Which Lubegard additive to use with ATF+4?

[Number_35]

I've been thinking of adding Lubegard to the ATF+4 used in our 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan w/ 3.3 and 4-speed AT.

No driveability issues, simply wanting to keep the transmission as healthy as reasonably possible.

Shortly after we bought the van almost four years ago, I replaced the transmission oil pan with a pan with a drain plug. At the time of the pan replacement, I replaced the filter.

That was at 199,000 km (c. 124,000 miles). We're now at 265,000 km (c. 164,000 miles), and I've done several drain-and-fills. Each drain is about 2.5 US quarts.

For the first fill (with the pan drop) and several after that, I added Castrol synthetic ATF+4.

I couldn't find the Castrol last time, and bought NAPA-branded ATF+4.

So why do I want to add Lubegard?

If the transmission fails, the cost of a repair would likely exceed the value of the van. It's not worth much, but has served us well, and I think will continue to, barring a major mechanical failure. It would be good if it lasts another couple of years, to get us through the grandchildren's multiple-car-seat era. I figure the Lubegard would be cheap added insurance, and will buy me some peace of mind. (I probably don't actually have to justify this to the BITOG crew.)

So, which Lubegard product would you recommend for my application?

Thanks!

 

[Egg_Head]

You would be better served simply continuing on your robust AT service model.

 

[JavierH19]

I think upgrading to better atf is the only real solution. HPL blue cc or redline c+ would be what i'd use.

 

[Slick3914]

You would be better served simply continuing on your robust AT service model.

Agreed, ATF+4 is a quality fluid. With that said Lubegard Red certainly wouldn’t hurt anything.

 

[Number_35]

Agreed, ATF+4 is a quality fluid. With that said Lubegard Red certainly wouldn’t hurt anything.

I presume that any ATF that meets the ATF+4 requirements will be fully synthetic, correct?

 

[slacktide_bitog]

No need for Lubegard. Frequent/regular ATF changes are sufficient. That drain plug was the most important thing to add

You should consider using Redline C+ ATF. It has the same add pack as licensed ATF+4 but with a better base oil.

 

[JavierH19]

I presume that any ATF that meets the ATF+4 requirements will be fully synthetic, correct?

I've seen some that are semi synthetic. This one popped up first page. https://myoildepot.com/shop/classic-cars/transmission-fluid-classic-cars/atf4-semi-synthetic/

 

[Number_35]

I've seen some that are semi synthetic. This one popped up first thing. https://myoildepot.com/shop/classic-cars/transmission-fluid-classic-cars/atf4-semi-synthetic/

Thanks, good information. Given our extreme winters (-35 C overnight recently), I'd prefer to use a full-synthetic ATF (and PSF, and of course motor oil).

 

[CharBaby]

Right, what others have said about not to needing an ATF additive with ATF+4 due to it already having a “friction modifier” in its chemistry. However, LubeGard RED would be the one to use if you were to do so.

 

[panthermike]

I use LG platinum in all my rides but used Red for many years. Nothing wrong with running a premium ATF either

 

[demarpaint]

I use LG Red with ATF+4.

 

[CharBaby]

panthermike,
Doesn’t LG Platinum add more friction modifier than one might need when using an OEM type of ATF(other than Dexron/Mercon), that already has its FM added in?
That’s my thinking anyway.

 

[D60]

I just dumped a full bottle of Red into a 46RE today along with a spill 'n fill. Did it do anything? Probably not, but it seemed "fine" on my test drive. The owner says it was "slipping" before but I don't know what that means to her.

 

[Number_35]

I can find Mobil ATF+4 locally.

Good stuff?

 

[panthermike]

panthermike,
Doesn’t LG Platinum add more friction modifier than one might need when using an OEM type of ATF(other than Dexron/Mercon), that already has its FM added in?
That’s my thinking anyway.

I've heard Mola talk about this before and honestly I'm not sure if it's problematic or not. I've done probably 200k miles cumulatively with the Plat and no issues. I definitely don't overdose it though; 1oz/qt or slightly less. LG says that platinum can be used with any ATF. There are several members here that run it as well with no concerns, I believe @ctechbob might be one as well?

 

[lakestone]

I would get some AMSOIL ATF or even better, Red Line C+ ATF and don't use any additives. I don't believe in snake oil. Use quality parts, and save yourself the hasttle.

 

[ctechbob]

I've heard Mola talk about this before and honestly I'm not sure if it's problematic or not. I've done probably 200k miles cumulatively with the Plat and no issues. I definitely don't overdose it though; 1oz/qt or slightly less. LG says that platinum can be used with any ATF. There are several members here that run it as well with no concerns, I believe @ctechbob might be one as well?

Yup, for roughly 50k now in my 10R80 with either Motorcraft ULV or Valvoline ULV (Whichever I can get cheaper).

--Edit--

At 1oz/qt.

 

[Number_35]

I would get some AMSOIL ATF or even better, Red Line C+ ATF and don't use any additives. I don't believe in snake oil. Use quality parts, and save yourself the hasttle.

Lubegard is well-regarded in general. Per the folks here, it's not snake oil.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

I can find Mobil ATF+4 locally.

Good stuff?

Mobil ATF+4 is licensed ATF+4 and is the same as any other licensed ATF+4

 

[lakestone]

Lubegard is well-regarded in general. Per the folks here, it's not snake oil.

I don't know about additives, but AMSOIL makes the best lubricants, with Red Line being a close second.