I just bought a 99 3.0 with 142,000 miles, automatic. The tranny fluid looks good and doesn't seem to use any fluid. I was wondering if I should change the fluid and filter now or what a while. If so, what type of fluid (Synthetic vs. regular)?

Nobody has any comments on this? No suggestions?

How about synthetic vs. regular fluid. Which do you prefer?

My older 2000 Ranger , I changed the trans fluid every 35000 miles , some wait longer but I like to always keep the fluids newer . My 1500 Ram , I used the Synthetic and had great luck as I logged in over 185 000 miles and had some noise coming out of it for a while but as a commuter it lasted a long time . My new Ranger , I have not checked the maintainance schedule but I think its around 50 K . As always fluids should be changed regularly depending on your driving , slow and hard or on the highway . Mine is 90 percent highway so every month I change the oil , but around 5 or 6 months I do everything , tranny , engine , and rear end . I am a synthetic lover as I have had a lot of good luck with it . My wifes Honda , I change her oil , say every 2 to 3 months , sometimes a little longer , as she does an 11 mile a day commute .

Hope this helps ....

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Merlin215

2010 Ford Ranger 4 wheel drive
Black
XLT Power Group package