Trans fluid for RCD converter and suncoast clutches.

[strokinKR]

Yeah I know that the LV is compatible with the clutches suncoast uses but what threw me off is when RCD said dont use synthetic fluid althought there are several using SP without problems. Maybe that particular person I spoke with didnt know the right answer.

 

[White_monster]

Maybe call rcd and ask Jared or Josh why you shouldn't use synthetic. Get it from the horses mouth instead of second and third hand info.

 

[Wayne]

Maybe call rcd and ask Jared or Josh why you shouldn't use synthetic. Get it from the horses mouth instead of second and third hand info.

:whs:
I'd run the LV in a heart beat with no worries, but I don't worry about warranties either. If you want a warranty, a phone call is pretty easy.

 

[Hanging_Heels]

Valvoline Maxlife DEX/MERC ATF http://www.valvoline.com/products/c...sion-products/automatic-transmission-fluid/37

Although i dont have the RCD converter (yet) i just changed mine, and this is what I used. Highly recommended!

 

[Jeff@Spartan]

I run Mercon SP in my transmission. Always have.

Suncoast internals, RCD converter.

 

[strokinKR]

Maybe call rcd and ask Jared or Josh why you shouldn't use synthetic. Get it from the horses mouth instead of second and third hand info.

I did bud. His reason was its too slick which is a myth according to our resident geniuses.

 

[BogginF350]

Trans fluid follows the application. If you are making big power we always use Dexron III. If its under 800lbft we still use synthetic for the boil protection.

With the more efficient converter and early lockup via tuning heat issues are essentially a thing of the past. If you are making a lot of heat with these trucks it's normally because you are slipping clutches. And if you have been around these you know just a couple times and you will slip the clutches, overheat, cone the stack and it has to come apart.

 

[Frank_C]

My trans was just rebuilt and filled with Amalie ATF. Not sure if anyone else has used it or not. Trans has Raybestos clutches/Kolene steels and a PI converter. Shifts great! Though I'm having some converter lockup trouble at the moment. Not sure whether it could be related to the fluid or not. Has anyone else used this?

http://amalie.com/files/Amalie_Universal_Synthetic_Automatic_Transmission_Fluid_Flyer.pdf

Trans also has a modified direct solenoid, a HD billet input, billet overdrive planetary, low/reverse ring gear, and intermediate. And a Transgo shift kit.

 

[BogginF350]

Modded direct solenoids are not needed on a tuned truck. It normally messed up the slip time for the 3-5 shift and breaks the intermediate or input. We never use them. Used to.. even suncoast will say only use them on stock trucks that are not tuned.

 

[Frank_C]

Honestly I was a little worried about that at first too. Whenever I would first reprogram it, the truck actually decelerates pretty hard and throws you a little forwards on the 3-5 shift. Felt like it could have been grabbing the direct too fast and binding? However after running it for a while the tcm seems to learn and compensate pretty well.

But fixing this converter issue is first on the list. I can't run anything above my tow tune without getting ridiculous slip when it should be locked. Is there a how-too on how to replace the solenoid myself somewhere?

 

[BogginF350]

It's easy. Middle back solenoid. That decel is exactly what it as talking about. It's binding the intermediate and the direct. A few of those and it's the same as slipping and will smoke the directs. The int clutches are huge and will not slip while the directs go up in smoke during the bind.

 

[Frank_C]

Ok awesome. I figured the guys writing the tunes had adjusted the tables for that shift accordingly, as I wasn't told anything about not using that solenoid with my tunes when I listed what the trans had in it.

Thanks for helping me make my expensive-azz trans last lol

 

[powerlifter405]

I did bud. His reason was its too slick which is a myth according to our resident geniuses.

resident geniuses I'm not sure how that was meant, sarcastic or not but Mark worked for Ford actually building these things IIRC. He has given a relatively detailed explanation about ford trans.
I also want to say it was Mark who I also spoke to on ford-diesel.com and he gave me a pin # over 10 years ago. The guy is helpful and offers his knowledge on the subject.

My next question is aks RCD would be why not run syn? What is the mechanical reason for not doing so?
If it is simply a cost factor or they don't think its really necessary then I guess it is what it is, but erik and jeff both run the syn in their trucks and they are pushing them harder than the ave joe w/ all their racing and such. If it offers improved benefits of temp handling, fluid break down, then i'd venture using the syn.

