People seem to like Amsoil MTF...lots of people claim better shifting (I haven't used it so I cannot say)

I have used the Pennzoil Synchromesh since it is readily available locally for me...seems to work fine for me.

 

Isn't there a PTO cover gasket you can get from a big rig shop.

Guess I am going to use the SEARCH button now!

 

The PTO cover is standardized, so you should be able to pick up a gasket at most auto parts places if you so choose. From the factory it is just sealed with RTV. Thread sealant is also a good idea on the bolts.

I think I read or heard somewhere that the DC oil is supplied by pensoil. I like the Redline (synthetic) MTL.

 

I had to revive this.

I have 102k on my 03. I have changed the tranny fluid every 25k using Amsoil since 2nd change. I have a new clutch master/slave installed and new SB - Dynomax/OFE - Feramic clutch/pp/tb.

It shifts harder than ever now. There are sometimes I can hardly get it into gear. Depending on where I drive, I alternate between clutch shifts and no clutch. I generally don't have an issue when I shift w/o the clutch.

It's been a PITA no matter what clutch setup I have run. I read a thread here once that talked about a diferent shift lever that offered more leverage. Does anyone have ideas on this?

I have to jam this thing in gear both when I'm towing my 5th wheel and normal driving, I'm getting sick of it.....

PS, I HATE PENZOIL!!!! 3 yrs of working at a quick lube place during college got me over that brand.......

 

I haven't heard of any kit that offers more leverage. There is a quick shift kit, but it offers shorter throws and therefore less leverage.

Might be worth a shot trying a different oil, but if that doesn't work I'd guess you would be looking at new syncros?

 

Add Amsoil "the worst in synthetics" to that list also.


MULE,
There is a good chance your syncros are not in the best shape. I love shifting w/o the clutch also but its a !!!!!!


I would rather run 30W engine oil, before anything made by pennzoil or amsoil. Try Redline MTL as a last resort for easy shifting. Best move I made!!! You may not notice HUGE difference but it is better. I think these trannies are pretty much always a PITA!!!!! Very reliable and handle lots of power, but has its down falls.

 

I always thought Amsoil was good..... I do 7500 mi oil changes (per choice) and according to Blackstone labs, I am below the national average for wear and degradation marker elements. What is the issue with them? I just have never seen anything bad about them.

Hummmm, I thought no clutch shifts were easier on the tranny/clutch system. I've been doing it for so many years that I can nail most trannys w/o grinding. If it's hard on them, I guess I'm going to be re learning some driving habits. And, here I've been wanting a few more gears to run through w/o having to jump into one of our big trucks (just sounds cool in my truck).........
So where do I find Redline MTL?

Oh yeah, my truck has shifted this bad since day one. It just seems to be getting worse now. I had a few times below 15k that I had to shut the truck off to get it into reverse.

 

Mule,
You mentioned about installing a new clutch. Have you ruled out clutch drag causing the difficult shifting? Have you broken in the clutch yet?

MikeyB

 

I broke it in the way SB wanted it done - 250 miles of traffic....
It has 10-15k on it now. I put the new master and slave clutch hydraulics in after about 5k to see if that helped.
Basically, if I don't catch first at a stop, it doesn't like to go into 2nd to start off from the light. Sometimes, 6th is a PITA too. I'm wondering if a boost dump valve would help with the in motion shifting. That seems to be an issue, but, who knows. I'm just going to "keep on truckin"...... If it gets bad enough I'll take it to DC and see what they think.

 

Sounds like most of your clutches are dragging on the friction plate and flywheel,either not releasing fully, or oil on the disk from the trans. or crank seal. That the only reason it wouldn't slide into a gear at a stop, and make it harder when trucking.

 

Sounds like I ought to try the old 5 cans of brake cleaner trick.....
If I get anything out, I'll know I have a leaking seal. There has never been any sign of a leak, other than seepage from the valve cover, but that got changed when they adjusted the valves a month ago. Now that I think about it, I have been smelling some gear oil after I get back from a long trip. Next trip to KS I'll have them drop it out and check.
I didn't mean to hijack this thread, Sorry.

 

Hey Mule, is your tranny grinding when shifting gears, or just hard to shift?

FWIW, my truck has had both Redline MTL and Amsoil MTF in it, and though both performed well (easier shifts), the Amsoil was slicker.

You sure it isn't the clutch causing your woes?

I buy my oil online - Amsoil.com or redline.com; delivered to my front door.

 

Not grinding, just a pain when at a stop and sometimes going down the highway. It just doesn't want to go into gear, no grinding, just won't go....
It's done this since it was new, only now it's getting worse. I think the new pressure plate made it worse, but, that's only because it is stronger. I have wondered if the rubber piece in the tranny isn't getting soft. I was told that the shift lever goes into a rubber sleeve (or something like that) and that sets into the rails. Anyone heard this? I just started sipping on my afternoon caffeine, so my brain may not be working too well yet.

Clarification after a couple more sips.
The shift rod is encased in a rubber sleeve.
Sounded like BS to me from the beginning, but hey, weirder things have been true.....

Although, this problem is worse when I get flustered at a light..... In traffic, with a 5th wheel behind me and the dog getting ready to puke....... I think we all have been there.......

I have an Amsoil dealer acct, been buying their stuff for 4 yrs.

 

Sounds kind of similar to how mine acts. After idling in neutral it won't want to go into any gear. Seems like the syncros can't overcome the inertia of the friction disk... Sometimes giving the throttle a hard blip while holding the clutch in will seem to help.

Otherwise, it will bump a bit (not quite grind) when I hit 3rd if I upshift at lower than normal RPM.

From the way mine acts, I don't think the clutch is dragging or sticking. A buddy who also has an NV has the same kind of issues.