Synthetic ATF

[Spook50]

Who here uses it, and what brand do you use? I've used Mobil 1 for the past four years or so and never had an issue with it. No sticking valves, no slipping, no overheating (with the exception of my light coming on once recently, but the more I troubleshoot the more I think it was a fluke), and never a burnt fluid smell. It's getting harder to find locally though, but I'm seeing Royal Purple's synthetic ATF available at a couple places, so I'll probably switch to that.

Just wondering if I'm the only synthetic ATF fan here.

 

[RockDoc]

Mine has M1 syn in it now, but I think I'll use dino and save the coin next time I change some out. With the cooler installed, it never gets very hot at all.

 

[Cruiserdrew]

I run Mobil1 in my 80 for 9 years now. No issues, and I'll continue for the life of the tranny. It is said that synthetic ATF can double the life of the transmission. Don't know if that's true, but if it is, that seems worth it.

When I got my FJ62 last year, I did a Rodney flush with 20 quarts or so, but used Chevron conventional ATF. In my view, if you've always run synthetic, then continue. If you buy a 20 year old truck with unknown history, then a good quality conventional makes more economic sense. I think I'll do a Rodney flush every year or two and call it good. Chevron maakes great lubes at a great price, and they sell them at Costco. Hard to go wrong.

 

[MiniPigg]

I went with Valvoline ATF-4 Full Synthetic as it was onsale.

Here are some words from Rodney in a couple emails we sent me when I had some Q's....

Hi Dave it's Rodney here from Wholesale Automatics

Don't use any additives at all but I do recommend that you convert your transmission to a full synthetic transmission oil. there are some good brands around as long as it is a Full Synthetic oil you can't go wrong.

Castrol = Transmax-Z
Allison = Transynd
Mobile = Mobile One

These are the only ones I know of as transmission oils in the U.S. but I do know that the top are incredable oils.

Hope this helps.
Kind Regards
Rodney
Wholesale Automatic Transmissions

Best thing you can do for any Land Cruiser transmission is convert it to Synthetic Oil.

No Synthetic Oil won't leak past seals anymore than mineral oil. I have never even heard of that before, must be an American myth Either way it's simply not true and old transmission like it just as much. 90% of all the transmission we build are filled with synthetic oil before they leave here.

Kind Regards
Rodney
Wholesale Automatic Transmissions

 

[Spook50]

I went with Valvoline ATF-4 Full Synthetic as it was onsale.

Here are some words from Rodney in a couple emails we sent me when I had some Q's....

Hi Dave it's Rodney here from Wholesale Automatics

Don't use any additives at all but I do recommend that you convert your transmission to a full synthetic transmission oil. there are some good brands around as long as it is a Full Synthetic oil you can't go wrong.

Castrol = Transmax-Z
Allison = Transynd
Mobile = Mobile One

These are the only ones I know of as transmission oils in the U.S. but I do know that the top are incredable oils.

Hope this helps.
Kind Regards
Rodney
Wholesale Automatic Transmissions

Best thing you can do for any Land Cruiser transmission is convert it to Synthetic Oil.

No Synthetic Oil won't leak past seals anymore than mineral oil. I have never even heard of that before, must be an American myth Either way it's simply not true and old transmission like it just as much. 90% of all the transmission we build are filled with synthetic oil before they leave here.

Kind Regards
Rodney
Wholesale Automatic Transmissions

Good to know that Rodney is a supporter of synthetic ATFs too. I've recently come to the conclusion that Rodney's word on these trannies is pretty much the final word.

 

[Tinker]

Spoo -
I get M1 from NAPA for the 4L60E, & use Transynd in the C6 behind the 460 in my '56 F100 (it's hauling a load). Transynd is the hot setup for Allisons but it's way hard to find & pricey. Had to get it from the truck division of the big dealer that includes my favorite local Toyota stealer.

So I'd say stay with the M1 if you can get it from NAPA.

 

[worshhim]

I use Valvoline Dex VI, but if I had the money, I would use Amsoil. Next time I do a passive flush I will probably switch to Amsoil.

 

[1911]

The first Rodney flush I ever did was on my FJ80; I used Mobil 1 ATF and it was like having a new truck! A 100% improvement. Since then, I've Rodney-flushed every auto-tranny vehicle I've owned at 60-80,000 miles, but I now use Amsoil synthetic ATF because I can buy it cheaper in bulk. Gets the same good results as the Mobil ATF though. Nothing has been as dramatic an improvement as that FJ80. It's still a daily driver for one of my sons at 250,000 miles + with no repairs ever to the tranny. A440F's rock!

 

[Dunbar]

I had such trouble finding Synthetic Mobil 1 motor oil in the weight I wanted, and had to run all over town to get enough Mobil synthetic ATF that I switched to Amsoil for everything.

It helps that their world headquarters are 1 mile from my in-laws house in Superior Wisconsin. I buy motor oil in 55 gallon drums. I am a Preferred Customer rather than a dealer.

 

[billmc]

I do a flush with Allison Transynd in the A440F and in our 2 Volvos every 2 years. Yes it's pricey but the difference in smoothness is so apparent. Also, the A440F runs about 20˚ cooler which is key. When I switched from old dino to synth in my S90 I got a 20% increase in mileage. If the tranny fails on the FJ62, the truck goes to the crusher so it's worth the extra coin for me.

Bill

 

[slcfj62]

Castrol = Transmax-Z
Allison = Transynd
Mobile = Mobile One

These are the only ones I know of as transmission oils in the U.S. but I do know that the top are incredable oils.


Best thing you can do for any Land Cruiser transmission is convert it to Synthetic Oil.

Can these be purchased in 1 or 5 gallon containers?

 

[Spook50]

Can these be purchased in 1 or 5 gallon containers?

I don't think M1 can, but it'd sure be cool if one of 'em can. That'd probably get my dollar right there....

 

[slcfj62]

Maybe I'll do a little investigation.

 

[RockDoc]

What does the M1 ATF run price-wise south of the border? When I switched mine over 2 years ago, all I could find was quart/litre bottles at $8-9 each.

 

[Spook50]

What does the M1 ATF run price-wise south of the border? When I switched mine over 2 years ago, all I could find was quart/litre bottles at $8-9 each.

I've seen it for about $11-$12 US here.

 

[MiniPigg]

Sales & Service Locator: Allison Transmission

TES-295 rating required by Allison. Transynd and Amsoil's Torque Drive (product code ATD).... c&p

http://www.syntheticshield.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=71&Itemid=8

 

[Spook50]

Sales & Service Locator: Allison Transmission

TES-295 rating required by Allison. Transynd and Amsoil's Torque Drive (product code ATD).... c&p

SyntheticShield - Torque-Drive Automatic Transmission Fluid - Product Code ATD

Cooooooool. Wonder where I can find that around here.....

 

[jvazquez53]

Amsoil on my 1992 FJ80, runs great.

 

[Tinker]

Dan -
Amsoil is available online or from your local dealer. My dealer has stuff drop-shipped to me (@ his cost - what a guy!).

 

[Spook50]

Dan -
Amsoil is available online or from your local dealer. My dealer has stuff drop-shipped to me (@ his cost - what a guy!).

I just found more M1 synthetic (the multi vehicle formula, which I use) for $8 per quart at the local Schuck's (now O'Reilly). Even got a military discount on it (10%) so definitely not bad. Can't get any higher quantity than 6-qt cases though. No jugs or 12-qt cases