Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) How easy is it to change the oilin the 6spd?

[BarlowCummins]

Does anyone have instructions for changing the oil in the 6spd. I need to do it but are unsure how, and don't want to pay the dealer a arm and a leg to do it. How easy is it?

 

[Diesel Freak]

Remove the bottom bolt in the drivers side PTO cover.



Let the oil drain out.



Remove the rest of the bolts and remove the cover. It will be stuck on with RTV, so a puddy knife will be needed to get it off.



Using a lint free rag wipe off the magnet.



The magnet is located at the front center of the gear case.



Don't be alarmed at the ammount of silver gook... unless you find chunks larger than the head of a pin.





Re install the cover using some Permatex Ultra Grey RTV.



Using an oil pump, pump six quarts of your favorite gear oil into the tip PTO cover bolt hole. I personally like RedLine MTL.



Re install the bolt in the top bolt hole.



Wipe everything off.



Take the truck for a drive and check for leaks.

 

[Loren]

Excellent instructions from Diesel Freak above.



To answer your basic question. It's easy.



Loren

 

[BarlowCummins]

This may seem like a stupid question but where is the pto cover at, i am not used to changing fluid in a manual.

 

[C. Harlan]

the PTO cover is the large plate on the side of the transmission that has a big sticker that says PTO INSTALLATION WARNING, or something of that sort... cant miss it. . There are 4 bolts on the sides, one on top, and one on bottom...



-Chris-

 

[Rman]

I can testify that it can be done without an oil pump. It's not easy but i did it. A lot of grunting, swearing on a damn cold day made me realize how nice a pump would have been though

 

[JCotte]

Why are you changing it. it was filled with synthetic and has no required change interval. Oo.

 

[BarlowCummins]

I didn't know it dosen't have a changing interval, but i do have about 60,000 on it and about 90% of that is towing and my trailers typically weight in between 14,000 and 24,000 pounds. Plus i would like to know to know what i have in there and it is becoming alot harder to shift lately Would changing the fluid have difference of the stiff shifting ?

 

[jmeehan]

Originally posted by Diesel Freak

pump six quarts of your favorite gear oil into the tip PTO cover bolt hole.

I've always used the factory fill hole to add fluid to my 6 speed. I don't recall if the top PTO bolt hole is above or below the fill hole. If above it would certainly make getting a little more fluid in easier.

Both times I did mine, I'm fighting the notchy shift problem, it only took 5 1/2 quarts. Can you get a full 6 quarts in using the top bolt hole?

 

[amsoilman]

I changed out my NV-5600 around 1500 miles, and it now has over 20,000 "smooth" miles. Shifts are much smoother than the stock fluid. I pulled the lowest bolt from the PTO cover to drain, and then filled through the "fill" hole using a pump that screws on the top of the oil bottle. I purchased the pump from a local parts store. Hardly any mess at all!





Wayne

amsoilman

 

[Cliffman]

I noticed a change for the better when I changed my oil. Smoother shifts. I also just pump out 6 qts and pump back in 6 qts from the fill hole on the drivers side.

 

[Diesel Freak]

Originally posted by JCotte

Why are you changing it. it was filled with synthetic and has no required change interval. Oo.

The OEM fluid is not synthetic.

 

[HeavyHauler]

I assume these directions are the same for a 5 speed, are all of you guys filling it back with synthetic? What's brands do you recommend?

 

[Cliffman]

I would suggest Amsoil in the 5 speed and stick to the OEM in the 6 speed.

 

[C. Harlan]

I run Amsoil in mine, and no problems yet...



-Chris-

 

[slo-ryde]

The 6 speed requires special lubricant. Look on the PTO cover for a sticker that gives the Mopar part number. Or look in the owners manual. I've been told by the local dealer it is a synthetic lubricant, I know the owners manual states that replacing it is not required. I plan on changing mine at 50,000 miles so I can pull the cover and check for wear.

 

[Mundgyver]

CoreyCunningham,





Do youself a favor and run down to Sears or you local garden shop and get yourself a plastic weed pump sprayer. Pour you new oil in that and leave the spray tip off. Pump it up and use it to put your oil into the transmission. It is allot easier than trying to feed a funnel.

 

[Cliffman]

Hey, that's not a bad idea Oo. Much better than a "oil pump" because you have a trigger type on/off valve. Only problem is you can't use it to suck out the old oil. I still like it though