The guy at the parts place said I can run ATF+3 through my 904. I asi you can't, you should only run Dexron. Who is right?

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82 D150-225/727
02 Dakota-3.9/5 speed
87 GMC C7000-8.2 Detroit Diesel/5+2

I'm not the Torqueflite 'Guru', but in a few conversations with the 'reputable' shop in town. A-904/727 you want to run Dexron/Mercon.
You can run Type F in them too, but this can cause the bands to stick to the drums and cause some premature wear (especially if you haven't 'tuned' your shift pattern, or installed an aggressive shift kit).
ATF+3 is slicker than Dexron, and can be used in the A904/727, but may cause some other 'problems' (bands not 'grabbing' at the right time, etc...)

I used to have a Ramcharger with the A-518 that used ATF+3, and some shops in town told the customer's they could 'cheap out' and run Dexron Mercon instead....seems it was the best way to get more tranny overhauls booked for business....

someone else should chime in here to confirm the reasons for the 'yeah' or 'Nay'...

-D.Idiot

Yeah you can but since the +3 is like double the $$$$ save it and run regular Dexron. Some people confuse the Dexron III with the ATF+3 (Chrysler calls it Type 7176) The +3 is actually recommended for like 89 or 90 and newer where there are more solenoids controlling different trans functions rather than a hydraulic circuit. If you run the Dexron in a newer application, the converter will sometimes "hunt" ( kick in/out like it cant decide what it should do) and cause a shudder or a vibration, the +3 is supposed to be better for that. This is especially so in some of the FWD applications like the A604 in Caravans, etc. If you run a non lockup converter the +3, while it can be used without a problem, is a waste of $$$$ but if you do have a lockup model, even if it is an older version, if it has been running fine on Dexron, stay with it but if it acts like I already described, +3 may be all it takes to cure it. It is slipprier (sp) as was said for Type F, but I dont know by how much. There are different additives in it for things like anti foam, etc.

technology sucks,makes things more difficult for old school cats like me !!

Well, to add a little more controversy, what do you all think about mixing fluids?'ve got an 85 Ram Van with A727, have drained bad fluid and will be adjusting bands/line pressure, replacing filter, and filling her back up with fresh fluid. Have got about 3 quarts of Dexron III/Mercon, and will need to buy another gallon of fluid, so just thought I'd ask. Would mixing two types (Dexron III and ATF +3, or Dexron III and "regular Dexron" (?)), be a sort of "compromise" between the two, or would it be a bad idea, as far as the chemical properties of the two fluids? One other thing I find interesting, I see on my container of Dexron III, the statement "Recommended for GM, Ford, and certain Import vehicles". Why no mention of Chrysler??? Any thoughts on what's best for an 85 A727 Ram van, automatic 3 spd with 318? Perhaps the fact that it's currently slipping in first gear only (and I'm HOPING that new fluid, filter and adjustments will correct that) would affect the choice of fluid??? Any suggestions? Will be borrowing an inch-lb torque wrench today to make band adjustments, checking line pressure adjustment, and putting new filter on soon...

volaredon is right; why waste your money? The dexron products work just fine in the non-OD transmissions.
Dexron III meets all prior dexron requirements, so as long as it says dexron on the label, dont worry.
+3 has been superseded to +4 now, and the label claims it is "fully compatible with all transmissions requiring ATF, +2, or +3".
If you've got an auto OD (fwd or rwd), you need this stuff.
Otherwise, it's not worth the $4.50 a quart.
Save your money for a trans rebuild in case it doesn't wake up after your service. Here's hoping it does!

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"A mechanic is Somebody."
- Jim Preston