The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline recommended ATF Dextron three brands for 54 Hydramatic

A good dextron 3 seems to be harder and harder to find these days, does anyone recommend a good ATF for 54 1/2 ton hydramatic

That would be Dexron? Although, I have seen pros call it Dextron (maybe there was/is a non-GM product with that name?)

Hydramatic/Hydra-Matic

"2016 - DEXRON III(K) for Manual Transmissions
On August 1, 2016, GM released the Dexron III (K) fluid specification (GM Spec GMW17639) as a fluid to support older GM manual transmissions and power steering systems requiring the previously discontinued Dexron-III(H) fluid."

"Dexron VI fully replaces Dexron III and prior evolutions of the Dexron fluids. GM manufactured the liquid for compatibility with transmissions requiring earlier versions of the fluid. Dexron VI works in any vehicle that requires ATF-A (the original automatic transmission fluid) or a Dexron variation. GM's newest vehicles require the use of Dexron VI in the transmissions, however."

1954 Chevrolet Truck OPERATOR'S MANUAL >

xfiles

Here's a couple of links that may help you decide what to use.

This is a general history, talking about how Type A was replaced by Type F, and then Dexron. Other types are discussed as well.
Here is a site that talks more about Type F, which is still available. The only thing about using Type F in your Chevy is that it might break out in hives.

Ok so I guess I spelled it wrong and and I read something about how they Changed the ATF some 50 or 60 years ago with fluid that doesn’t exist anymore, thanks

I just did a ring and pinion 3.55 change out which I nailed run out and backlash and pinion depth so hoping for something a little more informative regarding transmission fluid than a history lesson. Sorry for being snarky after all this detailed work I just completed.

" . . . so hoping for something a little more informative regarding transmission fluid than a history lesson."

The history lessons were provided as a support for the final product recommendations (just in case anyone reading this is interested in documentation).

Dexron VI is what you need.

I was told that type F was too "grippy" and would ruin the clutch disks in a hydra-matic. Kenneth Crelnwedge pointed out that type A is still available but just not stocked anymore.

Dex/MERC is labeled as a replacement for Dexron III and IV.
Look carefully at the label in the pic I attached.

The history lessons were provided as a support for the final product recommendations (just in case anyone reading this is interested in documentation).[/quote]
I Love history lessons!

My favorite subject in school, next to shop of course.

DEXRON-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid is suitable for use in vehicles that specify the following requirements: fully licensed and approved by GM, recommended for use in GM transmissions model year 2006 and newer calling for DEXRON-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (replaces DEXRON-III and DEXRON-II(E), or recommended for any other vehicle manufacturer that calls for DEXRON-VI, III, or II(E). GM OE DEXRON-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid is not for use in CVT (Continuously Variable Transmissions) or DCT (Dual Clutch Transmissions) which require specialized fluids.

I just talk to a seasoned pro and he said Dex 3 will work just fine and that 54 Hydra-Matic isn't that fussy, you could pee in it and it would run just fine. You can use Dex 6 but it cost twice as much as Dex 3. You can still find Dex 3. The automatic transmissions in the forty's and back used whale oil, those are a little more fussier. He wouldn't guarantee the tranny with the pee though...

When G.M discontinued Dexron III the they renamed it "manual transmission & transfer case fluid (1 bottle #88861800 for use in gear boxes that required Dexron III, RTV sealant used on some boxes would degrade over time from the Dexron VI.