[mreric]

I have located a few transmission fluid that has viscosity very close to lifeguard fluid and does not cost $22 a liter. my understanding is that if the viscosity is too high it will cause more drag and lower you mpg.

I found 2 transmission fluid from big brand where there viscosity levels are very close to lifeguard 8 fluid

Lifeguard 8 - $22 per liter
Viscosity, 26 mm2/s (40°C)
Viscosity 5,6 mm2/s (100°C)
Pour point <= -42 °C
Flash point >= 206 °C

https://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-produ...?code=OTLQT-EA
Amsoil OE line about $10 per qt
Viscosity, 28.3 mm2/s (40°C)
Viscosity 5.8 mm2/s (100°C)
Pour point <= -48 °C
Flash point >= 210 °C

Valvoline about $5 per liter
https://sharena21.springcm.com/Publi...ment/18452/9e4

Maxlife ATF
Viscosity @ 40°C, cSt 28.82
Viscosity @ 100°C, cSt 5.91
Viscosity Index 156
Specific Gravity @ 60°F 0.843
Pour Point, °C, -48
Brookfield Viscosity @ -40°C, cP 10200
Flash Point, COC, °C 202


I have personally used Valvoline maxlife in all my other cars-very good fluid. my highest mileage car- a mazda with 260k with perfect shifting still. i think it was better then the OEM fluid- it did not turn black as quick. i also see a lot a Ram owners using it in the ZF8HP70 tranny.


I have looked at bunch of other Euro fluid. Motul, revenol 8hp and a few other, none of them have viscosity level closer then these 2. beside the price is about the same as lifeguard.

i keep my car for long time and to keep them shifting nicely we need to change the fluid! but at $22 per liter. seem kind of high.


anyone else have tried these 2 fluid?

[IraHayes]

As long as it meets ZF’s specs, you should be fine. Just make sure it meets those specs. I used to be a mechanic for a large dealership. I saw the tranny guys (not what you’re thinking) rebuild or replace many transmissions because the incorrect fluid was used. It’s that important.

[crogers]

I'd recommend using Lifeguard fluid. ZF is very clear about not using any other fluid. The way I see it, Lifeguard is expensive but a lot cheaper than a new transmission.

[Polo08816]

Originally Posted by crogers

I'd recommend using Lifeguard fluid. ZF is very clear about not using any other fluid. The way I see it, Lifeguard is expensive but a lot cheaper than a new transmission.

+1. I'd use ZF Lifeguard fluid as long as the car is under warranty.

FCP Euro sells the LiquidMoly Top Tec 1800 ATF which they claim meets the specifications.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/top...i-moly-lm20032

[crogers]

FCP Euro also sells the lifeguard fluid so you can get free fluid after the first flush.

Also, ZF says you need 7 bottles but you only need 6. I used barely more than 5 quarts in mine.