SHO transmissions are not only car specific, but year specific too. example 96-97 will work and interchange as long as you swap some soleniods. 98-99 use Merc V oil where as the 96-97 use Mer III
Who's got the TSB around here? Factory fill was Merc III / Dexron for 96 /7. And Merc V for 98 / 9's.
HOWEVER:
Ford pulled the plug on production of Merc III about two years ago and there was a TSB issued that okayed using Merc V in any year AX4N.
That being said I am a bit of a fluid "****" and if I had Motorcraft Merc III at my disposal that is what I would put in a 96 / 97 ATX if that is what I drained out.
As an aside I thought this thread title was "Transmission capabilities" at first glance, my answers (assuming AX44N specific) would be as follows:
1) Great propensity for draining vehicle owners wallet after the transmission self purges all internal fluid.
2) Very adept at generating harsh shifts and overheating oil when in normal operating condition.
3) Excels at wasting engine output power.
4) Doesn't listen to verbal feedback regarding it's performance.
5) Occasionally has the wherewithal to successfully propel the vehicle.
Still don't miss my ATX....