transmission Oil Question

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I am a proud new Dodge Cummins owner and am trying to get in the swing of things with this truck. I noticed that my transmission gear oil is a little low (5-spd NV4500). I was going to just change it and put some fresh stuff in there until I priced it at the dealer. $27. 95 per quart!!! I have found some synthetic gear oil from Castrol (75W90) that is $7. 59 per quart, big difference. The question is, this particular oil conforms to the API GL-5 standard and not GL-4 which is called for in the owner's manual. Is this ok to use or is there something else that would be better. Also, I noticed that there is not a drain plug on the bottom of the transmission. Do you have to just take the PTO plate off to drain the thing? Any help will be greatly appreciated. Please excuse my ignorance, I know I'm a newbie.

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showeth,

Is your truck new or used? If new and the dealer won't spring for it, price it through Mopar4less and top off. A lot of owners change it every 20-30k miles.

I changed my gear oils out with Amsoil 2000 75-90 this summer. Adding the Maghytec rear cover, I messed up and did not order enough and had already dumped the transmission oil. I picked up Syntec GL5 figuring on just getting more Amsoil later. From what I understand, some GL5's are more abrasive and will cause premature syncro wear. I asked fellow member tdrmbramr his opinion on the Syntec GL5. He has used it long term with no detrimental affect. So, I am leaving it for now.

Yes, you must remove one of the PTO plates do drain the oil. Either one is okay. Check out GENO'S 5 speed oil filter. It bolts on in place of the plate and is reasonably priced.

 

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With the price of the recommended gear oil I'd just top up. In 116k I've topped up twice and still have 1/2 qt left. Sent in a oil sample at 75k,it checked out good. Lube is supposed to be good for life of transmission,I think they figure that to be 100k,thanks for reminding me to test again.

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95' 25004X4,AT,Driftwood,Banks,Warn fender flairs and running boards(Play truck)95 3500,5 speed,driftwood,Banks&phscotty,34,000 GCVW apple and tractor hauler(work truck)

 

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I replaced my transmission oil at 50K miles because I use the truck hard. I found an outfit in Texas that shipped a gallon of it to me for 50 bucks. I recommend that you use the Syntorque oil. The info that I have received on the NV4500 is that it uses fiberglass synchros and they can be damaged by other oils. You can drain it by removing the bottom center bolt on the pto cover. I can look for the info on the Texas outfit if you want to contact them.

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98 2500 Quad Cab, 12V, 5spd, 4x4, HD Transfer Case, 370HP Diamond B Injectors, #4 TST, 16cm2 Housing, AFC Spring Kit, Governor "Modified", Walker Muffler, SS Tube Steps, Fifth Whl Hitch, Leather, CD, LSD Dana 80 Rear, 60 Front, Centerforce Dual Friction Clutch, Rancho RS9000 Shocks, Rancho RS5000 Steering Stabilizer

 

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I checked this out and ended up buying LE (Lubrication Engeneers)oil from MagHytec @ $9+ a quart. Do a search on this and you can learn alot.

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1972 Chinook class C with 96/215 5spd, 4/5" exh, 4"BD, MagHytec, 85gal fuel, K&N, AutoMeter, www.fostertruck.com/cummins

 

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Check out http://www.standardtransmission.com/
That is where I bought my oil for my transmission.

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98 2500 Quad Cab, 12V, 5spd, 4x4, HD Transfer Case, 370HP Diamond B Injectors, #4 TST, 16cm2 Housing, AFC Spring Kit, Governor "Modified", Walker Muffler, SS Tube Steps, Fifth Whl Hitch, Leather, CD, LSD Dana 80 Rear, 60 Front, Centerforce Dual Friction Clutch, Rancho RS9000 Shocks, Rancho RS5000 Steering Stabilizer

 

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Thanks guys. I appreciate the help.

