NV-5600 Fluid Change

[CROW]

My truck is an 03, HO, with the NV-5600 transmission with 29,000 miles. It has been used to tow a fifth wheel or a boat about 40% of those miles. I am conservative with the truck and not a "hot rodder" by any streach of the imagination. Changed the fluid today and was very surprised to find so much "stuff" in the bottom of the transmission. I expected to find some, but there was much, much more than I thought there would be; however, there were no large chunks or gear teeth or anything like that. Used paper towels to clean out the bottom of the case as best I could. My recommendation, after seeing all the junk in my transmission, would be to change it at about 15,000 miles and get all the break-in junk out. Based on what I found, DC's no change recommendation is way off the mark. I may even go with one of those filters the next time I change it. If you are considering changing yours, don't bother to take off the plate on the right side of the tranamission-guess it is a PTO cover plate- you can't get to anything to clean from that side.

 

[AlaskanCummins]

Tom,



What fluid did you use?



I have just read a 11 page thread about clutches/hard shifting and it turned into an oil debate. From what I read, it's best to go with Redline MTL w/some Prolong added to it. Another guy really hammered the point that one should use Penzoil Syncromesh fluid, as it meets DC/NV's spec of 9224, or something along those lines.



Amsoilman says that Series 3000 HDD 5w30 is the bomb, but the label doesn't specify that it meets this 9224 spec. I'd like to use this, as I happen to have 2 gallons of it left, after I sold my last truck.



So, to say the least, I'm not sure what to do. I think it's going to come down to a personal decision - weather to use the exact dealer spec (Penzoil) or try something else. I'm approaching 15K miles, and would like to change this puppy out. I've already changed diffs/T-case.



Thanks



Wayne

 

[nickleinonen]

i changed mine over with factory oil like 2 months back. shifting improved just a hare. lots of fine filings on the magnet but other than that, it was ok looking inside.



why factory fill? only $0. 15 more per quart than the quakerstate/penzoil sunchromesh stuff, and easier to get. i bought 10 quarts of it, so i have enough left for 1 more change plus, then i'll start using redline maybe...

 

[DPelletier]

I agree that the lifetime fill is a bad idea. Replaced mine with the Pennzoil 3501 on Saturday and I plan on changing it every 18,000 mi. (why 18,000 you ask?, because in metric land that's 30,000 km. ). My transmission has been great from day one and I couldn't see risking a fluid change to something that was not approved. I dunno what the cost of the factory fluid is, but the Pennzoil cost me $12. 27 per litre (Canadian). Where I really saved was on the diff fluid; Dealer wanted $595. 80 for a 5 gal pail of the factory fluid and I paid $129. 90 for 5 galls of the Texaco Synstar 75w90 GL-5 spec.



Dave

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

I used Redline MTL in 2 previous trucks with 6-speeds (my '01 and '03) with great results. Didn't use the Prolong additive.



Vaughn

 

[nickleinonen]

, but the Pennzoil cost me $12. 27 per litre

that's about what napa wants for the quakerstate if i buy it by the liter [non stock item for napa]. if i buy it by the case, i could get it for $9. 15+tax x12 bottles. from mopar, i managed to get it for $9. 30+tax for the factory stuff [they listed it at like $13. xx plus tax]

 

[DPelletier]

that's about what napa wants for the quakerstate if i buy it by the liter [non stock item for napa]. if i buy it by the case, i could get it for $9. 15+tax x12 bottles. from mopar, i managed to get it for $9. 30+tax for the factory stuff [they listed it at like $13. xx plus tax]

Thanks Nick, I'll keep that in mind for next time.



Dave

 

[fyrescott]

I'm about to change mine. What is the capacity of the NV5600????

 

[DPelletier]

Mine took 4 and a bit litres. Sorry I can't be more precise!





Dave

 

[the whale dog]

The capacity of the nv 5600 is 4. 5 quarts and I would suggest the filter that replaces the passenger side pto cover available from www.quad4x4.com this filter is really a neat set up and only took about 10 minutes to install should eliminate most tof the fines Good luck Kevin

 

[CROW]

I used the Pennzoil Synchromesh 3501, got it at Auto Zone for about $5. 00 a quart. One thing I should have mentioned in the original post, is that there was a lot of "shiny stuff" in the fluid that I drained out; seemed excessive to me but what do I know. I plan on going to about a 15 to 20,000 mile change interval since I tow heavy a lot.

 

[ZRamsey]

i wa thinking about puttin moblis synthetic hd 50w, i work at freightliner and thats what we put in the twin-counter shaft trannys, would it be ok for mine?

 

[ZRamsey]

how much is the ams-oil transmission fluid?

 

[Big_H316]

My '03 has 140,000 miles on its' 6-speed. MAYBE TIME FOR A FLUID CHANGE HUH? I've had no trouble at all with it yet!! Just one question... seeing how this is first Dodge ever... where would I find the drain plug on this transmission?

 

[Rman]

remove the drivers side PTO cover. It will allow you to wipe out the bottom and clean the internal magnet. If you don't want to remove it, pulling the bottom center bolt will allow most of the fluid to drain. Need a 17mm hex socket to open the fill plug.

 

[Jeff Knight]

I'm leaning towards using Royal Purple Synchromax when I get ready to change mine. Jeff

 

[nickleinonen]

17mm hex socket to open the fill plug

i couldn't find mine anywhere, so i grabbed a 10mm nut & bolt and welded them together. they have a 17mm head on them so that worked for me. i think 11/16" would also work if it's a little worn [the 11/16" is ±0. 018" larger than 17mm]