have a '94 ford ranger kingcab pickup w/almost 200thous. mi’s and a leaky pan gasket,have been advised not to fix it as new trans fluids contain detergents that could strip the transmission of much needed lubrication possibly mskeing it worse,been advised to just continue topping it off w/trans fluid…what to do??
If it leaks long enough, and you continue to replace the loss, you’ll eventually replace all the transmission fluid, anyway, won’t you?
Replace the gasket, and filter, and fill with the fluid that Ford recommends. Don’t use the “universal fluids”. The safer money is with the Ford recommended fluid.
I wouldn’t have a problem with that. Just buy a new filter and it will come with a gasket. Make sure the new filter is the improved Microfelt type. It requires a shorter bolt or spacer or it will drop down and suck air. Add a couple magnets in the pan. Do you notice a delay going into reverse? Search low reverse servo on www.explorer4x4.com in A4LD discussion groups. Just don’t use Mercon V, the clutches aren’t rated for this till 96.
have been advised not to fix it as new trans fluids contain detergents that could strip the transmission of much needed lubrication
That sounds about about as crazy an idea as I have ever heard. Just use the fluid Ford recommends. It will be the same stuff that is in there now.
Ford Motor Company has seen problems (as have the other car makers) when people use different automatic transmission fluids than they (Ford) have tested. Be sure to check Ford Technical Service Bulletins for any change in recommended fluids.