Tool for R&R of 6-spd fluid

[CSilkowski]

Does anyone know what tool is used to back out the fill plug on the 6-speeds? I went to change my fluid today until I saw the plug. I made the mistake assuming it was a standard type of plug. I don't know why they make things so difficult.



Thanks

 

[KBertetto]

17mm hex head socket, I got mine from Sears, had it in stock, ½" drive.



Bert

 

[CChase]

Or for a cheaper way, buy a 10 or 12mm nut & bolt (whichever nut uses a 17mm wrench). Put the nut on the bolt and weld in in place... . voila, instant 17mm hex adapter. If'n you don't have a welder, just get twoof the nuts and jam them.

 

[Cattletrkr]

just get twoof the nuts and jam them.

That's what I did... twice. Worked great. I used SAE that was closest fit. No probs.

 

[SBall]

refill of 6-speed

A previous TDR member post (which I could remember who), suggested using a pump sprayer tool to refill through the top hole of the PTO cover. I located a cheap-o unit with a small brass nozzle on the handle, cleaned it thoroughly, and it works great to refill the transmission. Simply pour your oil in the sprayer, pump it up, and inject it into the top PTO bolt hole. You'll be able to introduce more oil this way as the top bolt hole is higher than the 17mm fill hole.

Steve

 

[CSilkowski]

Thanks guys. I will pick one up today.

 

[jelag]

Remember that an over full gear box could result in oil foaming... ... In the latest TDR is a note with the TSB's that mention over filled rear ends tend to foam and the air will lead to gear damage from lack of lubrication... .



Jim

 

[nickleinonen]

Remember that an over full gear box could result in oil foaming... ... In the latest TDR is a note with the TSB's that mention over filled rear ends tend to foam and the air will lead to gear damage from lack of lubrication... .



Jim

yep it did, but the "correct' fill level for the 11. 5" is 1/4" below the fill hole ±1/4", so if you fill it until it runs out the hole, you'll be fine.

 

[Cattletrkr]

What about those of us using the Fastcoolers? Does the added air space allow us to run a higher oil level? Or do I need to go drain a little oil out of my transmission. Oo.

 

[GMueller]

Go to JC Whitney (jcwhitney.com), Part number 14AT4216B (or 144216). 17mm hex head socket, 3/8" drive - $2. 99 each plus shipping. I bought 2 plus 6. 99 shipping for 12. 97. Buy a bunch and give em to your Dodge Friends for Christmas.



GEM

 

[tae73]

Sears has a 17mm hex wrench for 9 bucks

 

[rbattelle]

What about those of us using the Fastcoolers? Does the added air space allow us to run a higher oil level? Or do I need to go drain a little oil out of my transmission. Oo.

I have the fastcoolers. I filled the transmission up to the bottom of the factory fill hole, which with fastcoolers installed means a little extra volume but no change in fluid height. That means the level of the fluid is the same as the factory spec, so there is no fear of any foaming/aeration problems. The problem with foaming/aeration (as far as I've been able to reason out) is when the surface of the fluid is above the factory recommended height. In that case, I suppose, the additional churning and bubbling from extra gear components being submerged in the oil can cause problems.



Having said that, I have a clear lexan cover on my driver's side fastcooler. When the truck is running in neutral the fluid is sloshing and churning and bubbling all over the place in there! It's kinda cool to look at, actually... kinda like a front-loading washing machine on the wash cycle. One of these days I gotta take a look at it in gear (with xfer case in neutral, of course).



-Ryan

[These are just my (hopefully educated) opinions. If anyone has any info to the contrary, please correct me. I hope my tone doesn't come across as anything other than "friendly". ]