The right transmission fluid and filter depend on your vehicle, transmission type, and required part numbers. Valvoline MaxLife is the fluid choice in this selection, while the other four products are filter kits for specific transmission applications. ACDelco Gold is a replacement filter option; the remaining kits target particular GM, Allison, and 722.6 transmissions. Check your owner’s manual and verify fitment before ordering, because these products are not interchangeable.
| Product | Best For | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Valvoline MaxLife Multi-Vehicle ATF | Buyers needing automatic transmission fluid | Fluid |
| ACDelco Gold TF289 | Buyers seeking a replacement filter kit | Filter kit |
| 6L80E/6L90E Filter Kit | Specified GM transmission applications | Filter |
| Allison 1000 Filter Kit | Specified 2001–2010 HD trucks | Filter kit |
| 722.6 Filter Kit | Vehicles equipped with a 722.6 transmission | Filter kit |
Valvoline MaxLife Multi-Vehicle ATF
Best for: Buyers who need automatic transmission fluid and whose vehicle is listed as compatible. This full synthetic ATF is described as suitable for 95% of vehicles, including most CVTs in operation in U.S.-registered light-duty applications. That broad claim does not replace checking the vehicle’s required fluid specification.
Valvoline says its conditioning agents help maintain seal elasticity to prevent leaks, while anti-wear technology is intended to support durability and transmission life. This is a gallon of fluid, not a filter kit, so choose it when fluid is needed rather than as a complete filter-service purchase.
Limitation: “Multi-vehicle” does not mean universal. Confirm the exact fluid requirement in the owner’s manual before use, especially for a CVT or other transmission with a specific fluid specification.
ACDelco Gold TF289 Filter Kit
Best for: Buyers whose vehicle calls for the TF289 filter kit and who prefer an ACDelco Gold aftermarket replacement part. The listed felt filter media is designed to provide high filtration efficiency while maintaining fluid flow.
This is a practical filter-focused choice when the part number matches the vehicle’s service requirements. ACDelco notes that some Gold parts may previously have appeared under the ACDelco Professional name, which can help shoppers recognize older product references.
Limitation: The supplied product details do not list vehicle fitment. Confirm the TF289 number against the vehicle’s application or existing filter before purchasing; do not assume it fits based on brand alone.
6L80E And 6L90E Transmission Filter
Best for: Owners with a listed 6L80, 6L80E, 6L90, or 6L90E transmission. The product identifies filter numbers 24236931, 24236933, 24238229, and 24236517, and lists a range of Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac applications.
The filter is intended to remove impurities from transmission oil. Its stated material characteristics include wear and corrosion resistance. Choose this kit if both the transmission family and replacement part number match your vehicle; the long vehicle list makes checking the exact year and model especially important.
Limitation: The listing explicitly advises confirming the OEM part number. A vehicle name appearing in the fitment description alone is not enough to establish compatibility.
Allison 1000 Internal And External Filter Kit
Best for: Owners of listed 2001–2010 Chevrolet Silverado or GMC Sierra 2500HD and 3500 HD models with a 6.6L Duramax and Allison 1000 or 2000 transmission. The kit includes a shallow-pan internal filter and a spin-on external filter, with a gasket part number also identified.
The listed replacement numbers are 29537965 for the internal filter, 29539579 for the external filter, and 29549684 for the pan gasket. The product describes multilayer filter material intended to intercept debris and sludge while allowing fluid flow.
Limitation: This is a narrowly specified application. Avoid choosing it for another transmission or model year without confirming fitment and all relevant part numbers.
722.6 Automatic Transmission Filter Kit
Best for: Buyers whose vehicle has a 722.6 transmission and matches the listed Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler, or Sprinter applications. The kit is designed to filter transmission fluid and help prevent debris from clogging the valve body and other parts.
The listing provides OE numbers 1402770095, 52108325AA, 5073878AA, and A1402770095. Compare those numbers with the vehicle’s required part number. The product description also identifies gear-change difficulty, rattling, leaks, and smoke as signs to check, but those symptoms can have multiple causes and do not confirm that a filter is the problem.
Limitation: The kit is specified for 722.6 transmissions only. Verify the transmission type and part number before ordering.
Buying Guide: How To Choose Transmission Fluid And A Filter
Does the vehicle need fluid, a filter, or both?
Transmission fluid and filters serve different purposes. Valvoline MaxLife is fluid; the other products are filter options. A filter purchase does not include the Valvoline fluid, and the listed fluid product does not include a filter. Check the maintenance procedure and required parts for your vehicle before buying.
How can you verify compatibility?
Start with the owner’s manual, service information, or a trusted parts lookup. Match the transmission type, vehicle year and model, and OEM or replacement part number. For the listed 6L80/6L90 and 722.6 kits, part-number confirmation is especially important. The Allison kit specifies both a transmission family and a limited model-year range.
What should you compare when choosing fluid?
Follow the exact fluid specification required by the transmission manufacturer. Do not select fluid solely because the label says multi-vehicle or mentions CVTs. Check whether the product’s stated application covers your vehicle and transmission before use.
When is a vehicle-specific kit preferable?
A targeted kit can be useful when its transmission and replacement numbers match the application. The Allison option lists internal and external filters, while the other kits have different stated scopes. Compare kit contents and part numbers with the parts required for the planned service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use transmission fluid without replacing the filter?
Whether to replace the filter depends on the vehicle’s maintenance instructions and service needs. Check the recommended procedure rather than assuming every fluid change requires the same parts.
Is Valvoline MaxLife suitable for every CVT?
No. The product description says it covers most CVTs in operation in U.S.-registered light-duty applications, not every CVT. Confirm the exact fluid specification for your vehicle.
Are the transmission filter kits interchangeable?
No. Each kit has a specific stated transmission or application. Match its fitment and part numbers to the vehicle before purchase.
Do these products include both fluid and a filter?
No. The Valvoline product is transmission fluid. The other four listings are filter products or filter kits.
What information should I have before ordering?
Have the vehicle year, make, model, transmission type, and required OEM or replacement part number available. Use them to confirm fitment rather than relying on a broad vehicle description alone.