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Mopar ZF ATF alternatives

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112K views 36 replies 17 participants last post by  Bounty Hunter  
#1 ·
So I've got my trans pan/filter ordered, but i'm seeing a lot of chatter, but nothing definitive, on alternatives to the Mopar ZF trans fluid. I see some people using Valv Max Life, but others (on other forums) saying don't use. Amsoil? Redline? Also seeing a generic ZF fluid on amazon. What the skinny?

Thanks
 
#2 ·
I recently retired from a transmission manufacturing company that was a competitor of ZF but we did very similar testing. All of our testing was done with only one type of fluid that would match the clutch material for each model and that is why we only recommended that fluid. We were not in the business of proving if other ATF manufacturer's was ok with our transmissions. The wrong fluid can cause shift harshness or slipping or lubrication issues. I'm not saying other ATF's are not ok, but the reason that other fluids are not recommended is because the original manufacturer does not test the transmissions with other companies ATF.
 
#6 ·
Valvoline Maxlife ATF is perfectly fine to use. It's a great oil at a great price. I run it in my transmissions and power steering in my other vehicles. It's what I'll be using when I service the transmission on my EcoDiesel.

(See attached product sheet)
 

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#8 ·
I did the MOPAR ZF at 148.5. Since, I have read a 1/2 million mile trans with MaxLife since OEM change.

MaxLife was next for me however...may go Amsoil route still undecided...have another 66k to figure it out.
 
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#11 · (Edited by Moderator)
Many good suggestions in first 7 posts on changing transmission oil, here :
https://www.ram1500diesel.com/forum/ram-1500-diesel-transmission/43218-how-change-transmission-fluid-check.html
.................................................. ........................
look at video here :

Double check the level of oil after the thermal bypass valve has opened and now cooling system was filled, the transmission oil level will now be too low, so recheck, and bring back up to proper level. (wait to be in ZF temp region for oil level check, if still warm it will overflow).
.......................................

In the video, at 12:15, the guy talks about the cooling system refilling and bringing level down.
 
#12 ·
hey BrianF,
Where do you buy PetroCan Duradrive? Looks like they sell online but only if you have a corporate account? Do they carry specialty oils at gas stations?

So hard to find specialty fluids here in Canada. Do you know where to get the transfer case fluid or equivalent BW-44?
 
#16 ·
Amsoil Fuel Efficient ATF with PPE pan. I have a routine 45 mile trip. Going off my trip meter fuel display I would say the new fluid is good for 0.5-1mpg improvement.
 
#21 · (Edited by Moderator)
Collin , using Walmart Canada , it says out of stock ,
no matter the location used in search engine , same result .....
Exactly... not available on line. I've even checked every Walmart store between Calgary and Barrie as my wife is currently driving across Canada and I'd get her to pick me up some big jugs. She knows I like big jugs. lol

The stores that show "almost gone"... are gone. I've called them.

Amazon.ca has the 1 qt for $41 each. I'll pass on that.
 
#27 ·
Yes I cant wait for spring. Although my wife just arrived home tonight driving from Calgary, Alberta to Oro-Medonte Ontario. She did 3350 kms on mostly dry roads. Maybe 15 minutes of light snow over 4 days which is pretty amazing for winter driving on the TransCanada Highway.