Tranny fluid type

[1978 Homebuilt Fords]

Should I use transmission fluid or gear oil?

 

[franklin2]

What model transmission?

 

[1978 Homebuilt Fords]

4 speed borg warner t19

 

[1978 Homebuilt Fords]

What model transmission?

4 speed Borg Warner t19

 

[1978 Homebuilt Fords]

I went to change the drain the old oil out, and a thick dark oil came out, it wasn't red, so that's what makes me ask,but I'm not sure if that's supposed to be in there.

 

[Shran]

Those are supposed to have gear lube in them. Any type is fine, I don't believe they had brass synchros so GL5 is not an issue like it is with others. You can also use Synchromesh/syncromax/etc "manual transmission fluid" type stuff or even heavier weight engine oil. Probably wouldn't run ATF, too thin.

I have generic 80w90 in my NP435 and it is a bear to shift when cold. I would probably suggest a synthetic fluid if your trans is in good shape... it would be a waste to put expensive fluid in a worn out leaker. Thinner oils and synthetic oils will make it easier to shift in cold weather.

 

[1978 Homebuilt Fords]

Those are supposed to have gear lube in them. Any type is fine, I don't believe they had brass synchros so GL5 is not an issue like it is with others. You can also use Synchromesh/syncromax/etc "manual transmission fluid" type stuff or even heavier weight engine oil. Probably wouldn't run ATF, too thin.

I have generic 80w90 in my NP435 and it is a bear to shift when cold. I would probably suggest a synthetic fluid if your trans is in good shape... it would be a waste to put expensive fluid in a worn out leaker. Thinner oils and synthetic oils will make it easier to shift in cold weather.

Ok thanks I really appreciate it. Gear oil would make more sense for an older manual transmission. My transfer case is separate, and actually uses transfer case oil right?

 

[Shran]

Nope not necessarily. What model of t-case do you have? In the 70's (NP 205s, etc) would have had gear lube in them. Borg Warner t-cases in the 80's and into the 90's would have had ATF... transfer case fluid would be OK to use in those too but NOT gear lube.

 

[1978 Homebuilt Fords]

Nope not necessarily. What model of t-case do you have? In the 70's (NP 205s, etc) would have had gear lube in them. Borg Warner t-cases in the 80's and into the 90's would have had ATF... transfer case fluid would be OK to use in those too but NOT gear lube.

I'm assuming it's a 205, it's a '78 Borg Warner

 

[Shran]

205 was the "standard issue" t-case until 1980... 203 was the optional one if the truck had full time 4wd. They are both identified by a big cast iron case, the 203 has additional gear boxes bolted to the front and rear outputs. 205 does not have those. And they were made by New Process, not Borg Warner... 1980 and up were either aluminum cased NP 208s or aluminum case Borg Warner 13xx.

 

[1978 Homebuilt Fords]

205 was the "standard issue" t-case until 1980... 203 was the optional one if the truck had full time 4wd. They are both identified by a big cast iron case, the 203 has additional gear boxes bolted to the front and rear outputs. 205 does not have those. And they were made by New Process, not Borg Warner... 1980 and up were either aluminum cased NP 208s or aluminum case Borg Warner 13xx.

Ok I am definitely learning alot here, it's hard to find accurate info on these old trucks, especially specific to each one. So that would mean I have a 205 New Process, as it doesn't have the additional gearboxes...

 

[Shran]

Another easy way to tell is if your shifter has "lock" positions on it.. that would indicate a 203. 205 just has 4H, 4L, N, 2H on the knob.

 

[1978 Homebuilt Fords]

Another easy way to tell is if your shifter has "lock" positions on it.. that would indicate a 203. 205 just has 4H, 4L, N, 2H on the knob.

Ok it's definitely a 205 then.

 

[1978 Homebuilt Fords]

Also, the drain plug is on the bottom right side on my transmission, and it looks like the fill plug is about 4 inches above that. Yet the oil level was way about the top plug. Is there something I'm missing? I tried to find another fill plug but couldn't. Maybe I'm just blind...

 

[franklin2]

Fill plug is usually mid-way on the transmission, and the transmission is filled about half full. The gears in the bottom transfer the oil to the top of the tranny as they are turning.