NV5600 lube update

[GTOWag]

I recently had some work done on my NV5600 transmission, The gentleman that worked on the transmission told me and even had it printed on his invoice: “Use Valvoline 5w30 Fully Synthetic Motor Oil only! Do not use Lucas or any additive, Synchronizer damage will result. Install ground straps from transmission to frame and body”.



I have never heard of this before and wondered if anyone else has. I have read many TDR threads concerning what oils people are using, but have never seen this one mentioned. He claims he has thousands of NV5600’s on the road and has had no problems. Valvoline is available almost anywhere auto parts are sold and is a lot cheaper than other options. Has anyone else used, or heard of this before??

 

[MMeier]

Doesn't sound right to me... but then, I'm not warrantying the thing either. He has "thousands" out there ? Proof ?

 

[KcoleKennyc]

I have used Mobil 1 5w30 for many miles and haven't had any problem. Can't tell the difference in the way it shifts from the Amsoil, it is even the same color.

 

[ILIANBG]

Is this for real? Synthetic motor oil and install ground straps to have a reliable NV5600?
I do not think I ever read anything like this so far. Is this a reputable re-builder? If so, would you share the name of the shop? I am trying to learn as much as possible to help me maintain this transmission.
Ilian

 

[ENafziger]

For those not familiar with the 1st gens, 5w-30 synthetic is the factory spec fluid for the Getrag 5-speeds.

--Eric

 

[HBarlow]

Standard Transmission, a very well known NV-5600 rebuilder and TDR advertiser located in Fort Worth, TX recommends Pennzoil Synchomesh Transmission lube which is essentially the same product dealers sell in a MOPAR bottle. Joe Donnelly has written about it and I personally had a NV-5600 rebuilt by Standard. They are one of the two top rebuilders, Blumenthal's in OKC being the other, also a TDR advertiser.

I would follow the advice of Standard if I still owned one.

 

[GTOWag]

Ilianbg

The transmission business is: One Ton Transmissions, PO Box 195, Beech Grove, IN. His name is Ben Woodard and seemed very knowledgeable and claims he has been in the transmission rebuilding business for years.

 

[Grizzly]

The best choice for transmission oil is OEM. At least you can't go wrong with it.



Why reinvent the wheel.



george

 

[CAPTPHIL]

500000 mi. on original 5600. Replaced when replacing clutch, It was worn out from 75mph in 6th pulling 12 to 16 thousand lbs. all over USA and Can. All with Fast Coolers and 100000mi. change intervals. 9 qts. of Mopar oil. 150000 on Standard Reman. same routine no problems.
Good Luck Capt Phil

 

[RVTRKN]

I would say you got your money worth, and that 500K was past the normal use application in durability. We all know the CTD is good for a million miles, if well cared for. Its just the other things that will wear out, on your way to the 1,000,000 mile mark.

 

[DGamelin]

I'd have to agree with HBarlow, I use the Pennzoil Synchromesh. I believe it's the same as stock. It is what is recommended for these synchros in this trans. These transmissions are to expensive to be experimenting with. As for the ground strap, in years past it was considered important to have a ground on things like this because when you have more than one type of metal you have electrolysis between the different metals. Causing the weaker (brass) to brake down on a molecular level, and some how the ground would help slow down this issue.



________________________

93 250 2wd xc 354 auto 278

04. 5 3500 4wd qc dully 373 NV5600 118K

 

[rbattelle]

I'd be inclined to stick with the Pennzoil, as others have recommended.



This guy is arguing that since he's told "thousands" (doubtful) of NV5600 owners to use 5w-30 and put a ground strap on, and few (if any) of them have ever returned, his advice must be good.



Meanwhile, it's entirely possible that a large fraction of those people either ignored his advice, traded the truck before any damage occurred, or wound up with a damaged transmission a second time and decided not to return to him on account of the poor advice he gave earlier.



Frankly, 5w-30 would probably be just fine in the NV5600. But why chance it when the factory stuff is readily available?



-Ryan

 

[CKelley1]

on the 5w-30 it does state that is what to use but i agree with harvey. the ground strap to the frame is more important than you think on the older trucks. i had first hand experience on this one. the ground to the motor was bad. the ground to the frame was ok, the starter current had to travel through the driveline. this shortens the life enormously. the same thing hapens on dozers when welders build up the pads by placing the ground on the frame and the rollers start failing about 12 months later. on the first generation trucks you should remove and clean and add some electrical grease like alox and replace. you need to do this about every 7 years. this has also solved many charging problems. the ground from the cab to the battery will go bad and the ecm contains the regulator.