Conklin ATF-XTRA MS in high mileage trans?

[Shellguy]

Hey guys. After getting some great advice on the oil section(thanks gene and johnny) im trying my luck on the trans section. I have a 2003 Ford sport trac(5r55e i believe,4x4) with 140000 on the orginal trans. The problem is the trans has never been serviced. So i was wondering if i could use this conklin fluid or would the full synthetic hurt an old used trans like mine? Ive heard great things about conklin and plan to use their gear oil as well. Any other fluid suggestions? ford mercon V? Also do i have the trans flushed or could i drop the pan, change the filter, then top off with the conklin fluid? Then rechange after say 10000? Guys ive searched high and low just to find conflicting statements. Any help on this would be huge. Thanks again guys!

 

[FL_Rob]

For selection stick with factory recmmnds.,pan drop /filter change,drive it for awhile, do a coolant line drain and fill( that will bring you to 75 or 80 percent fresh fluid) next chance you get,next weekend or something.

 

[Johnny]

It is an excellent product. If you are not having any problems and no leaks, I would do a complete flush. I would have no problem putting this fluid in any vehicle I own.

Their gear oils are also an excellent product.

http://www.conklin.com/files/pdf/spec/1-000875_ATF_XTRA_MS Spec Sheet.pdf

 

[Shellguy]

Thanks again guys for the fast responses. Im beat from searching the internet.Lol... Johnny i was thinking about the full flush but just keep getting talked out of it due to age and lack of service.

 

[Shellguy]

Also my rear end calls for 80w90...Can i just use conklin 75w90 without worry?

 

[Johnny]

If that worries you, do what FL_Rob suggested. Pan drop with filter change, then if everything works well, do a full flush. The product will have no problem mixing with what you have in there now.

 

[Johnny]

Originally Posted By: Shellguy
Also my rear end calls for 80w90...Can i just use conklin 75w90 without worry?


Yes you can.

 

[Shellguy]

That works. Thanks Johnny and rob.

 

[Jim_Beverlin]

I have an 01 Sport Trac and if you have the fluid flushed or just a drain and filter change (about 5 qts), make sure they use Mercon V. The last time I had the transmission drained the garage I use put in Mercon and an additive. Shifts ok but I am considering doing about 3 drains spread out 10K each and using Mercon V (correct AFT). At 157K miles I really am reluctant to do a flush. Also, for the rear differental many Sport Tracs have traction lok rear diffs that call for synthetic 75W-140. Best to check and make sure yours has a standard (open) rear differential or a traction lok.

 

[bmwtechguy]

Yes, do a full flush, but use the cheapest fluid on sale that meets the MerconV spec and run it about 2 or 3000 miles. Doing this is smarter (in my experience) than flushing with an expensive fluid first. The factory fluid that is in there should have been changed at least 70 or 80k miles ago and you will surely dirty up the new, high$ Conklin fluid quickly if you don't run for a few thousand miles on the cheaper stuff first.

Here's what I would do: do a cooler line full fluid exchange (flush) without even dropping the pan. Then after a few thousand miles on the new fluid, drop the pan, clean things up down there and change the filter/gasket, whatever. Then do another complete fill/flush using your new fluid. You are then good to go for a long while on your new Conklin ATF. If you want to lower wear and KEEP the new fluid cleaner at all times, then consider adding an inline filter such as a Magnefine somewhere in the cooler line fluid path.

I am curious how much this Conklin ATF costs after tax and shipping. I have relatives in Indiana that farm and use only Conklin lubes and they swear by them, but I have never tried their stuff.