tranny fluid

I picked up some parts yesterday and decided to do some maint. on my '76 300D. My question is this, the owners manual calls for Dexron 2 transmission fluid. From what I've heard from all the FLAPS in my area I can use Dex 3 anywhere the former is called for. Is this true? Can I use Dexron 3 in my '76 300D without causing any trouble? I'd hate to mess this up and have to spend $32.00 for another "filter kit" to change the fluid. I had a bit of sticker shock with this one ! All I ordered was a fuel filter, a can of diesel purge and a trans. filter kit.(filter and gasket I guess) The price was $57.00 ! I need to order some diesel purge in a larger quantity I guess, as well as some more fuel filters. (diesel purge $8, fuel filter $13) Happy Clattering, Tom

[MikeTangas]

Dextron III will be fine. I think that is all you can find now as it replaced II some time ago.

[stephenson]

I used Mobil 1 synthetic trans fluid in last two MBs. No issues that I know of.

If you are in a very cold area, you will likely be surprised by the immediate driveability after cold soaking.

Thanks guys, I appreciate it. The 300D has ...well I just rolled over 93k on it and I will be doing the fluid change in the next 2 days. I'm trying to figure out how I'm going to rig the lines for the "big purge" in the a.m. I really don't want to disturb the fuel lines on the pump itself so I think I will try to use some spare "rabbit" banjo fittings and some other lines and make my own diesel purge official lines! The only other "major" problem I'm having is that I can't seem to break the 22mpg. mark, I've gotten 21.6 and 21.8 on the last 2 tanks of fuel. (Last Sunday through tonight) Maybe the "purge" will make a difference. I don't know what I can expect though, after all I am doing coninuous start/stop driving. Nothing like doing my routes and getting out of the car and feeling like I've spent the last 3 hours in a Lazy-boy recliner!