First oil change on NV5600

[JLovas]

I read in the most recent TDR issue an article in which the author of an article I read changed his transmission oil with only 5600 miles. Seemed to be a waste to me at first, but then the author discussed improved shifting quality or feel... then I thought hmmm, might have to give it a try (not that my transmission was shifting rough or anything).



Went to autozone to get Penziol synchromesh manual transmission oil and guess what, they only stock 2, 1 qt containers at each store (at least they do in Fargo) and I needed 5 quarts to get the job done. So I had them order some more in for me and I waited another week until I got around to it.



Anyway... got it done this morning. Old oil looked fine, put a clean rag in through the PTO cover to look for shavings on the bottom of the case, didn't find anything... looked at what gears I could see, and they all looked perfect (as they should with only 6900 miles). Put the new oil in, took it out for a test drive and shifting quality did improve some. The shifts are more crisp or firm now, not a huge difference, but enough to notice it a little, so I guess it was worth it.



I know Dodge doesn't have any recommendations on oil change interval on the transmission, so I'll ask what are you guys doing??? I drive in extreme temps (90+ in summer, -30 in winter) and do a fair amount of pulling. I was thinking every 30,000 (that would be about once a year for me). Thanks for your input.

 

[Fireman]

I found the same thing here at Auto Zone. When I ask why they would have only two quarts all I got was a dumb look. Anyway I changed mine and it improved the shifting a little, but I didn't notice any real improvement in shift quality untill about 1000 miles after the change. It is much smoother now. BTW I changed mine at about 30,000 mi.



Fireman

 

[klenger]

You can also buy the fluid direct from Pennzoil



http://www.klenger.net/dodge/general-reference/nv5600-fluid/index.html

 

[rbattelle]

I will probably go with a 30000 mile change interval too (a bit less than once a year).

 

[Briman]

Just changed mine at 20K. The fluid was dirty but not bad. The shifting is a little better. I used Penzoil synchromesh.

 

[Jengle]

I changed out mine at 15k for the first one, will probably go to 30k intervals now. I went with amsoil. Did notice the rear axle whine is about gone with the oil change. It wasn't loud, but it was there, now all I get is what you would expect from a large truck axle. Barely noticable, and only when you are looking for it. Windows up, radio off. Anything else and you can't hear it. My dad said it reminds him of driving an old army 5 ton. I didn't notice any change in the feel of the shifter, but mine never exhibited any of the problems I see mentioned on the site. It's been smooth from day one. It had a little vibration in the stick at first, but after a couple thousand miles, it's gone. Nothing to do with the change, just the new wearing off. BTW, none of the fluid was dirty, in fact the front axle was so clear, I thought it was full of water, but I put my finger in the stream and it was pure oil. The rear one had a dark color, but normal odor. transmission was normal colored, no metal.

 

[jwilliams3]

If you are looking for Redline MTL online, and IN STOCK! try www.synlubes.com

They had it to me in 4 days.



--Justin

 

[gsbrockman]

My '03 is afflicted with the "clutch rattle" TSB and I'm taking it in before 18,000 miles is up... ... will any fluid be lost when they R&R the transmission to replace the clutch disc? I, too, have thought of doing the drain & fill on my NV5600 but I assumed I'd be wasting money if I did it myself one week and then took the truck in for the TSB the next week. My truck has 17,5XX miles and it still shifts a little tight. Thanks !

Greg