Mercon vs Mercon V

[white trash wagon]

I want to change the fluid in the M5OD manual trans in my 2001 Ranger. The book calls for Mercon, and warns against mixing Mercon and Mercon V.

Yet, in 2007 Ford discontinued Mercon and recommends Mercon V to replace it. See below. I want a synthetic, but the Dex/Merc fluids in the parts stores are not synthetic, but I find Mercon V in synthetic.

Opinions?



TSB 06-26-1

01/08/07

MERCON ATF IS BEING REPLACED BY MERCON V
AS A SERVICE FLUID FOR SOME MANUAL
TRANSMISSIONS

FORD:
1981-2003 Escort
1984-1995 Thunderbird
1985-2007 Mustang
1985-1996 Bronco
1985-2007 Ranger
1986-1997 Aerostar
1991-2004 Explorer
1995-2007 F-150
1996-2007 F-Super Duty
2001-2003 Explorer Sport Trac, Explorer Sport

LINCOLN:
2001-2002 Lincoln LS

MERCURY:
1984-1995 Cougar
1987-1999 Tracer

ISSUE
MERCON(R) Automatic Transmission Fluid is being replaced by MERCON(R) V as the service fluid for manual transmissions originally requiring MERCON(R).

ACTION
Beginning immediately all manual transmission applications requiring MERCON(R) can now be serviced using MERCON(R) V or MERCON(R) Automatic Transmission Fluid or dual usage fluids labeled MERCON(R) / MERCON(R) V. After July 1, 2007, MERCON(R) Automatic Transmission Fluid will no longer be manufactured, therefore, availability of this fluid will continue until remaining inventory has been depleted.

[JC316]

I mix them all the time and never have an issue. Only transmission that i know of that doesn't like mercon V is the E4OD.

[BP]

Just about any synthetic ATF should meet Mercon V standards. It's for a manual so the friction modifiers won't matter, you just don't want anything that'll eat up the brass.

[white trash wagon]

I bought some Royal Purple Synchromax - which is specifically designed for manual tranny's that use ATF.

A little pricey, but hey, I got 160K out of the factory fill.

[YALE]

You shouldn't ever have to change it again.

[white trash wagon]

You shouldn't ever have to change it again.

That's why I sprung for $49 for the synchromax - I'll never do it again

[Blackpony]

I put the valvoline synchromax in my 96 mazda with no issues. It shifts smoother and is a bit quieter.

[white trash wagon]

OK, Changed the trans fluid - after 160K miles, the factory fluid was still a translucent dark red. Had a about an half a teaspoon of iron sludge on the magnetic drain plug.

I put in the Royal Purple Synchromax, which 3 quarts was $49 to my door via Amazon.com.

It does shift smoother & has a little less gear whine- which is great! But I could have bought 3 quarts of regular Mercon V for $15 - and the regular stuff is a synthetic blend.

For a daily driver truck, I'm not sure it was worth extra $34. Probably would great for drag racing, or a rally car.