Fordomatic transmission fluid type A or F?

SSsssteamer

SSsssteamer

Well-known member
Time has passed me by in the types of fluids that the automatic transmissions now use. My 1957 Fordomatic uses type A transmission fluid according to the 1957 Ford service book. The Autozone parts house says that I should use type F or the GM/Ford fluid works too. When did they change from type A fluid to type F fluid? How long have they been combining the GM and Ford fluids? What works best in my 1957 Fordomatic transmission? My current transmission oil looks kind of red like the GM Dextron fluid used to look. What happens if one puts the wrong type of fluid in their Fordomatic transmission? Thank you for any help that you can give me.
 
That sure helps. Currently, my 1957 Fordomatic has transmission fluid with the reddish color of the old type GM Dexron transmission fluid. Could this be the new multi-use transmission fluild available today? The transmission I was told, was rebuilt about 10 years ago. Maybe I should change the red fluid out and not take any chances?
 
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Dexron ll is supposed to be the replacement for the original Type A so I have heard. I used Type F with no problem.

I'm not even sure you can get Type A anymore.

I think Ford started using Type F with the C-4/C-6, but not sure.
 
The replacement for type A is mercon/dexron II. Type A fluid has not been available for many decades. I have been driving this '55 with Ford-O-Matic since the early '70s. I was told way back then DO NOT USE TYPE F in a Ford-O-Matic.
 

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steamer

stay away for 'Multi-Purpose', Dexron Type V ( 5 ) and

something ? 'Plus 4' until further notice.

it's down to Dexron/Mercon 2 or 3 ( II or III ).

Have A Nice Day!
 
Tonight I had just purchased 9 quarts of type F from AutoZone. I will take the fluid back and exchange them for the Dexron/Mercon 2 or 3 tomorrow. Since it has been about ten years since the Transmission rebuild, I won't take any chances, I will change the fluid out anyway. While I am at it, I will change out the fluid in our 1957 Bird at the same time. I had the transmission rebuilt in that one in 1978 and I haven't changed the fluid since in that one either. Both our cars are in the attachments. Thank you for the help. I was at a loss without the help of the "Ford Barn"..
 

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steamer

i would say err on the safe side and

'go ahead and take it back'.

NAPA probably does have Type F if

you walk in the store.

i'm not much of a 'returner' myself.

if you want to experiment use the F in one

and the Dexron II ( 2 ) in the other.

if you want to play it safe use all Dexron.

Have A Nice Day!
 
steamer

i haven't heard you say filter and pan gasket.

my understanding is that it's a little tricky

getting the correct ones the first time around.

Have A Nice Day!

PS did you see the Retractable in Hemmings for about two grand.

sitting in a carport and everything!
 
Looked for the 1957 Skyliner Retractable but I didn't see it. It is the only year that interests me. Our Skyliner is nice and the work is all done. One is enough at this time. Now it is time to change out the trans fluid next. I will forego the filter and pan gasket at this time.
 
steamer

i'll just say it, since we're fellow californians.

it's a little better to change the filter too.

part of that is washing 'filings' out of the pan.

a new filter will give you better flow and

pump will not have to work as hard.

changing fluid only is good though.

it's a good step.

Have A Nice Day!
 
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Type F works very well with a early Fordomatic. My car has gone from NY to Oregon, NJ to Ohio and lots a local miles with Type F.
 
Lots of auto trans fluid is red.

SSsssteamer said:
That sure helps. Currently, my 1957 Fordomatic has transmission fluid with the reddish color of the old type GM Dexron transmission fluid. Could this be the new multi-use transmission fluild available today? The transmission I was told, was rebuilt about 10 years ago. Maybe I should change the red fluid out and not take any chances?
Click to expand...
 
Well, I changed out the transmission fluid in both of our '57 s today. The retractable only has 800 miles on its rebuilt transmission so the fluid was nice and clean looking yet. The new fluid was about two shades cleaner than what was drained out. I have no doubts about the filter still being clean in that one. The '57 T bird has about 10,000 miles on its rebuild and the fluid looked like dirty motor oil. Since it was in 1978 that it was last rebuilt, I tend to believe that I should have replaced its pan gasket and filter at the same time. You are right about changing the filters. I should have done it. With the time that both transmissions had on them, I am sure that their additive packages were well used up in both of them by now too.
 
TYPE F fluid was not released until the 1968 model year. It was phased out in the early eighties (except for certain foreign applications and TYPE F specific steering fluid).

TYPE A is replaced by DEXRON III. MERCON (FORD) has been superseded by the fully synthetic MERCON V although the non-synthetic MERCON is still available from outside refiners.

Rule of thumb;

TYPE F can be generally used in DEXRON call outs but not the reverse. TYPE F will also give firmer shifts.
 

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kultuz

we used to put Type F in Mopar 727's to tighten the shifts.

word was though, it would wear out the clutches faster.

since it's almost a 'preservation' thing going on with

these Y blocks and Fordomatic's i think i'll use that

Dexron III you recommend.

have a nice day!
 
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