What's the better choice for a Dex III Mercon ATF

[Slow2V]

I changing fluid in my Tremec TR-3650 that is in my 2004 mustang, there is a lot of controversy on which fluid to use in it. Some people say to use GM Syncomesh or Mobil 1 synthetic ATF and other say to stick with a conventional Dex III / Mercon fluid. The Ford manual says to use Ford Mercon ATF which is not being made anymore. I do not want to use the new Mercon V that ford said replaced regular Mercon fluid.

Because of the different blocker rings and syncros used in the trans Tremec recommended he use of a Dex III/Mercon fluid and suggested a Texaco/Havoline ATF. People say using a full synthetic or syncromesh can ruin the linings of the syncros in the trans. Having said that I would like to stay with a conventional fluid.

Who makes the best Dexron III/Mercon fluid, and are these listed below a conventional fluid?

I found Havoline MD-3, Chevron MD-3 and also Mobil 1 ATF D/M (Not the full synthetic multi-vehicle ATF that you find in stores)

Havoline MD-3
https://www.amazon.com/Havoline-22185472...s=havoline+md-3

Chevron MD-3
https://www.amazon.com/Chevron-39770-Automatic-Transmission-Fluid/dp/B0097SBAR8

Mobil 1 ATF D/M
https://www.zoro.com/mobil-mobil-atf-dm-...mp;gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[Jimzz]

Valvoline list Synchromesh MTF, Mercon V ATF, or MaxLife ATF working fine in that trans.

Maxlife is easy to find and should work fine.


Someone else asked something similar before and Maxlife was popular...
http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=3072305

 

[tig1]

I have used M1 ATF in my trans and PS pumps for 20-25 years with never a failure.

 

[Slow2V]

I've seen that Maxlife ATF at the auto store, but I've heard mixed things about using a fluid made for higher mileage use. The trans in my car has 27K miles so it is very low miles, but the car is driven hard and it is making a touch over 450RWHP.

 

[Slow2V]

Originally Posted By: tig1
I have used M1 ATF in my trans and PS pumps for 20-25 years with never a failure.

The synthetic ATF or the one I have linked in my first post?

 

[tig1]

Originally Posted By: Slow2V
Originally Posted By: tig1
I have used M1 ATF in my trans and PS pumps for 20-25 years with never a failure.

The synthetic ATF or the one I have linked in my first post?


M1 ATF synthetic. Also I have never lost a PS pump with this fluid. However I start using this fluid from the start of a new vehicle.

Here is a link.
https://mobiloil.com/en/automatic-transmission-fluid/synthetic-atf

 

[ET16]

Maxlife will be a little thinner than the original fluid.

 

[double vanos]

Why dont you query Redline or Amsoil? I'm sure they have something in their arsenal of lubricants.

 

[Revving2Redline]

+1 @ double vanos

 

[901Memphis]

ATF was a compromise from the factory for ease of maintenance. You would be better served with a proper viscosity MTF. You can select a viscosity around Dexron 3 starting viscosity and see how it feels and possibly go thinner