After searching and browsing through a number of threads regarding fluids for steering, drive trim, and tabs, is there any reason I can't used a Mercon II-rated ATF for everything? I get tired of carrying three different fuilds (plus oil) around.....

Probably not. Type III ATF meets the Mobil DTE-24 spec. ATF has a friction modifier in it that allows it to work with wet clutched. In a simple pump/cylinder/valve setup, that component is basically invisible to the system.

We use it simply because it's less costly than hydraulic fluid.

You would be better off running oil in the trim pumps, both the drives and the tabs. The pumps actually call for SAE 30, but you can run another weight oil in them. I have done it often and have had no problems. I have run everything from 10W-40 to 20W-50 with no troubles. You can run either ATF or p/s fluid in your steering. I would recommend the p/s fluid over the ATF. Now you only need to carry oil and p/s fluid, and your carrying oil anyway. Hope this helps, Eddie.

Chris, I sent you an email. Did you get it?

Caught in the spam catcher. It's been a little hyperactive lately. I get 2 or 3 hundred Viagra and fake Rolex e-mails in there every day.

How did they know?

Were you able to recover it, or do I need to re-send it?

I got it- and one off to you. Thanks for the help!

Thanks, guys. It figures - I can get all the free ATF I want, but not power steering fluid. At least I don't plan on changing it too often....

Just how different is ATF and PS fluid anyways? At least in GM applications they're nearly interchangeable. And what year did drive/tab pumps go to motor oil? My old pumps say ATF only on them. I'm partial to Redline PS fluid and see no reason why that couldn't be used instead of ATF?

Type III ATF has a compound that allows the clutch plates to operate without slipping. PS fluid does not. PS fliud is simply light hydraulic oil.