Which additive/fluid to "soften" shifts?

[Auto-Union]

The 1991 100 w/145k I brought home is doing pretty well. I sucked out the trans and installed cheap Dex for a week, then took out 2-3 more q and added MaxLife. The trans shifts pretty hard as per usual. Can I add some LubeGuard or Merc V or something to soften the shifts? I know I don't want it to slip, but softer would be better. PS the 4-sp trans takes Dex as per the dipstick indication.

 

[unDummy]

Maxlife is a multivehicle ATF. A full flush with it should soften the shift. But, if the trans is broken or modded, nothing will. Lubegard platinum and Smartblend Titanium are also other options.

what is a 1991 100?

 

[MolaKule]

It would help us help you if you stated the make, model, and year of the vehicle instead of having to guess or roll out our crystal balls.

Is this a 1991 Toyota PU with an AT?

As unDummy stated, you might have a modded transmission in which the owner wanted stiffer shifts for trail riding, etc. In that case, you then might not want a friction modified fluid.

In any case, get more history on this vehicle and see if the transmission was a rebuilt, modded, or just a high mileage original. Fluids may not help the situation if it was modded or high mileage.

 

[KBFXDLI]

Why not do a flush with Pennzoil Dex for $8/gallon?

 

[Auto-Union]

It's a 1991 Audi 100 with 145k. Probally the original 4-sp trans. All I want is to soften the shifts. I thought Merc V would do that?

 

[unDummy]

MerconV would. So would Maxlife. But, shift quality is also dependent on the transmission. And, you'll need a full flush to draw a conclusion on whether a fluid helped or not. A single siphon/refill isn't enough.

You should also consider dropping the pan and changing the filter if it is accessible.

 

[Auto-Union]

SuperTech Dex is fine for replacing the old fluid and whatever cleaning it offers, thus the fact I'll run it for a while inbetween extractions. Later, after a real service and hopefully a software flsh I'll use something better. Right now there is 2q of MaxLife in after maybe 2-3 extractions. I would toss in an additive if it would help. I will need to top-off and figured why not use something with more slip.