NV5600 Fluid Change After 30k

[rbattelle]

Well, I changed my transmission fluid for the second time (first time was around 15k, now I'm at 45k).



The fluid that came out looked like what I would consider "normal" for 30k service. It was not too black, and I feel the 30k change interval is pretty reasonable.



On refill it only took 4. 5 quarts, which is odd considering I have Fastcoolers and the last change took 6. 5 quarts to fill. I filled until it ran out the fill hole, plus I have a clear lexan cover on the drivers side which I've marked for easy identification of "full". So I don't know where the other 2 quarts went to.



Transmission seems to shift nicely... perhaps a little smoother. I used Pennzoil Synchromesh (same stuff that was in there).



-Ryan

 

[bombero]

When I changed the fluid in my 5600 after 30K it came out so nice I have been running it in lawn tractor and edger. Yours didnt come out too black. Good. Have you ever changed fluid in a truck before?

 

[rbattelle]

Have you ever changed fluid in a truck before?

Do you mean, "have I ever changed the transmission fluid in this truck before"? If so, yes I changed it at 15k.



If you mean "have I ever changed fluid in a truck before", then yes, I change all my own fluids.



-Ryan

 

[FDavid]

Man I am glad this thread came up. 40k on the truck and besides oil changes, I am on all the original fluids. I think this week I am gonna change them all. Kinda afraid to see what the rear end and trans fluid looks like :-laf

-Dave

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

I changed the OEM lube in my transmission and differential within the first couple thousand miles, switched to synthetics, which caused various problems, so immediately went back to OEM transmission lube and Valvoline semi-synthetic in the differential.



The first draining of transmission lube was clear as far as darkness was concerned, but did show signs of microscopic brass - reasonably normal wear-in in a new transmission - and I then ran the OEM for over 30,000 miles, LOTS of RV towing - and when I drained that lube out a couple of months ago, it looked as good as new.



My differential lube drain done at a few thousand miles, was a different story - THAT stuff was black and full of fine organic particles that appeared to be similar to clutch or brake dust - I'm assuming from the LSD clutches. Anyway, I was glad to get it out of there!



I need to drain the differential lube too I guess, but when I checked the level a couple of months ago, it too looked clear as new - but it also has over 30,000 miles on it, so should change it anyway just to be on the safe side...



As far as operation is concerned, both my 5600 and LSD differential are working great, and no complaints!

 

[CajunDieselMan]

Gotta change the trans fluid in my 5600 soon. . sitting at 24,000 miles. Thinking of using Penzoil Synchromesh 3501... anybody had experiences with that brand?

 

[klenger]

That's what I use. See http://www.klenger.net/dodge/general-reference/nv5600-fluid/index.html for more info.

 

[rbattelle]

That's also what I use, specifically because of Klenger's website. No problems at all with it.



-Ryan

 

[rbattelle]

Just changed my fluid again today. I forgot I did it at 45k (thought I did it at 30k, oh well). The fluid looked new. I had to reseal a leaking Fastcooler anyway and swap sides (I put them on the wrong sides when I installed them at 15k). This time around I've decided to let the RTV dry overnight before refilling the transmission. I'm hoping that helps prevent leaks.



Anyway, the only "glitch" so far this time is that I forgot to put the magnet back in the transmission. I'm not too concerned, because both fastcoolers have magnetic dipsticks.



There were visible brass particles in the corners of the coolers, although they were very tiny and there wasn't what I would consider an excess. Certainly the synchros (which are brass, right?) will shed some material during operation.



-Ryan

 

[Turbo1Ton]

While we are on this topic, I was going to change mine today but after an oil change and differential fluid changes on my wife's Rubicon, and an oil change, fuel filter change and frantz filter change on mine, I was too worn out. I'll do it some night this week.



But I have a question about what tool to use to get the fill plug out. I see that it is a large hex but I sure don't have a hex wrench that big. Is there a special tool for this or what? What are you guys using?



Thanks,



Jeff

 

[Blu-meanie]

17 MM. K/D Tools at most any auto parts place. I've had one since my VW days.

 

[klenger]

I used a (10 mm I think) bolt and two nuts used a jam nuts to pull the plug out. Seemed to work pretty well.

 

[Turbo1Ton]

Thanks for the replies fellas. Klenger, I considered that but figured with my luck somehow I would wind up srewing it up! I'll shoot by the store and pick one of those up tomorrow!



Jeff

 

[nickleinonen]

I used a (10 mm I think) bolt and two nuts used a jam nuts to pull the plug out. Seemed to work pretty well.

yep. i welded a nut to a bolt to make my tool for it. a regular hardware store stocked 10mm bolt/nut has a 17mm head

 

[Shelby Griggs]

But I have a question about what tool to use to get the fill plug out. I see that it is a large hex but I sure don't have a hex wrench that big. Is there a special tool for this or what? What are you guys using?



Thanks,



Jeff

This is a common size as VW used the 17 mm for years, I bought mine off the shelf at Sears



SHG

 

[GWBourne]

hehe, i neglected my trans and rear for a little bit... i just did them both for the first time... 40k... . oops



but hey, the fluid looked nice and dirty, but not too many flakes in it.

Grant

 

[Turbo1Ton]

Well, I finally got around to this on Saturday night/Sunday morning. I have 89500 miles on the truck and I bought it with 74k on it. I knew the rear diff fluid was changed because the dealer rebuilt the rear before I bought it as condition of the sale. Amazingly enough they must have changed all the fluids when they got it in because they were all amazingly clean. They all looked good, most were fairly clear. I was pleased to find that.



I wound up using the 10mm hex head bolt and 2 jam nuts to get the thing out. The fill plug was in there so tight that it kept trying to back the jam nuts off of the bolt! Finally I went ahead and tightened it up about 1/8th of a turn to break it loose and then it backed off fairly easy.



After that issue though I am off to find a 17mm hex driver. I tried a few of the parts stores and they didn't have anything that large. Looks like I'll try a few other places around town and then order online if necessary.



Thanks for the help guys.



Jeff

 

[Mad Bomber]

After that issue though I am off to find a 17mm hex driver. I tried a few of the parts stores and they didn't have anything that large. Looks like I'll try a few other places around town and then order online if necessary.



Thanks for the help guys.



Jeff

Pawn shop 17MM = 1. 00

 

[DavidBurt]

Any NAPA or autozone around here has those 17mm drivers, they fit Jeep's and other dodge pickups. If you have too buy one from napa online.

Dave

 

[rbattelle]

After that issue though I am off to find a 17mm hex driver. I tried a few of the parts stores and they didn't have anything that large.

I bought a 17mm allen wrench at the local tool shop, then later "upgraded" to a nice SK hex bit set. Largest one in that set is 17mm.



-Ryan