1G Power Steering Fluid

[Yamadaaaa009]

I've looked around the forum and everyone's answer is confusing.

Some people recommend using ATF Dexron 3, while some say it's better to use Power Steering Fluid as it can withstand higher heat (?). In the manual it says to use Dexron 2 (
MOPAR ATF PLUS (Automatic Transmission Fluid Type 7176) / Automatic transmission fluid or “DEXRON” or “DEXRON II”) and people say Dexron 3 is backwards compatible.

I have a bottle of Dia Plus Mitsubishi Power Steering Fluid Dexron 3 laying around and would like to ask if I can use this. I can't seem to find details on this as I've only seen ATF as Dexron 3 and not PSF.

Would also like to get some recommended brands. Valvoline and Mag1 Dexron 3 seem to be the most accessible here.

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[dwb]

The power steering system is just a pump and hydraulic cylinder. Nothing overly complicated.
If you have ATF in it now, stick with ATF. I wouldn't mix Power Steering Fluid with ATF (although it likely won't have any serious issues if you do). ATF is cheap and easy to find. Any brand of DEX III will work and is likely what you will find on the store shelf. I can't speak for the PSF you have, but it sounds like ATF branded as PSF.

 

[We're on Boost]

I have a bottle of Dia Plus Mitsubishi Power Steering Fluid Dexron 3 laying around and would like to ask if I can use this. I can't seem to find details on this as I've only seen ATF as Dexron 3 and not PSF.

Would also like to get some recommended brands. Valvoline and Mag1 Dexron 3 seem to be the most accessible here.

I would think that bottle of Dexron III that you show should be fine.

As you said, the FSM for 1g (and also for 1997 2g) says Dexron II for the power steering. When you read the Product Information (PI) sheets for currently available fluids, if they are backward compatible with Dexron II and Dexron III, they will usually say so.
For example, if you wanted to look for what Valvoline fluid to use, it would be VALVOLINE MAXLIFE MULTI-VEHICLE TRANSMISSION FLUID. In the recommended applications they show some Dexron II, Dexron III, as well as Mitsubishi SP-II and SP-III.
https://www.valvolineglobal.com/en/maxlife-multi-vehicle-atf/

In 2018 I looked high and low for DEXRON II. I ended up buying Chevron MD-3 which is stated as being "Formulated for applications that call for the former DEXRON®-III H". They don't even mention Dexron II. That's what I've been using (Chevron MD-3) and it's been fine. https://www.chevronlubricants.com/en_us/home/products/chevron-automatic-transmission-fluid-md-3.html

So I don't think you have to be too particular, as long as it is something suitable for replacing Dexron II or III and is a reputable brand.

 

[Yamadaaaa009]

Thanks everyone!