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1997 Dodge Cummins Turbo Diesel Dually
2L Custom Trucks Conversion

 

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showeth,

I have been using Amsoil series 2000 75w90 for almost 2yrs (and Amsoil's standard 75w90 for a year prior to switching to series 2000) and have had no problems. I was also concerned about the GL-5 rating after reading in one issue of the TDR about the GL-5 lube being corrosive and causing plating problems with the syncros. I found out that this is only of concern with petroleum oil gear lubes. Reasoning had something to do with heat. When a GL-5 lube gets hot enough it will cause the above mentioned problems. The gear box will run cooler when using a synthetic gear lube, so the problems caused from increased heat is not as much of an issue.

To drian the gearbox remove the bottom PTO cover bolt (either side). The torque spec for the PTO cover bolts are 20-40 ft. lbs. and the fill plug is 25-35 ft. lbs. One tip of advice, apply Mopar Lock N' Seal or Loctite 242 to the bolt threads like the manual recommends. I have tried plumbers teflon tape on the PTO cover drain bolt and it still leaks. I will be draining my gearbox soon and appling the loctite sealant to the threads and hopefully that will solve my leaky drain bolt problem. I also have some Loctite 518 just in case I discover the leak problem is the PTO cover gasket. The manual states gaskets are not used in the NV4500 and to use Mopar Gasket Maker, silicone adhesive/sealer or Loctite 518 on all gear case and extension housing sealing surfaces.

By the way, I feel the gear lube from the dealership is way over-priced, that's why I went with Amsoil when I first changed the gear box oil (I am not a believer in the "lubed for life" philosophy, especially since there is no filter / filtration system on the gear box). When I drained the gear lube to switch to the series 2000, I collected some of the old gear oil in a glass jar. I was surprised at how much little metal flakes was in the oil (same with the axles). After seeing that I decided to start changeing the oil in the gearbox, axles and tranfer case periodically (even though it's all synthetic and is suppose to be "lubed for life").

 

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Ditto on 1tuffram,
The Amsoil Series 2000 is in mine also. Along with Genos filter. I have been changing it once year, between 25,000 and 35,000. These transmissions are hard on oil.

A bonus is Amsoil will warranty their oil for that application.

Oh yea, if you follow the "lubed for life" in the manual, I think DC will be selling one more of these transmissions!

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1997 Cummins Dodge 4x4 Bombed & Amsoiled
Member of TDR,LIC-ROC,GLTDR,NRA

[This message has been edited by MGM (edited 10-26-2000). ]

 

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Same here for Amsoil. Monitered trans oil temp gauge for 180K miles. Have run Amsoil for 150K miles of that. Pulled very had and in hot weather. Never seen over 190 degrees. Running empty no matter how fast or hard will only see 150 degrees. Trans temp directly relates to engine oil temps.

Had shaft damage for several 5th gear losses. Replace with New 4500 and sent old to rebuild shop in OH. They complete rebuilt and commented "only normal wear and tear (150K miles on trans) ... nothing realted to oil. That trans shifted much better at 150K then this new 4500 (2000 model) does at 30K.

Most warrenties only go to 36K. I would not waste the extra on MOPAR trans fluid unless you EXPECT warrenty problems.

I WOULD change the trans every 50K if pulled. Or at least grab a sample and send in for analysis.

jjw
ND

 

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To the owner that found the $8. oo (aprox)
Gl 5 lube-- If it was castrol the anwser is yes it will do the job .
How do i know? have used it for over 700,ooo mi in my 96.
the cost differance has been used for life's other needs. Family!
I layed this transmission out to the last shim at 300k and had new parts just to compair(mic'ed) just to check on lube(C. M. B).
Save your $ winter is comming fuel is hi and the Honey will need warmth.

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96-3500 SLT EXT. CAB AM/FM/CD-RINO LINER. D-CELERATOR EXH. BRK-RED LINE VAC. OVER HYD BRK CONTROL- AIR BAGS W/HVY DUTY AIR COMP. PUTCO S/STEEL DEEPBOARDS FRONT TO REAR. REESE 20K 5TH WHEEL & GOOSE -REESE 20K HITCH BELOW W/17K RECEVER. CLEAR COATED & SOUND DEADINGING &UNDER COATED 5 SPD/W 4:10 MCHLN'S 235/16'S UNIDEN PC76/WEATHER-WILSON 1000 MAG MOUNT ANT. 4 WHL ANTI LOC BRK SYS.