My 03 6-speed is crunchy, notchy, grindy when cold (below 40F) especially going to third, but 2nd and 4th are noticable too! It is coming up on 30k with the factory fill trans fluid and I want to change ALL the fluids out at 30k. What tranny fluid are you guys in colder climates using and is there any noticable difference in shifting smoothness from the stock fluid?

 

Come on guys, Chime in here!
I need to change this factory crap out before it wears my snycros or something!

 

Redline MTL......Changed mine a 7k miles and no complaints. You still may experience a little grind when really cold...but once warm it'll be slicker than butter.

Don[t put engine oil (AMSOIL) in the transmission...The Trans needs oil specifically designed for a manual transmission! Put the AMsoil in engine, transfercase, frt & rear ends.

For factory fill, when cold just hold cluth in a little longer (hesitate) when shifting between the gears, let engine rpms drop a little lower too.

Oh, Dodge part is Pennzoil Syncromesh and I wouln't even deep fry a turkey with it!

 

I went with Pennzoil Synchromesh. So far no complaints, does shift better now than with the factory fill. Next time I might try Redline MTL.

MikeyB

 

Rossn2,
I think the factory fill is Texaco/Shell MTX.

MikeyB

 

I run MTL in the six speed, C+ in the transfer case and 75w90 in the diffs. Redline made everything quiet and smooth.

 

The factory fill, plus the DC manual transmission fluid is Pennzoil Syncromesh previously known as Texaco MTX.

 

I just switched mine out with the factory Mopar fluid (took them 30 minutes to figure out what the hell kind of fluid it took, only to say "We have to order it."). AutoZone didn't have any Pennzoil Synchromesh, and they said that they can't order it. Load of BS, I'm guessing, but whatever. Mileage on the truck was 9338 with the original fluid. It was pretty smooth, but made some noise. Now it's smooth as silk and doesn't make any noise. Also, before it would grind into 3rd on occasion (don't know why), now it doesn't.

 

Thanks for all the responses guys. I'm looking for a few more before I make my decision. I'd really like for those having the same problems as I am with cold notchy grindy shifts tell me what actually worked or didnt work. I ve done all the research and it is one of the well kept secrets as to what this #4874464 really consists of! I want to run a synthetic but feel the factory stuff isnt a syn and Pennzoil FOR SURE IS NOT! Rumor has it #4874464 is a 5-30w oil with maybe some friction modifiers of some kind.

PLEASE HELP!

 

The #4874464 is Pennzoil Syncromesh....

Amsoil recommends to use their engine oil in the trans. No way.....

Go with Redline MTL. Cheapest I found was at http://www.myoilshop.com/

 

Used the Synchromesh.

I think most all of us have had the notchy shifts.

The fluid change made all the difference in the world.

 

I put in Penzoil Synchromesh and yes shifting is smoother. I have 24K on the truck. Changing it was a snap once I found a 17mm allen

 

As you know i have been stressing over which fluid to run in the 6-speed with 30k on it. Well today I took the plunge and filled it with Mobil 1 5-30w. I shopped for the Pennzoil Syncromesh, but was only able to find 1 or 2 bottles here and there at different parts stores, SOOOOO I was in Walmart looking and just picked up a jug of Mobil 1 and dumped it in tonight. WHAT A DIFFERENCE! Drove it to dinner after the change WOW! Shifts like a hot knife through butter now! I hope it stays that way for another 30k. The 30 degree morning tomorrow will be the REAL test for cold shiftability. Will let you know tomorrow when i get to work, but I think it will work just from my first test drive with it. Worth the $20 investment to try it. Pennzoil would of been $4.99 a qt. x 4 Mobil 1 is $19.89 for a 5 qt. jug plus I use it in my wifes camaro at 10k mile changes. Amsoil, Redline, Royal Purple are too expensive and hard to find on a shelf anywhere. My next change will be the tranfer case and front and rear axels. I'm going Mobil 1 in those too!

 

Mobil 1 5w30 motor oil? or trans fliud?

 

Motor Oil

I got the idea from Amsoil recommending their 5w-30 motor oil for use in our NV5600 transmissions. Figured if Amsoil will work in it, Mobil 1 should too! IT DOES WORK!!