What fluids or oils are recommended for the 6 speed? I want to change the fluid but want to make sure I use the correct oil. I do not want to pay the price for a dodge or mopar emblem on the canister either... Oh, and how much fluid? 4 qts, 5 qts???

 

Pennzoil Synchromesh is or very similar to the Mopar fluid. Also can be found at the GM dealer, for the NV3500. I highly recommend going with synthetics, either Redline MTL or Amsoil MTF. Will need 4.5 qts.

MikeyB

 

I guess my question is how do we know for sure that the amsoil and redline meet or exceed the specs of the mopar stuff? They seem like the best way to go and a bunch of people on here are using them. I just want to make sure they do meet the specs set by dodge. Thanks...

 

Redline MTL is very popular. I'm running Amsoil MTF in my tranny. Before I was running Pennzoil Synchromesh and found the tranny shifts much better with synthetics, especially when cold.
Not to concern about meeting Mopar specs, but the synthetics exceeds them.

MikeyB

 

When I change my NV5600 fluid I will be putting in Redline MTL. I used Redline synthetic in my Jeep and it definately had it shift smoother.

 

I just got an Amsoil pamphlet in the mail... the MTF replaces DC# 4874464. There's something I haven't figured out - I think the NV5600 requires light weight lube similar to atf (about 8 weight on an engine lube scale) and the Redline is something like 75w85 rated on a gearlube scale (about 40 weight if converted to an engine lube scale). Isn't the Redline MUCH heavier than what the NV5600 calls for? Does the Redline have better Extreme Pressure properties than Ams. MTF or similar? Craig
I just checked the Redline site and saw the Lightweight lube specs. I get it now! I thought some guys were running regular gearlube in the 5600.

 

The NV5600 uses a 5w-30 tranny lube. Both Redline MTL and Amsoil MTF specs are very similar to Pennzoil Synchromesh.

MikeyB

 

Mileage makes the NV5600 shift better. Takes about 60k and then it is nice.

 

I have 30k on mine and it is getting worse to shift. It started out real notchy new and then after a while it got better, now it is headed backthe other way getting worse. I will be swiching to Rdline or Amsoil this spring and hope it makes it better. It is to the point I am considering taking it back in to the dealer but I dont want them to touch it if not 100% nececary.

 

That's exactly how mine behaved. I switched to Redline, which seemed to help a little bit. Still, if you don't hit 3rd just right, it can be a bumpy shift. I doubt a dealer would do anything with it unless it isn't driveable.

 

I ordered the bd shifter frome genos garage www.genosgarage.com and I like it , made big difference in the feel of the shifter. just my .02

 

I have over 200k (75% w/trailer) on mine (installed @ 120k). It was filled from the top to the top pto bolt which is higher than the fill plug w/ syncromesh and 1 bottle of lucas. I have only checked it a few times since, unscrew plug slightly and wait for fluid to seep thru threads. It's quiet and shifts easily.

 

Allright I know I sound like a moron but im gona say it any way. While laying under my 04 the only thing that I can really see that is a drain plug is on the right side of the tranny and right above the cross member. To me this dosent look right because it only seam to be about and 1" lower than the fill plug and is definetly not one of the lower spots that I would have chosen to drain the oil from.
Is this the correct drain area? You'd think there would be a drain plug instead of pulling off a PTO cover.

 

The correct drain plug is one of the bottom bolts of the cover on the LEFT side (driver's side) of the tranny.

My question is, how the heck does one get that cover off without bending it all up and making it worthless? The first time I serviced the tranny, I tried to remove that cover, but could not make it budge at all, and I didn't want to ruin it. I will be changing the fluid again in a couple of months and I would like to view the inside and check the magnet, but not if I am going to ruin the cover.

DMH

 

it has been 2 years since i did mine, and my memory is failing. isnt there a 17mm allen plug in the bottom for draining?