Re: Trans Fluid for a twin ultramatic? Power Steering fill mark and fluid?

Posted by BH On 2014/3/18 12:59:59

That's sage advice to follow, Al, provided those original types are still available.

What the PQIA chart (cited by DrewLA) doesn't clearly show is that there was only ONE type of automatic transmission fluid prior to the 1960s - Type A, which was replaced by Type A, Suffix A (AQ-ATF). It was even used by Ford - until the evolution of their transmission technology and corresponding fluid specifications begat Type F.

Of course, anyone who knows their Fords knows that they shouldn't use anything else when Type F is specified. However, I didn't feel compelled to dig into those details since this is a Packard forum.

Though Dexron was the next successor in the Type A lineage and was specifically recommended to me for the Ultramatic, there have been an undeniable number of compliants regarding noise in the Direct Drive clutch from owners who have drained and refilled their Ultramtic with Dexron II and subsequent 'specifications' thereof.

The fact is that some have reported relief from that issue by switching to Type F. Now, whether that's because that fluid is actually better-suited or merely delaying an inevitable rebuild remains to be seen, but what does an owner really have to lose by trying Type F, if Dexron doesn't satisfy?

One point that DrewLA brought up really caught my eye: that Ford's MERCON specification followed their implementation of lock-up torque converters. However, keep in mind that the details of that technology are quite a bit different than what was used in the Ultramatic.

Meanwhile, as people continue to question what fluid to use in the Ultramatic, I welcome the introduction of additional factual evidence.