,transmission+fluid,11387

 

[fisher83]

My vote would be for Maxlife. I've used it in many different makes and models that it was recommended for and have always been happy with it and never had any issues.

 

[SpectreSE]

AC Delco 109243…

Careful, AC Delco Dexron VI changed from a full synthetic to a semi synthetic…

109243 is the old version.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/parts/acdelco,109243,transmission+fluid,11387

Does that AC Delco come in 1 Gallon jugs or just small Quart bottles...? I see a #10-9244 - is that what you talking about...?

 

[mattwithcats]

10-9244 is the gallon…

Just make sure it says “Full Synthetic “ on the bottle/jug…
Just plain ”Synthetic “ is probably semi synthetic…

 

[userfriendly]

Five years old. Time to drop the pan and change the filter.

 

[Falcon_LS]

In 4L60E applications, I've actually been pleasantly surprised with TRIAX Global Full Synthetic ATF. It's $33.34 a gallon, roughly $8 more than Valvoline MaxLife but still half the cost of Amsoil. I wouldn't use it as a "lifetime fluid" as it suggests, but it certainly does well in high heat conditions when replaced at recommended intervals.

 

[Slick3914]

Here’s a good deal on OEM fluid:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01EGOR5JO/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_8?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

 

[CKN]

Hi...I have a 2008 Chevrolet Suburban LT 4WD with 5.3-liter Flex-Fuel V8.

It is time to do another ATF Flush - have done one very 30,000 miles - would like to try it myself this time due to cost.

I also want to use a Synthetic ATF - though Amsoil is out of my price range.

Should I stick with an ACDelco GM Original Equipment ATF - I was thinking perhaps of a Mobil 1 synthetic ATF this time...?

Your thoughts and comments would be appreciated...! Also which specific ATF should I use - I see a few different versions...?

I pulled a 5,000 pound trailer all over the Rocky Mountains with a 2018 Silverado w /the 5.3 and 6 speed. I changed the transmission fluid at 50,000 miles and it still looked great. Flush your money away.....

 

[NiwradND]

Hi...I have a 2008 Chevrolet Suburban LT 4WD with 5.3-liter Flex-Fuel V8.

It is time to do another ATF Flush - have done one very 30,000 miles - would like to try it myself this time due to cost.

I also want to use a Synthetic ATF - though Amsoil is out of my price range.

Should I stick with an ACDelco GM Original Equipment ATF - I was thinking perhaps of a Mobil 1 synthetic ATF this time...?

I'm not sure what your considering a flush, just pull the pan, replace filter and refill. They have flushing machines, in which I would never recommend. I would just buy a good fluid the meets Dextron VI, there isn't much difference between fluids as long as they meet the Dextron VI spec. I think Valvoline is usually one of the best valued fluids.

 

[Egg_Head]

OP: Do you have a 2018 or 2008? As I recall it's a PITA to drop the pan on earlier 4WD versions. If you do drop the pan, consider replacing a pan with a drain plug or invest in a Mityvac and pull the fluid topside. You can get 4-5 quarts that way.

 

[ford250]

Check out Pennzoil Plat at home depot under $7 bucks a quart

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Maxlife is good stuff

Any synthetic Dexron VI will be great for your Suburban. You don't have to use any specific brand.

If your transmission doesn't have a drain plug, get an aftermarket pan that has one. This will make future changes much easier

 

[SpectreSE]

OP: Do you have a 2018 or 2008? As I recall it's a PITA to drop the pan on earlier 4WD versions. If you do drop the pan, consider replacing a pan with a drain plug or invest in a Mityvac and pull the fluid topside. You can get 4-5 quarts that way.

Yes - it's a 2008 one-owner SUV.

 

[SpectreSE]

Maxlife is good stuff

Any synthetic Dexron VI will be great for your Suburban. You don't have to use any specific brand.

If your transmission doesn't have a drain plug, get an aftermarket pan that has one. This will make future changes much easier

Any recommendations of a new pan with a drain plug for my 2008 Chevrolet Suburban LT 4WD with 5.3-liter Flex-Fuel V8...?

 

[ford250]

Dorman should have one for your application

 

[Snagglefoot]

AC Delco 109243…

Careful, AC Delco Dexron VI changed from a full synthetic to a semi synthetic…

109243 is the old version.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/parts/acdelco,109243,transmission+fluid,11387

Here’s the photo from your attachment. I’m trying to recall why the bottle has two part numbers. The larger number is different.

 

[Snagglefoot]

Any recommendations of a new pan with a drain plug for my 2008 Chevrolet Suburban LT 4WD with 5.3-liter Flex-Fuel V8...?

By the way, watch a you tube video before attempting to drop the pan on a standard 1/2 ton Suburban or Silverado. The exhaust gets in the way and has to be dealt with.