Trans. additives

[terry5732]

I have a second question. My trans. has 88,000 miles on it. I just bought the car and am doing all the maintenence. I want the trans to live. Is there any additive that is safe and will help a "not too high milege trans." shift harder without doing a shift kit. I hate an overly smooth (slushy) trans. I am use to a specialty built type racing trans. I am installing a cooler on it just as a precaution. I would welcome any suggestions on the best fluid to use and any safe additives that might make it live longer, and/or help it shift a little harder. Trans. is a Dodge Caravan 3.3L with the 4 spd.
transaxle A604 41TE. Thanks for your advice, Terry
And I agre, Lucas additives do NOTHING

 

[dave1251]

Just use ATF+4 for your transmission. Hard to find a "better" fluid.

 

[hawaiianxj]

I am not a professional but I think a non racing application, no additive will make it shift harder that's usually a sign of a worn transfer, shift smoother, is the desired result. Also it being a caravan I'm sure it was designed to shift as smooth as possible

 

[NHGUY]

Chrysler transmissions can partially lock up the torque converter clutch,before total lock up.Incorrect additives can make the clutch shudder,sending a vibration thru the whole vehicle.At the most,I would use LG red additive,and thats it.

 

[terry5732]

Can you tell me what this lubrigard red is that I see on alot of the posts? Who makes it or where to buy it? Thank you, Terry

 

[dave1251]

If you are using ATF+4 or other high quality fluid with a lot of synthetic base stock in the formulation of the ATF, I doubt LG is going to improve the fluid at all. You should be able to get LG from a auto parts store just call and ask if they have it.

 

[KB2008X]

I have to agree with Dave. Just use the fluid that Chrysler recommends - ATF+4. An additive isn't going to significantly change the shifts in a baby/grocery hauler.

The longevity of the trans depends almost entirely on the past, present and future maintenance and driving style.

A trans cooler is not a bad idea because heat is the enemy of transmissions and transmission fluid. However, I'm not sure the summers in Ohio are hot enough, for long enough, to make a cooler pay off and it may even be a detriment in the winter, if you're in northern Ohio. If you were in southern Arizona it would be a no brainer.

With 88,000 miles I wouldn't be too eager to mess with the shift characteristics. The friction linings have had a lot of wear and to introduce harder, firmer shifts at this point is more likely to adversely affect longevity. If it had 20,000 miles or less harder, firmer shifts would increase longevity, assuming the trans wasn't also abused.

What do you know about the previous life of the van ?
How was it maintained ?
How do you plan to use it ?

Keith

 

[Donald]

I use Amsoil ATF in two Chrysler vehicles. If you don't want to spring for Amsoil, then ATF+4 would be best.

 

[WMSmotorhead]

Use a good ATF+4 and see where it gets you. Additives aren't always a good thing, regardless of what the bottle says.

 

[4x4chevydude]

Amsoil or Royal Purple fluid with lubeguard Red if you want to give it a good treatment. I cant promise it will make it shift just how you want but that will make it last a long time...Lubeguard red is an additive that helps protect the trans instead of just making the fluid thicker.

 

[dave1251]

I could agree with chevydude in a DEXRON III type application but in a application that ATF+4 not so much.

I stole this from Mola.

http://image.lubrizolnews.com/lib/fefc16...csvid=210048454

 

[ltslimjim]

ATF+4 w/ Lubegard red is an awesome combo.

 

[Ram01]

LG platinum. Is what u use 1bottle

 

[wyrmrider]

Terry
former Chry Service Manager here
Dave is best answer
Just use ATF+4 for your transmission. Hard to find a "better" fluid.
has all the additives you need and is a very high quality fluid spec
Put a Transgo shift kit in it and a big cooler
The trans "learns" so odd fluids are very unpredictable
Wrong additive package can cost you your converter
which will plug up your oil cooler
which will wipe out your thrust washers
which will...

 

[Darris]

If the OP's Caravan has done 88K on the original transmission I'd say he's well ahead of the game and I'd stick with what he has as much out of superstition as anything else.

Otherwise, I've read elsewhere that slightly thicker viscosity can increase the speed and firmness of the shifts ... but this may be outdated?

 

[Donald]

Amsoil or Chrysler ATF+4. Forget any additives. A Magnefine inline filter will help the transmission last longer.

Its a Caravan not a pickup towing a 10K trailer. Why a big cooler. Unless the extra cooler has a thermostat, it could get the ATF too cold.