Ok so been reading as to what I should use in my trans. I think I have a c4 auto trans. And ive read not to use dexron and to use type f. I have an "all purpose automatic" trans fluid. Would this be ok to use? Ive also read that people use 5w20 in there transmissions, whats the deal with that?
Type F is what you want. ATF has very specific properties for friction plates and seal saturation. Use the correct type ATF and do not use motor oil of any grade in an automatic transmission. What you heard about motor oil is true for some MANUAL gear boxes - but not a C4 automatic.
Type F is what you want for a C4 that is set up as stock. Mine is modded as a street/strip unit and actually takes Dextron !!!! (yuck, pooey! ... GM stuff in my FORD tranny! ... ) ... something about the special clutches that were put in there.... 5W20 ??? .... I think ATF is about 10 weight anyway, so might be in the ballpark weight-wise, but I wouldn't trust the additives being OK.
agree...but if transmission has been rebuilt...Dextron. if it's been rebuilt...ask the builder what to run...
I had a c4 built by a tranny builder before. He also had a Mustang drag car. He ran the hydraulic fluid in his. He talked me into running it in mine. I was sceptical at first but never had any problems with it. I ran the car like that for 5 years before putting it on the back burner for other issues. He said a lot of racers used it but that was several years ago too.
Use what the builder says - if you built it yourself and you used a packaged rebuild kit use type F. Powerglides can use anything from Dexron to tractor oil but those oils don't work in a C4. Type F was designed by Ford for their transmissions at the time. Using type F in the Gm transmissions makes them shift harder. If you use Dexron in the C4 it will slip and burn up fast. Never use motor oil in a C4 built with composite paper frictions - it lubricates all too well for the friction material.
