DEFINITELY use type F. I don't think ATF and type F are the same, but I'm not 100% sure on that one. I just use Pennzoil type F.
I used Dextron/Mercon III back before I knew anything, and ruined my first transmission. My tranny guy told me the seals and bearings and such can only use F.
Depends on the seals used in the tranny. New overhaul kits usually can work with both fluids, but check with the overhaul kit manufacturer.
If the tranny had Type F in it before, and you haven't done a full overhaul - then definitely use Type F.
Those more in the know than I will correct me if I'm wrong, I'm sure of that!
ATF just means automatic transmission fluid. For Ford it's ATF type F or FA.
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My '64 1/2 vert. Ordered May '64. D code 4 speed, handling package, caspian blue, accent group, Ford blue manual top. Regretfully sold in '66 for larger car.
'68 vert. driver. Owned since '77. C code AT, AC, PS, P disc B, PT lime gold, standard black interior and top. NOS RF fender and left quarter.New top and folding glass.
It depends on the rebuilder and what kit they used. Some are fine with Dexron/Mercon. OEM C4's and many "correct" rebuilds need Type F. F has friction modifiers in it that Dexron doesn't. A company called "Lubeguard" makes an additive that lets you use Dexron with a bottle of additive that works OK. Me, I'd go with type F. If you actually need Type F you won't find out until too late. The trans will work fine maybe a year or more (or until out of the builder's warranty, of course) on Dexron before it starts showing any problems more than some "shuddering". Some "F" transmissions exhibit "slipping" right off the bat with Dexron.
I've heard it said that really "F" has enough modifiers in it so that you can fill up with Dexron, add one quart of "F" and be good to go. May be an incorrect rumor though, I know of no proof one way or another. I'm not trying it. Id know that a trick to getting a few more miles outs of a slipping Dexron transmission is to feed it a couple of quarts of "F". Likewise moderate "shudder" problems in some Chrysler transmissions can actually sometimes be cured by the addition of a quart of "F". I've personally done so.
1980 is the changeover point from "F" to "Mercon" for original (unrebuilt) Ford transmissions. Likewise in 1961 Ford transitioned from type "A" to type "F". The type "FA" you see in stores means basically it is type "F" that is also suitable for use in older transmissions that require "A".
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