Preferred fluids- power steering, auto trans, coolant

[Kesp4.0]

I'm getting ready to fire this thing up. It is empty of every fluid, and with all new components I'd like to start off with whatever is best. I think I've figured out what oil to use, but would like to know which AT fluid is the best, as well as what coolant and PS fluid you guys prefer. Do these still run best with the old green coolant? It's been almost a decade since I've put fluids in (or even driven) this vehicle so I'm curious if there are newer, better types of these fluids that are now available. Thanks

 

[BKennedy]

There must be a thousand threads about this, please use the search function

 

[Kesp4.0]

There are a thousand threads, which is why I figured I’d start a new thread that could have all of this new, current info in one place for me to look at. I’ve read tons of other threads, some old, some not so old, where there are myriad suggestions of all types of fluids. *This* thread would give me the most up to date info all in one place with suggestions by folks that are still here and currently driving these trucks, and not old info from people whose vehicles have long ago broken down or been sold off

 

[massacre]

I think the recommended fluids are listed in the owners manual, if you still have that.

 

[Kesp4.0]

I do still have the owners manual, yes. So you've had good luck using everything spec'd out in the original manual? That's good to know. I figured I'd ask if anyone had any luck with different, newer fluids. for example, in reading some threads here on PS fluid some had suggested using Ford type F trans fluid for the PS pump. Others have suggested using Motorcraft synthetic blends in place of the dino oil these were originally spec'd for, due to the now obvious pushrod issues that are common to these trucks.

 

[BKennedy]

These cars are fairly robust, excepting the transmission and if you take care of that it should last as well. The problem with asking these open-ended questions is you are going to end up with 100 different opinions, all of the different. Or, you will end up with a couple of members saying its already been asked and answered.

I would follow the manual for fluid types, but use your personal preference when going synthetic or dino. Its not going to make much difference with the 1st Gen Explorers. The only few I have a personal opinion about from personal experience is using Type F in the power steering system, and flushing it out every 3 or 4 oil changes, and using 85-140 gear oil, just because we live in a warmer climate.

I have had my 1994 since late 1995. It was a early lease return with only a few thousand when I picked it up. It now has 187,000-ish miles. I have gone through two OEM transmissions before I put in the 700R4. When I did that, I used a NP231 transfer case because it was manual and almost free. In 2013 I swapped the front axle for a high pinyon D44 and 14" coil overs. A short time ago I installed a Atlas II transfer case. Engine is finally starting to feel its age but still runs good. I have a spare engine that I am thinking of rebuilding, but might swap in a GM supercharged 3800 V6 L32 SIII because it has the same bolt pattern as the transmission, and has more HP than a 5.0, but not enough to tear up the axles, and is a very reliable powerplant with great aftermarket support.

Here is what I have in the Explorer currently:
Engine - Castrol synthetic 5w-30 with Wix filter, cheap on Amazon. I change the oil once a year so its only a few thousand miles, and use whatever I can get the best deal on.

Transmission - Valvoline Max Life multi-vehicle, but I have a 700R4 GM transmission. Don't remember what OEM takes. Best way to take care of a transmission is to change the fluid at least twice the recommend interval. I got this from the guy I have paid a lot of money over the years to rebuild/repair transmissions.

Transfer Case - Amsoil MTG GL-4, but I have a Atlass II transfer case. OEM takes plain old ATF and I would recommend Mobile One just because of infrequent changes.

Differentials, Lucas 85-140, because its recommended by my locker manufacture (Eaton). Before the lockers I ran Valvoline synthetic for value, and availability, and it works.

Power Steering - Ford Type F because I got a deal on it on RockAuto during a close out. I have at least 5 quarts of the stuff for later. I used to run Mobile One ATF because it quiets older pumps and can handle more heat. I recently replaced my pump with a reman, and the steering box with a RedHead and went with their recommendation. I also have a remote plate cooler in front of the radiator. If you have the original pump, or just a old one, you can use Mobile One ATF and the whine will go away.

 

[Roadrunner777]

On the AT fluid, the manuals specify MERCON fluid. You will not find straight MERCON fluid though, it is now considered obsolete. The best match on the shelf will be MERCON V. Mobile 1 ATF claims to be a universal fluid, which sounds good but I'm not sure there can really be a single AT fluid for all applications, doesn't quite make sense to me... and it's pricey. I'd go with simple MERCON V, brand of your choice. Do not use MERCON SP, it's a different animal.

On engine oil, you're in LA, which I will stereotype and assume you see traffic from time to time, and warm weather. I like a full-synthetic for that, the oil doesn't break down as easily due to heat. Brand of your choice... I used to be very loyal to Mobil 1, but I have become comfortable with Walmart Supertech after running it for many years. I like the Baldwin BT251 oil filter. It is a high quality filter with higher capacity. It is a little longer than the stock filter which makes it much easier to reach but still stays tucked up nicely with the engine. You could use a stock oil filter, I'm just a bit of a geek about filters.

Type F for the PS, and pretty much anything on the shelf for coolant. On the 1st gen Explorer, most of this is really personal preference, as BKennedy said. If it gives you a warm and fuzzy to run synthetic Royal Purple in your diffs/cases, if that makes you happy, go for it. But, you won't see a return on the extra cost. If money is the factor, just run the plain-old gear lubes.

 

[Kesp4.0]

Awesome info, thanks for the thorough explanations as well. I appreciate you guys taking the time to do that. Nice to know I can use Mercon V, as I have a ton of it around because my Fusion uses that and I change the trans fluid on that every 35k. Will def get the type F for the PS and just use regular green coolant. I have a bunch of Motorcraft gold coolant from when I had an 03 Explorer so was considering that but I'll just play it safe and buy the green stuff.
I have no doubts as to how robust a vehicle this is... I guess since I've dumped a few thousand into rebuilding everything I want to start off with the absolute best and user proven fluids I can use in it. Thanks again