Transmission Fluid

[oughtsix]

Just got an 89 ranger 4x4, and want to replace all the fluids, just so I can start from square one on this one. I'd like to use synthetics. With all of my research, I now believe that the Transmission and T Case will both require a Mercon type fluid. I'm leaning toward Royal Purple Synchromesh. I've heard things about the Mobil 1 that make me shy away. I haven't decided on what to use in the differentials. I assume an 85 weight. I may spring for Amsoil.

If there is one thing i notice, it's that the oil/lube debate is nearly as divided as, say, Democrat vs. Rebublican. Or perhaps Coke Vs Pepsi.

So a few objective opinions is what I'd like. Oh, and first post, so Hello to everyone.

Brian

 

[rboyer]

The only problem I ever had with Mobil 1 transmission fluid was the cost! But I have still used it regardless and never had any problems so far. If it's going into a junk vehicle that I plan on just beating to death then i'll throw the cheapest stuff I can find in it such as that house brand junk you can get at Autozone. I just recently changed the transmission on my Windstar and ended up picking up Valvoline transmission fluid for it just because I didn't want to put a house brand fluid in a transmission which is known for problems yet didn't feel like spending $85 to buy enough Mobil 1 to completely fill the thing. As far as motor oil I usually care more about the type of filter i'm running before I put any thought into the oil. No matter what fluid you're talking about there's always someone out there saying that it's the worst thing in the world. Honestly in my opinion the truck is 19 years old and if it was mine I wouldn't put that much thought into running expensive fluids unless the thing was kept in a barn for half of it's life and hasn't even reached 100k yet.

 

[exbass94]

Do you have a M5OD tranny or one of the Mitsu trannies? The Mitsu's use gear oil, the M5OD uses ATF. I think the Synchromesh fluid is for trannies that normally require gear oil, although not positive. If you have the M5OD and want synthetic, then you can use a Mercon V full-syn fluid.

 

[Jspafford]

A 1989 should have a Mitsubishi Transmission.

 

[rboyer]

Actually after reading that again I realized something. Synchromax is the royal purple manual transmission fluid not Synchromesh and Max ATF is their auto transmission fluid. I'm guessing that you don't have an automatic transmission in the truck or else you would have been looking for the Max ATF stuff. If you do have an automatic transmission though then yes you do want a Mercon type fluid.

 

[Hahnsb2]

A 1989 should have a Mitsubishi Transmission.

Depends on engine, 2.3s typically got M5ODs.

 

[oughtsix]

To answer questions:

This is going to be my primary source of transportation. I was told that it only has 72K on it, which I doubt very seriously, but don't know how to check, or if there is any way to check and see if it has rolled over. In it's defense, the guy I bought it from said it belonged to an old man who just used it as a farm truck. I know it had a 4x4 conversion done at some time, due to several things i've noticed.
That was my bad on the name, synchromax is the one I saw.
As far as engine oil, I'm almost certain that it has dino oil in it right now. I'm leary of going to synthetic there because of the risk of developing leaks. I've used wix filters mainly before, Fram when I was poor. Is there a better choice?
I just want to give this truck as good of a chance as I can, sine I really want it to last a while.
Thanks yall for the quick answers.

Brian

 

[AllanD]

A 1989 should have a Mitsubishi Transmission.

Actually an 89 2.9 can have either.

Depends on engine, 2.3s typically got M5ODs.

an '89 2.3 with a manual transmission MUST have a Mazda.

AD

 

[Jspafford]

Actually an 89 2.9 can have either.



an '89 2.3 with a manual transmission MUST have a Mazda.

AD

If it had a M5OD, wouldn't it also have a D-35 hybrid? Or were there some that got the newer style tranny and old style axle?

 

[oughtsix]

Okay, by looking at some pics, I need 80W Gear Oil for the tranny and ATF for the T-Case. I'm going to get some sort of synthetic for the T-Case. But What I'm concerned with most is the Tranny. A guy I know who is a professional truck driver Recommended the Schaeffers with Molybdenum in it for the Diffs. If I can find it locally, great. IF not, I'll use something else. I figure redline MTL for the tranny, or the Royal Purple Synchromax, whichever they have.

And what about switching to a synthetic oil in the motor for this old of an engine? Will it cause more problems than it is actually worth?

Thanks Again

Brian