Fluid Change 95 Astro - Wondering about Amsoil ATF

[QS_User]

I've got a 1995 Chevrolet Astro van with 178K miles. I want to switch to Amsoil ATF to extend the life of the transmission. I tow about 2-3K lbs. regularly. I have changed the fluid once since I got it (with Valvoline regular ATF). It seems to shift fine, and doesn't slip. The fluid didn't look very brown, so I don't think I'll have a problem switching to Amsoil. I'll be doing a pan drop, and then flush out through the transmission cooler hose to get all the old stuff out. I put on a 30K GWV. transmission cooler as soon as I got the van, so it's good to go there. Now I just need the good fluid.

So I've got a few questions. First, is it not advisable to do this at this late date? I don't know if the transmission is original or not. Second, should I go with the Amsoil Multi-Vehicle ATF or the Torque-Drive ATD? I have the 4L60E transmission. Also, is there a big difference between the two fluids? Are they true "Full Synthetic" PAO or are they only group III? Just wondering. And also, is there a fluid that will perform as well as Amsoil that is cheaper? Thanks for the help.

 

[Donald]

The Amsoil website says their multi vehicle ATF is the first recommendation for your vehicle.

I do not think you can find a cheaper ATF that is as good. But thats a personal opinion. M1 might be close.

I am a little worried when you say "the fluid didn't look very brown". Most people would change it when it turned to a dark red. But color is not always a true indicator. A used oil analysis is.

I would go for some type of inline filter, a spin on if you have room, otherwise a Magnefine.

Amsoil is full synthetic.

 

[kasedian]

Maxlife

 

[4D-56]

you have the cooler, great.

go with the Amsoil ATF, its a great fluid, From what i have seen and read here, there is little comparison between it and Maxlife, the amsoil will give you a better shift and greater longevity.

My buddy has the Amsoil in his F150, man that thing shifts incredibly smooth, whenever it has to go in the shop, mechanics alwasy comment on how smooth it is...its worth the $.

 

[tomcat27]

+3 on Amsoil ATF. I've been using it for years in almost everything - but especially in my 98 Ram. it tows 6000lbs up hills with dual A/C and fully loaded with 7 people and gear. probably close to 12,000 lbs total.

 

[ahoier]

Either Amsoil or Royal Purple MaxATF should work well....just do a double-check on the spec sheets....to make sure the fluid meets the requirements....

I'm not a fan of any sort of "flush" or "fluid exchange" - especially being that you are changing the complete fluid chemisty....I'd opt for a pan drop every 10k or so.....with the desired ATF...

 

[chubbs1]

Go with the Amsoil ATF. It is worth every penny, I don't think there is a better fluid for your trans. I am not an Amsoil freak but their gear/ATF oils are top notch.

 

[QS_User]

Originally Posted By: Donald
The Amsoil website says their multi vehicle ATF is the first recommendation for your vehicle.

I do not think you can find a cheaper ATF that is as good. But thats a personal opinion. M1 might be close.

I am a little worried when you say "the fluid didn't look very brown". Most people would change it when it turned to a dark red. But color is not always a true indicator. A used oil analysis is.

I would go for some type of inline filter, a spin on if you have room, otherwise a Magnefine.

Amsoil is full synthetic.


Thanks for all the reply's. The old fluid I took out when I did the pan change wasn't dark colored, it was light, but had a slight twinge of orange to it. It looked fairly red on the dipstick, but with a very slight hint of orange. The magnet wasn't very dirty, and didn't have any metal chunks at all. The pan was clean too.

After one pan drop the fluid now looks very bright red, even though I only changed roughly 45% of the fluid. You can hardly see it on the dipstick. I did notice the transmission felt noticeably better after the fluid change.

So is it everyone's consensus to go ahead an do the fluid exchange despite the 178K miles on the clock? I haven't been able to find any bad stories about this fluid in this application, so it seems safe to do. I'll plan on putting in a magnetic inline filter too.

 

[Ken2]

While the Amsoil ATF is very good, it doesn't work miracles. There are wear parts inside transmissions, and if you transmission is nearing the end of its life, no brand of ATF will change much. Does anyone know the history of those transmissions?...Are they short lived, or long lived, or average? Amsoil ATF has a long service life of its own, and may slow the wear in a transmission a bit, but don't spend a lot of money that might be better spent in saving for a rebuilt transmission.