Correct Auto Trans Fluid?
 

I'm about to replace the fluid in my '58 Cruise-O-Matic. Is Type F the best way to go?

Re: Correct Auto Trans Fluid?
 

Yes...

Re: Correct Auto Trans Fluid?
 

The Type "F" has a friction additive in it . Ford transmissions all the way up to about 1970 need the old "F" type .

Re: Correct Auto Trans Fluid?
 

Do they even make the type A anymore?

Re: Correct Auto Trans Fluid?
 

As a matter of fact, they do ! Ive seen it in Advance stores , Pep Boys and one time in an O' rieley store ..............

Re: Correct Auto Trans Fluid?
 

Sounds off the wall I know, but whenever I have a question like this I refer to Amazon.com. They sell everything!! :eek::eek:

Don't necessarily buy from Amazon but sometimes do. Cheaper price, free shipping.

Re: Correct Auto Trans Fluid?
 

lol. "Get my trans fluid from Amazon" lol.. whats next?

What would anyone recommend. Type A or type F?

Re: Correct Auto Trans Fluid?
 

Don't know if you guys know about this or not, but Oprah is going to have a show on fuels and lubricants on soon. Normally don't watch her, but having Martha Stewart on as an expert on the subject sure clinched it for me.

Re: Correct Auto Trans Fluid?
 

AN IFFIN ya believe Martha Stewart's advice , lemmie sell ya some cheap stock for the Dulles Toll road here in Virginia ! :mad:

Re: Correct Auto Trans Fluid?
 

Type F was for Ford transmissions with OEM/ original clutch lining material. After they have been rebuilt with aftermarket clutches you can use type A/ or Dexron.
There are not many of these transmissions that haven't been rebuilt as they are at least 40-50 years old.
Your choice but I would go with Type A/ Dexron.
Bill

Re: Correct Auto Trans Fluid?
 

I used Type F in my 56 Fordomatic with no problems. I assume it was rebuilt sometime in the past. Original was Type A

Re: Correct Auto Trans Fluid?
 

Thanks guys....it seems like type F is the safest choice since I don't have a complete history of the trany.

Re: Correct Auto Trans Fluid?
 

And you can get it from Amazon.com Free shipping. Gift wrapped if you wish.

Re: Correct Auto Trans Fluid?
 

If type F is best,why do the Fordomatic and 55/56 shop manuals say to use type A?

Re: Correct Auto Trans Fluid?
 

haha Gift wrapped. Good present for my car

Re: Correct Auto Trans Fluid?
 

I personally think it is because type A is an obsolete fluid. Meaning GM and Ford both used type A back in the day and over the years have each made their own type per their own recommendations. So instead of having 10 different types on the auto store shelves, It just became what it is now.

At least that is what I tell myself.

Re: Correct Auto Trans Fluid?
 

By the late 70's , early 80's , type "A " was usually a very cheap grade of hydraulic oil and canned by using the left overs from whatever was on the lines . I was in contact with a couple of companies in Texas who routinely did this ...........

Re: Correct Auto Trans Fluid?
 

Read the dipstick. No, I'm not calling anyone names. LOL. I mean the oil dipstick in the transmission will clearly tell you the type of transmission fluid to use. I think there is more to the different types of fluid than friction qualities; they also have compatability issues with the rubber part internal to the tranny. Just to be safe, use what the dipstick says to use.

Re: Correct Auto Trans Fluid?
 

Another point: originally, Ford-O-Matics and Cruise-O-Matics used bronze faced friction clutch discs for which Type A was used. Type A also originally used sperm whale oil as an essential additive (before whaling was outlawed and/or before sperm whales became nearly extinct). Somewhere along the line another type of additive was developed and paper faced clutch discs replaced the bronze (don't remember if the two went hand in hand).

Re: Correct Auto Trans Fluid?
 

Type A us usually not obtainable, hardly any stores carry it and many may not even be able to order it.