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  #1  
Old 02-24-2002, 01:35 AM
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What type of ATF and rear-diff fluid to use?

I've read that for ATF, Dexron II is good. SAM's has a case of Dexron III ATF, would this be o.k.?

Also, for the rear-diff, I've heard some folks recommend RedLine 45/90 (I think that's the weight)?

Thanks.

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  #2  
Old 02-24-2002, 02:50 AM
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The Dexron III should be fine. I used Esso ATF in my SD and it worked fine. $9.99 for a case of 12, at BJ's Wholesale Club, if I recall. It has gone up a bit.

I can heartily recommend Mobil 1 synthetic ATF: a lot more pricey ($5.99 a quart is typical), but it smoothed my tranny's shifting considerably.

Can't say anything about the rear diff fluid, but I'll probably try the Mobil 1 there also. Someone made the point that using the best lubricant in your MB is a good idea, etc, and for applications like the rear diff, the cost difference is minimal. hope this helps,
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  #3  
Old 02-24-2002, 10:22 AM
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dwcasey,

Go to www.redlineoil.com to check for the differential and transmission lubricants they sell. I use their stuff and find it excellent. Jim
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  #4  
Old 04-24-2002, 03:13 PM
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Redline or Amsoil

I insist on using Redline or Amsoil in long service items (t-case, axle, trans) because they are heads and tails above the rest.

I'd use it in my engine, but I can't afford to so I stick with the Valvoline Synpower (Mobil 1 & Castrol Syntec are not true synthetics, at the true synthetic price).
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  #5  
Old 04-24-2002, 03:20 PM
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Cool

I concur on the Redline.

I put Redline gear ol in my pickup truck's tranny, and Redline ATF into my pickup's transfer case (that's the way Borg-Warner designed the two boxes; in fact, on trucks with autos, the tranny and the transfer case share a common oil source), and both shift much better than they did before.

The oil was a bit pricy but was WELL worth it. I actually would have bought Amsoil but the Redine's also a good oil and was slightly less expensive at the parts store...
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  #6  
Old 04-24-2002, 04:06 PM
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I use plain old regular Mobil ATF which I get at my local Costco. It's about a dollar a quart and seems to work great. I figure I'll just drain and fill the trans once a year and change the filter every other year. I really don't think there's a substitute for frequent fluid changes. In the diff. I use Mobil1 like a lot of others out there. Someone posted pictures of what theif diff. looked like inside after using Mobil1 and it was pretty amazing. It's expensive but since you only need one or two containers, it's not so bad.

I have heard great things about Redline and Amsoil oils and I have no doubt that they're better, but again, frequent changes, I think, are the best protection.

Alex
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  #7  
Old 04-25-2002, 10:46 AM
MBWayne
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When I changed fluids on my car I used Mobil synthetic trans and gear lubricant for the trans and rear diff. With the trans I did notice better shifting with the synthetic.

Cannot really tell the about the dif. fluid but as an interesting aside while filling the diff. I noticed that on the bottle top there is a mercedes star logo.

Just thought it was interesting.

Wayne
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  #8  
Old 04-25-2002, 09:28 PM
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For Mercedes automatics, use Dexron III/Mercon fluid. In the differential, use 80W-90 gear oil. I wouldn't recommend synthetic, as it can lead to leaks in both the tranny and the diff.

In limited slip differentials, you MUST use special oil. There will be a tag on the diff case stating whether or not it requires special oil.
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  #9  
Old 04-25-2002, 10:21 PM
dweller
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If you take your car in to a MB dealer for trans & diff change and don't specify the brand, they'll put in Mobil1 ATF in the trans and Mobil1gearlube in the diff. That doesn't mean it's best, but it is MB recommended.

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