Hi I was wondering if regular dexron mercon atf would be ok for this trans. Im running this fluid in a fleet of ford vans running e4od automatics with no problems. I just got the truck a few months ago. it has 117k on it and runs fine but The trans fluid looks a little dirty. It is a 1997 dakota 4x4 5.2 with the 44re trans

You may be able to with an additive. The best fluid for it is the factory +4 fluid.

No Dextron fluid is compatable. Only true ATF is acceptable. If you add a Dextron based fluid you will be rebuilding your trans in a few months. There is no additives that I know of that will convert Mercron to ATF. That is why there is a specific ATF for chrysler cars and trucks.