Hello,
I have a 1996 Powerstroke with the E4OD auto that is due for a fluid change and I'm trying to determine which fluid I should use. The previous owner of the truck had a performance rebuild done on the trans. I'm not sure on all the details of the rebuild but I talked to the tech that did it and was told it has stronger bands, steel planets, and a Sonnax valve body. It has an axiom two disk torque converter and large Tru-Cool 4590 transmission cooler. I have added an external spin on type filter as well. The power output from the truck is only slightly more than stock, for now, and I never tow with it. With the external filter, larger cooler, and the larger pan from a 4R100 trans I'm up to needing at least 18 quarts of fluid. Add two more quarts for the transfer case and I'm at an even 5 gallons of Mercon V required.
The tech that did the rebuild recommended I use Red Line fluid. However, 5 gallons of that comes to $200. So, do I really need to spend that much or can I get by with something cheaper? What about the Valvoline Mercon V? It looks like a good fluid at half the price of Red Line, Schaeffer, or Mobile 1.
Oh yeah, I also live in southern Arizona. Don't drive too many hills, but it's still hotter than the face of the sun here.
Thanks for the feedback,
Shawn
I have a 1996 Powerstroke with the E4OD auto that is due for a fluid change and I'm trying to determine which fluid I should use. The previous owner of the truck had a performance rebuild done on the trans. I'm not sure on all the details of the rebuild but I talked to the tech that did it and was told it has stronger bands, steel planets, and a Sonnax valve body. It has an axiom two disk torque converter and large Tru-Cool 4590 transmission cooler. I have added an external spin on type filter as well. The power output from the truck is only slightly more than stock, for now, and I never tow with it. With the external filter, larger cooler, and the larger pan from a 4R100 trans I'm up to needing at least 18 quarts of fluid. Add two more quarts for the transfer case and I'm at an even 5 gallons of Mercon V required.
The tech that did the rebuild recommended I use Red Line fluid. However, 5 gallons of that comes to $200. So, do I really need to spend that much or can I get by with something cheaper? What about the Valvoline Mercon V? It looks like a good fluid at half the price of Red Line, Schaeffer, or Mobile 1.
Oh yeah, I also live in southern Arizona. Don't drive too many hills, but it's still hotter than the face of the sun here.
Thanks for the feedback,
Shawn