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Majja13's avatar
Majja13
Explorer
Jul 16, 2015

ATF Fluid which one

Ok I know I need Dex VI, is there a recommend brand for this. AC Delco, Valvoline etc.

One more question what is the recommended fluid that you all use on your differentials I need to change this also just not sure what to change it too.

Thank you
Matt
  • Just for clarficaion, because there is always some confusion about this: Dex VI is newer than Dex III. Dex III is NOT synthetic. Dex VI was introduced in 2006 and is a synthetic blend. It runs cooler and is far better than Dex III. It's backward compatible, and in fact GM recommends using Dex VI in transmissions that previously were speced to use Dex III. That's why the OP's shopped used it in his last fluid change.

    As {tpc} said, brand is not important. I've used NAPA's brand of Dex VI in several vehicles. It's about a buck cheaper per quart than the brand name stuff.

    {tpc} wrote:
    I have an 07 but I used mobil one in the front diff, and lucas oil in the rear, because I couldn't find the right weight stuff for the rear in mobil one.


    Interestingly enough, Mobil One's gear oil does not meet GM specs. I used it anyway on the front differential of my old Trailblazer.

    Matt, the spec for what type of differential fluid should be used is listed in your manual. I hesitate to tell you what my manual says because you have the previous generation of truck.
  • As for the diff's, whatever weight is recommended and then get some good synthetic type stuff. I have an 07 but I used mobil one in the front diff, and lucas oil in the rear, because I couldn't find the right weight stuff for the rear in mobil one.
  • I believe as long as it says Dex VI it is the same stuff, more or less. There are a couple brands that or original source and then some are reformulaters, but in the end I don't think it matters.

    I try to stick to name brand stuff. Best deal I found was on amazon, like 12 qts for $55 shipped. Havoline, which I think is a original source supplier.
  • Old-Biscuit wrote:
    If it meets MFG. Specs.......brand doesn't matter

    Have you checked out what is specified in owners manual?


    It calls for DEX III. Not brand specific. When I had the flush and filter done last time the shop moved up to Dex VI then new synthetic Dex III.
  • I ran Walmart SuperTech Dex in my '97 GM trans and t-case. Same brand of gearlube went in the differentials of that truck.
    Truck I have now gets the same Walmart fluids of required type/viscosity.
  • If it meets MFG. Specs.......brand doesn't matter

    Have you checked out what is specified in owners manual?