ATF...is synthetic better?

[JGKC9AYC]

I just purchased an '04 Subaru Outback (H6)
The manual calls for a Dexron III.
I plan on keeping it for awhile & want to keep it serviced as best I can (w/o going to the dealer for $400 fluid/filter changes) & was wondering if a synthetic ATF would be better than Dexron III.
Also, regarding the differential fluid, would synthetic make a difference in it as well?
Thanks.

 

[tig1]

M1 ATF is a very good fluid. Iv'e used it since they first came out with it and never had a transmission failure.
Same with the diff.
Also don't forget the PS pump. I use M1 ATF in that as well with good results.

 

[bepperb]

Yes, Yes, and with some leftover ATF suck out the PS res and refill it.

 

[unDummy]

A full synthetic is an upgrade and usually can make up for inadequacies in the transmission or differential.

If you want to keep it a while, then drain/refill the ATF now, and with a regular schedule, like yearly or every 10k miles.

For the gear oil, every 30k-50k or 3yrs is a reasonable interval.

Mobil1, RoyalPurple, Amsoil, Redline, Amalie.... are great choices for ATF, PSF, gearoil....

 

[JGKC9AYC]

I'm getting ready to make an order from Amsoil so I guess i'll go with that brand(assuming their synthetic motor oil isn't overkill).
Using the turkey baster trick for the PS pump, how many times would one have to do that before the majority of the fluid has been changed?

 

[ZZman]

Most will say you get much smoother shifting.

 

[ThirdeYe]

I love using Amsoil ATF in my Honda AT, it's good stuff. Not sure on how it performs in a Subaru though.

 

[JGKC9AYC]

Me neither.
This is my first Subaru & my first AWD vehicle.
All I know is that I want it to last awhile...preferably long after I get it paid off! hehehe

 

[mechtech2]

If you can afford it, always use a full synthetic ATF in an automatic trans.
And if you can't afford it, skip a few lunches and use full synthetic.

 

[JGKC9AYC]

Originally Posted By: mechtech2
If you can afford it, always use a full synthetic ATF in an automatic trans.
And if you can't afford it, skip a few lunches and use full synthetic.

I can definitely afford to skip a few lunches!

Now, the question is brand. Is Amsoil overkill? Would Valvoline Maxlife suffice?
I want something good, of course, but I don't want to put something expensive in when something not-so-expensive will be just as good.

 

[caravanmike]

Originally Posted By: JGKC9AYC

Would Valvoline Maxlife suffice?

valvoline maxlife Red bottle atf is semi synthetic not a full synthetic.

 

[JGKC9AYC]

OK. Does Valvoline carry a synthetic?
I'm going to need almost 2 gallons to do a complete job & the Amsoil stuff is $30/gal.
Anything else as good that cheaper?

 

[AzFireGuy79]

Valvolines Dexron VI is synthetic if you want to go that route. Why not go with Amalie? They produce a very good ATF that is not only synthetic but cheap to boot! Its almost impossible to find a DEX 3 rated atf thats also synthetic besides maybe Mobil 1 which i have never liked( their atf).

I only buy expensive ATF for my cars and trucks. Just my preference. If you need to save some money as I said Amalie would prob be your best bet. The valvoline Dex VI is almost $7 per quart where I live!

And it sounds like for your application you would like to stick to the Dex 3 spec.

 

[EricF]

i wonder why Valvoline never made a full synthetic Dex3/Mercon ATF??? I've used their semi-synth for years and years because that's all I could ever find.

 

[tig1]

Originally Posted By: AzFireGuy79
Valvolines Dexron VI is synthetic if you want to go that route. Why not go with Amalie? They produce a very good ATF that is not only synthetic but cheap to boot! Its almost impossible to find a DEX 3 rated atf thats also synthetic besides maybe Mobil 1 which i have never liked( their atf).

I only buy expensive ATF for my cars and trucks. Just my preference. If you need to save some money as I said Amalie would prob be your best bet. The valvoline Dex VI is almost $7 per quart where I live!

And it sounds like for your application you would like to stick to the Dex 3 spec.


Did tou have problems with M1 ATF? M1 ATF ain't cheap.

 

[AzFireGuy79]

I have had issues with it in toyotas in the past. Its an ok atf. Not worth what EM is charging thats for sure. I use Redline and amsoil for a couple cars as well. When you make the jump to synthetic ATF its no cheap venture. You don't have to pay $9 per quart to get a decent syn atf. Have you checked out the amalie site?

 

[exranger06]

Originally Posted By: caravanmike
Originally Posted By: JGKC9AYC

Would Valvoline Maxlife suffice?

valvoline maxlife Red bottle atf is semi synthetic not a full synthetic.


Maxlife is a full synthetic.

 

[Ben99GT]

Originally Posted By: tig1
Did tou have problems with M1 ATF? M1 ATF ain't cheap.


I've been using M1 ATF for a long while, but their latest specs are unimpressive. And their last multi-vehicle formula (after the Mercon V, before the new gray bottle) didn't fare too well in my F150's power steering system. Motorcraft Mercon V did much better there.

I think I'm done with M1 ATF, too expensive for what you get these days, IMO.

 

[JGKC9AYC]

Originally Posted By: exranger06
Originally Posted By: caravanmike
Originally Posted By: JGKC9AYC

Would Valvoline Maxlife suffice?

valvoline maxlife Red bottle atf is semi synthetic not a full synthetic.


Maxlife is a full synthetic.


The Maxlife in the red bottle w/the 75000 odometer picture is a full synthetic? The $4.99/qt. stuff?

 

[PandaBear]

Originally Posted By: JGKC9AYC
Originally Posted By: exranger06
Originally Posted By: caravanmike
Originally Posted By: JGKC9AYC

Would Valvoline Maxlife suffice?

valvoline maxlife Red bottle atf is semi synthetic not a full synthetic.


Maxlife is a full synthetic.


The Maxlife in the red bottle w/the 75000 odometer picture is a full synthetic? The $4.99/qt. stuff?


Yes (Group III), stated on their website and by one of the valvoline representative that used to be around here.