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54 packard ultramatic gear drive transmission book says type A fluid. Have been told type F is an alternative.
Which is better? There are only a few brands of type A which is best? What does F have that A doesnt?
Thanks!

Type F is "stickier" than Type A. Helps reduce clutch wear by providing a faster engagement. It also depends on the type of clutch you have, as cork vs. modern types have slightly different amounts of friction. More info here:packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=3267

Understand that Packard engineers tuned the engagement speed and pressure to accomplish a smooth shift, so there is a bit of "slip" built in; you don't want too much nor too little. Compare if you were to shift from 2nd to 3rd on a manual car and just lifted your foot straight off the clutch pedal instead of feathering it a bit and matching the engine RPM with the gas pedal. Wouldn't be very smooth. "Too little" will basically cook the clutch over time in the same way as excessively feathering a clutch in a manual car will.

I don't think it would be a problem to run Type A; if you want to do that, use cheap-o Dexron, example:rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=10188852&cc=0&pt=11387&jsn=494

Note that, contrary to the FAQ article, pretty much everyone runs Type F.

Why do you ask?

I run Type F based on recommendations of others. I've felt that it's helped with smoother transitions. And it's readily available from local sources, whereas type A is not.

Here in the 21st century type A has ---Nothing. It is basically a non grade.

Type F has slightly more aggressive friction characteristics for the benefit of the clutches. I use it in my own and all the customer's Ultras.