Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Problem with 5 spd manual.... ???

[Behr]

I have heard there is some known potential problem with the manual 5 spd transmissions.



Can anyone :-{} shed some light on this subject as to what is the problem... what to look out for... what to do and what not to do... ??

 

[Forrest]

The nut that holds 5th gear on comes loose & you loose 5th gear. It's happened once to me, some have more "experience".

 

[JTeague]

For the most part they are excellent transmissions. They are fenicky on what type of gear oil are used in them. Synthetic oil must be used. The only reaccuring problem that I am aware of is the 5th gear nut backing off. Your truck has the revised nut so It should be less of an issue for you than earlier trucks, but it still could back off. The only sure-fire fix is the fully-splined mainshaft. The only drawback is that is kinda pricy and will require full disassembly of the trans to install. Even if the nut comes off, you still will have all other gears and no other damage usuall is done to the trans. By the way, you don't even have to remove the trans to repair the loose nut. Just pull the back cover and your there. Hope this helps.

 

[TowPro]

This special oil must be synthetic, and GL-4.



from what I hear, GL-5 includes a lot more Phosphors, which when heated, will come out of the oil and "plate" on to the synchronizer rings inside the trans. Some say the trans never gets hot enough for this to happen. All I know is I switched to Amsoil 2000, and ever since that point when I would pull into a campground I could smell Gear oil burning after parking the RV into the site. Don't know if it was the Amsoil, but the smell started as soon as I changed the trans over to 2000.



I changed it at 60K miles, it was "past due" for a change when I saw how nasty the stuff looked coming out.



You can buy the factory recommended oil from Standard Transmission for $54. 00 a gallon, or the dealer for around $35. 00 a quart. (I think it holds a gallon)



I also recommend adding a trans filter kit from Genos Garage

Originally posted by JTeague

For the most part they are excellent transmissions. They are fenicky on what type of gear oil are used in them. Synthetic oil must be used.

 

[redram]

Try Royal Purple MaxGear 75W90. It is a fully synthetic API GL-4 and GL-5 rated oil and my truck does NOT stink after heavy running. I've had the RP MaxGear 75W90 in the trans since 32K and the truck currently has 145K.



I have a buddy in Idaho that has used it in his 96 2500 4X4 for over 300K. No problems with the 5th gear nut either.



RP is available alot of places, check out their website at www.royalpurple.com. Even available mailorder from Jeg's and JC Whitney.

 

[RO'neal]

I know that the tag says you can only run synthetic oil but I disagree. We've built dozens of these trannies and run the same thing that we put in most all of our manuls which is a mix of 50% 90weight/50% auto trans fluid and have never had a problem.



I actually ran 85-90 weight in mine for a couple months and when I tore it down last week (only because I had it out to put a clutch in it) it still looked brand new. The problem is supposedly with the synchros but mine were like new and showed absolutely no wear.



Flame away... .

 

[bighammer]

Somebody may argue a 60/40 mix is better.



(up to them to decide which way, though)

 

[RO'neal]

Yeah, I shouldn't have stated exact percentages. I use the old eyeball method when I mix it anyways