Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Manual transmission lube

[nfox]

The tag on the side of my 96 5-speed tanny says to use a castrol syntorq lt fluid, the only place i can find it is at the stealer and they want $21. 00 a quart? Is there any other oil i can sustitue in place of that? If so, how much does it cost, and where can i purchase it?

 

[LarryB]

http://www.standardtransmission.com/dodge.html bottom of the page. Only place I have heard of other than dealer. A little cheaper but not much. I used other oils but came back to Syntorq because of 50f+ lower oil temps when pulling heavy.

 

[DuallyDean]

nfox--

Do you have a transmission temp guage? I left mine in after I swapped the auto out for the 5-speed. Never above 150 deg. with the auto pulling hard. REGULARLY above 210 with the manual pulling hard. I've even pegged the guage over 250 pushing hard into a headwind. Wow! no wonder synthetic oils are required! Syntorq is specified because it has less zinc in it's EP (extreme pressure) additive package than other oils. Excessive zinc levels will eat up those expensive brass syncros in your transmission.



It's only my opinion, but after seeing how hot the transmission usually runs, I'll spend a few bucks more for the specified oil because it is still cheaper and less headache than a rebuild. New Venture spends a LOT of money on R & D to determine wear rates and proper lube specifications. I will heed their advice.

 

[illflem]

Chrysler worked out a deal with Castrol where only DC can sell Syntorq in quarts, to get the real price 30 gallons is the minimum.

Agro tractor dealers sell it also, it was used in Allis-Chalmers gearboxes. Bring your own container, it's only in bulk for $9/qt.

 

[SOOT]

I use Valvaline synthetic 75-90, about $7. 50 a quart.

 

[BigBadDodge]

I use THIS



BBD

 

[redram]

Originally posted by DuallyDean

nfox--

Do you have a transmission temp guage? I left mine in after I swapped the auto out for the 5-speed. Never above 150 deg. with the auto pulling hard. REGULARLY above 210 with the manual pulling hard. I've even pegged the guage over 250 pushing hard into a headwind. Wow! no wonder synthetic oils are required! Syntorq is specified because it has less zinc in it's EP (extreme pressure) additive package than other oils. Excessive zinc levels will eat up those expensive brass syncros in your transmission.

It's not less zinc, it's less phosphorus that differentiates an API GL-4 rated EP gear oil from that of an API GL-5 rated EP gear oil used in differentials. In fact, I doubt that the Castrol Syntorq has much if any, zinc compounds in the formulation.

 

[redram]

Originally posted by nfox

The tag on the side of my 96 5-speed tanny says to use a castrol syntorq lt fluid, the only place i can find it is at the stealer and they want $21. 00 a quart? Is there any other oil i can sustitue in place of that? If so, how much does it cost, and where can i purchase it?

You can get the same fluid through a GM / Chevy / GMC dealer for around 13 / qt.



I've run the Royal Purple MaxGear 75W90 for over 6 years and 110K in my 96. (truck has 144K on it) It works great, shifting better than the stock Castrol Syntorq when I changed at 30K and is in the 7-8 / quart range most places.



www.royalpurple.com for a retail locator.

 

[DuallyDean]

redram--

You're right, it's phosphorus. I stand corrected.

Sorry for the mistake.