But either way good luck.

 

[strokinKR]

resident geniuses I'm not sure how that was meant, sarcastic or not but Mark worked for Ford actually building these things IIRC. He has given a relatively detailed explanation about ford trans.
I also want to say it was Mark who I also spoke to on ford-diesel.com and he gave me a pin # over 10 years ago. The guy is helpful and offers his knowledge on the subject.

My next question is aks RCD would be why not run syn? What is the mechanical reason for not doing so?
If it is simply a cost factor or they don't think its really necessary then I guess it is what it is, but erik and jeff both run the syn in their trucks and they are pushing them harder than the ave joe w/ all their racing and such. If it offers improved benefits of temp handling, fluid break down, then i'd venture using the syn.

But either way good luck.

No I meant what I said whole heartedly. I know who Mark is and well he is a genius in my eyes.

 

[B585Ford]

No I meant what I said whole heartedly. I know who Mark is and well he is a genius in my eyes.

Glad to hear it. I didn't know if you were being sarcastic either. I drive a stick so I don't have a card in the automatic tranny game, but I always make sure I read all of Mark's posts. This is a guy has designed auto trannies from scratch for the BEST automotive manufacturer in the world, so he has a ton of knowledge of the subject. For me, Mark is like EF Hutton (for those of you old enough to remember)...when he talks, I listen....plus I always like support a fellow slovack. LOL

 

[strokinKR]

I apologize. I should have worded it better. Pretty much everyone giving me advice on this thread is extremely knowledgeable in the diesel world but still mixed answers. I suppose I will use the mercon sp. Only because its been used on the exact setup I have and worked and it was designed for the transmission. Ive been literally driving myself nuts about this for two days so thanks goes out to those who had input on the matter.

 

[blk350on20s]

Dex/merc since 06 on the same trans. This trans in my 08 is from my 05. Same clutches but different converters and some internal hard parts. Been running RCD converter on it since memorial weekend and the truck gets beat. And i have suncoast internals.

 

[powerlifter405]

I apologize. I should have worded it better. Pretty much everyone giving me advice on this thread is extremely knowledgeable in the diesel world but still mixed answers. I suppose I will use the mercon sp. Only because its been used on the exact setup I have and worked and it was designed for the transmission. Ive been literally driving myself nuts about this for two days so thanks goes out to those who had input on the matter.

We all have our days when something comes out weird. Mark is a good guy and I'm glad he's shared his knowledge.
And w/ the selection, good luck. I've sat on that fence before comparing notes trying to figure thigns out. Its a b$tch, I completely understand.

 

[Tree Trimmer]

my only comment, is your using a rcd convertor. if you want rcd backing/warranty, you need to run the fluid they recommend. or the fluid they specifically tell you you can run, if not the recommended.

if you run something they dont like, you will get no backing. thats just standard business, and 100% acceptable.

in other words, you can run what you want, in anything you have. but to get support, or warranty, you need to run recommended fluids.

regardless what you think should be in it, or what you want in it, or what arm chair quarterbacks say, or key board geniuses, recommended fluids is almost always the way to go.

if rcd wants dexIII in their convertor, and it they say it wont hurt the rest of the trans, then its their baby, thats what you run.

 

[strokinKR]

my only comment, is your using a rcd convertor. if you want rcd backing/warranty, you need to run the fluid they recommend. or the fluid they specifically tell you you can run, if not the recommended.

if you run something they dont like, you will get no backing. thats just standard business, and 100% acceptable.

in other words, you can run what you want, in anything you have. but to get support, or warranty, you need to run recommended fluids.

regardless what you think should be in it, or what you want in it, or what arm chair quarterbacks say, or key board geniuses, recommended fluids is almost always the way to go.

if rcd wants dexIII in their convertor, and it they say it wont hurt the rest of the trans, then its their baby, thats what you run.

You know you're absolutely right sir. In fact I made the decision today to run valvoline dex/merc(blue bottle). That way it will satisfy RCD and Suncoast. At least I think it does. Still going to call both again and ask but I think its fine.