Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) 5 spd Trans fluid change

[RMHanes]

Will be changing fluid soon for the first time. Looked in the shop manual and said that need to remove the bottom bolt of the PTO cover. Does this work? Just how much of a mess will I have in the driveway doing it this way? Will have a pan underneath this but would be nice to know if sometype of covering would be good to have just in case. Once the fluid is drained should the cover be removed and the insides inspected? Is there a modification that can be done so that the bolt does not need to be removed in the future? When reinstall the bolt the shop manual states to apply thread sealant. Is there a brand that works best?

 

[Steve Campbell]

Thread sealant... Permatex#2



"Just how much of a mess will I have in the driveway doing it this way? "..... The oil will slowly come out, it is not a very big hole.



"Once the fluid is drained should the cover be removed and the insides inspected?"... . Take the left (Driver's side) cover off and clean the magnet off.



One other opinion... Use the Texaco oil. You can get it from Standard transmission for around $60/ gallon. The dealer wants half again that much for the oil!!!

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

The 5 speed takes Castrol Syntorq not Texaco (that is for the 6 speed). The only other lube I have tested with results that I like is the Torco RTF (racing transmission fluid). It is treated to GL-6 level so might help gear life. However, the Castrol may be better in high temperature and humidity conditions for the synchronizers. Kevin Dinwiddie of Lubrication Engineers recommends Syntorq (rather than LE, or any other brand!).

 

[Steve Campbell]

Oops!!!!

My mistake. Thank you Joe for setting things straight before someone believed my mindless reply.