Anyone else use this ATF in their Gladiator 8-speed?

[PSO]

Either a bot or autistic. Either way their info is appreciated

Sorry spell check

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[Maximus Gladius]

So, anyone else think g2020 is an AI chatbot? Looking at their posts it seems likely.

@g2020 is definitely human. His research is top of the charts. It’s just how he rolls. Great guy!

 

[Maximus Gladius]

Either a bot or autistic. Either way their info is appreciated

Not a bot and retains info and researches at higher levels, for fun, most never dream is possible…that includes me.

 

[WILDHOBO]

The dealer used the VIN for me, also. I know it's not MOPAR oil. This is what they said they use unless somebody specifically asks for the Mopar factory fluid.

Which you definitely should in my opinion.

 

[Hootbro]

I would have no problem using it. Looking at the product spec sheets for it, Valvoline MaxLife ATF and ZF Lifeguard 8 fluid, it hits the physical property ranges for all the major data points I would expect. If anything, it has a slightly better pour point than the other two.

My biggest concern though has to do with how the product is expected to be sold? They do not normally do direct to consumer sales of their products and expect them to be sold and used in a professional dealership service environment. I would be asking the question of BG if they warranty the fluid sold and used outside those environments as sometimes things sold in gray market channels may not carry any warranty.

 

[PSO]

I would have no problem using it. Looking at the product spec sheets for it, Valvoline MaxLife ATF and ZF Lifeguard 8 fluid, it hits the physical property ranges for all the major data points I would expect. If anything, it has a slightly better pour point than the other two.

My biggest concern though has to do with how the product is expected to be sold? They do not normally do direct to consumer sales of their products and expect them to be sold and used in a professional dealership service environment. I would be asking the question of BG if they warranty the fluid sold and used outside those environments as sometimes things sold in gray market channels may not carry any warranty.

I don't know, I didn't buy it because of the warranty; I just followed the parts man's recommendation.

 

[PSO]

What’s the milage on your 21? I would take that back and get the Mopar 8/9 speed ATF. If you are the least bit concerned about changes or effects in the transmission by using something else, then don’t change the chemistry of what was in there from day one.

70,000 miles. Just trying to figure out what I want to do.

 

[WILDHOBO]

I don't know, I didn't buy it because of the warranty; I just followed the parts man's recommendation.

That parts man is not looking out for you.

 

[WILDHOBO]

70,000 miles. Just trying to figure out what I want to do.

Do what others have recommended. Stay with the IDENTICAL fluid that’s in there. Expensive fluid is way cheaper than a transmission.

 

[Stan H]

I don't know, I didn't buy it because of the warranty; I just followed the parts man's recommendation.

If He tells you to use something else besides Mopat 8&9 speed fluid or the ZF fluid your making a mistake . Trust me use the original stuff.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Hey y’all! The other day I went to the Jeep dealership and asked for transmission fluid for my 2021 Gladiator Rubicon. They handed me this fluid BG 3153 Low Viscosity Full Synthetic (picture below), and told me this is what they use in all the Gladiators and other Jeeps with the 8-speed transmission.

I went ahead and bought it, but before I do the fluid change, I just wanted to ask around:

• Has anyone else used this specific fluid in their Gladiator?
• Is this what your dealer or local shop uses too?
• Any long-term experiences or issues?
• Does it meet the required spec for the 8HP75 transmission?

Not trying to overthink it—I just like to be sure before I pour it in. Appreciate any feedback from folks who’ve done this already.

Thanks!

You're kidding - a dealer putting in a fluid other than what ZF recommends?

That parts man is not looking out for you.

I find it extremely weird that a MOPAR parts guy would be selling that specific fluid over their own fluid, and it's not even something packaged for resale or off-the-shelf sales.

And I know fluids can meet certain things like pour points, viscosities and this and that, but if the additive packages collide, you can have issues.
An empty transmission maybe, but one where you are only changing part of the fluid, I'd not mix. I' know of two experts who will even say "don't mix oils" and what is ATF but an oil.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Lifetime fluid only exists in marketing. Running any auto trans much past 60k without a fluid change is foolish.

Hmmm, as a person who has worked on countless dozens of automatics over the decades, not sure I agree with that.
It depends totally on the use, 100% Depending on the vehicle, with modern transmissions and modern fluids, I've no issues going over 60 - IF it hasn't met certain use conditions.

I want to know who that dealer is so I can make very sure I never end up there even in an emergency.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

It is true that BG Products states that PN 3153 is compliant with ZF LifeguardFluid 8. MOPAR 8 & 9 Speed ATF (68218925AB) is the correct ATF, for the automatic transmission, used by (most) Jeep dealers. MOPAR 68218925AB is an exact equivalent to LifeguardFluid 9. I am suspicious of any dealer that does not use MOPAR unless there is a serious supply shortage (like during COVID).

Yes, and compliant can mean it's a universal that meets many specs sort of. But if you mix chemistries, you run risks, such as defeating anti-foaming, or wear protection (there's a lot of good info from oil engineers on mixing oils and actually LOSING wear protection - same applies to ATF)
Since you can't drain 100% of the fluid out, best to not mix it. If I was doing a complete rebuild and the converter was empty and flushed (and tested) - and it was an older technology transmission, it wouldn't be as critical.

 

[Maximus Gladius]

70,000 miles. Just trying to figure out what I want to do.

70k miles… your “lifetime” fluid is now on borrowed time.

If one of your decisions is to pull an oil sample and have Blackstone or Polaris Labs give you a report, ask for an oxidation test. That would help us gather more data points and would answer how great this lifetime stuff really is.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

70k miles… your “lifetime” fluid is now on borrowed time.

If one of your decisions is to pull an oil sample and have Blackstone or Polaris Labs give you a report, ask for an oxidation test. That would help us gather more data points and would answer how great this lifetime stuff really is.

Yeah, test it.
A lot of highway miles or longer drives it's probably fine (ZF says 93,000 miles/150,000km) but if it's been off-roading, towing anything of substance, that sort of thing, it's probably time.

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