Chrysler Repair: 1998 Dodge Caravan transmission: fluid type/faulty part, dodge caravans, chrysler transmissions

Question
The transmission just went out on my 1998 Dodge Caravan (139,00 miles). The guy at the garage I took it to said that Dodge Caravans are notorious for transmission problems. He said the reason mine failed is because of a part that wasn't right when the car was manufactured and that I was very lucky that it lasted this long. If it wasn't right at the factory, why wasn't there a recall? I am the original owner and have always carefully maintained it, and I'd like to avoid a problem in the future.  I asked the mechanic what kind of transmission fluid he would be using when he rebuilt my transmission, and he said dexron ATF3 or dexron ATF4.  I can't remember for sure which one, but one of the two.  Will this be alright for my car or should I go to a Chrysler dealer, buy the transmission fluid and filter they have and have the mechanic use that?  
Thanks,
anxious Dodge owner


Answer
Hi Autumn,
Recalls are most likely to involve a safety issue as opposed to a wear issue. I haven't heard of a specific part that fails early in the Chrysler transmissions so would be curious to know what the mechanic was speaking of. I assume that your van has the four speed electronic transaxle which seems to be less sturdy than the older 3 speed.
On the fluid, anything with the word Dexron in its name is NOT Recommened. According the the '98 shop manual the recommended is ATF plus 3 (Mopar 7176). Because of the cost of failure I would advise that you check with the parts or service dept of a Chrysler/Dodge dealer for an up-to-date recommendation nonetheless and to follow that. On the filter, I can't be sure if there are different manufacturers of those.
I would be curious to know also what the dealer says about the use of synthetic trans fluid, such as Mobil, which owners who were having shifting problems with this transmission have reported to have made significant improvement in performance. It is more expensive ($4/qt) and I would not use it without the approval of Chrysler in your rebuild.
So if you learn something contrary or new I would appreciate your sharing that.
Roland