I did a fluid/filter change at about 50-55,000k. I go WOT quite often and all. And I now have 75,xxx on the car now. I want to change it again and wondering the compatibility of using Dexron VI. Is it compatible?
Here is a article I found, not much really did I do on searching. Article
But the 4th to last paragraph speaks a little about compatibility.
I just want to change it, maybe add the shift kit, and put in the Dexron IV, thinking that fluid exceeds the Dex III in there.


Thanks.

I switched over to VI. VI mixes fine with III, any ratio you do it. If you're going to spend the money on VI, definetly drain as much III out as you can. You'll need about 2 gallons of VI to add. Good time to do a shift kit and filter change too!!

Thanks, that is what I needed to hear!
What shift firmness did you go with?
Isn't there three in the package?
I was told maybe go with the middle, since the 3rd is too rough on the tranny, and I already did PCM adjustments for shifts anyhow.

I did middle. Didn't notice a huge change. I still have my fluid pressures adjusted high, too.

I know Bobby did it and says if he gets on it and grandma is in the car, she would likely puke, with the shift firmness!!

Just remember that when you drain the pan, there is just as much fluid still in the torque converter, so you are really only changing 1/2 the fluid. The hard shifting will also quicken your need for a new trans or other driveline parts. As long as you are aware of that, which I hope you are, than yeah, go for head snapping tire chirping shifts.

Chevman, that's not true with our cars. We change 2/3 of the fluid in a pan drop. These trannies hold around 12 total, and 8 flow out with a simple pan drop. It's not like the old Turbo 350s that only lose 4 quarts with a filter change.

Shift kits extend clutch pack life, they short driveline components: axles, input/output shaft, etc. I think anyone with a stock L67 to L36 would benefit. It's when you start working on modded cars and a stock tranny that you'll break things.

The question is, which kit? I know how the spacers work by suddenly stopping the accumulators movement and engaging the gear. But what are we missing not using the kits with springs like the TransGo kit?

Yes - couldn't have said it better. Its basically either risk wearing clutches and soft parts by running it normal, or extend clutches and soft part life at the risk of possible hard part breakage (which is not gradual).

I am doing this when I pull the engine/tranny out since tranny fluid gets everywhere and im servicing it while its out.

On ZZP's site under the drivetrain section they have VI and they recomend upgrading to it too, so I was curious. Now I know from all the responces, imma upgrade too.

its really not very messy, just do it slowly. I didnt spill any fluid onto my driveway

I've pulled the engine/tranny twice. The only spot I have had it come out is at the CV shafts when I have to tilt the engine around the Master cylinder.

oh, wait. lol. i thought you meant that you didnt want to do the tranny filter drop because it was messy. my bad.

I ended up swallowing some transmission fluid when I changed mine. Too much beer, not enough coffee.

VI is synthetic and thinner. Why thinner? It creates less resistance and allows GMs newer vehicles to get a higher MPG rating. This 'thin' thing could be good or bad, depending on current tranny condition. I personally see no reason to switch on a used tranny. It's more expensive as well.

Hey, I learned something today, so we change 2/3 fluid on our cars with a pan drop not 1/2. But as Rook and I said, shift kits can lead to breakage. I know of three high mileage W-body cars with 117K+, 140K+ and 180K+ on stock trans with no slippage, so these trans will last if you take care of them. But, like anything else out there, abuse it, and be prepared to pay for it.

A shift kit will also save your clutches. its a pick your poison thing.

well, Rook, actually it's more like 75-80% pours out on a pan drop, cause it takes 10 qts to top it off when you do a filter change. (learned that the hard way) I am running 100% Dexron VI in my tranny now and couldn't be happier. shifts are a little smoother and it isn't near as sluggish when I first put it into drive after sitting when it's cold. I would reccomend switching to VI cause once the III is off the shelves, that's all that will be available (pretty pointless to carry something that won't work in every AT that GM makes since VI is reverse compatable)

10 quarts is way too much to put back into the transmission. it should be 8 for a simple pan drop.

Define pointless. Dex/Merc mix is cheaper than Dex VI or Merc V, it can be used interchangeably between most Fords and GM products. Why would you get rid of one product that is cheap and can cover so many vehicles for a more expensive product with limited applications?

There is a reason all the tranny fluid manufacturers changed their labels and are still selling the Dex/Merc fluid despite GM and Ford ending their licensing contracts.

Also, the reason you notice less sluggishness in cold is because it's thinner and synthetic.