2000 5 Speed fluid change

[Red Ranger]

My Ranger is a 2WD, 5 speed manual just turned 145,000. Since I bought this truck used, I don't really know if the trans fluid has ever been changed. My manual states to use 3.8 quarts Mercon ATF. Should I use regular Mercon or a synthetic? If I switch to a synthetic, can I expect to start seeing leaks anywhere?

Thanks,

 

[exbass94]

Synthetics DO NOT cause leaks. I really wish that myth would die. Don't be scared of synthetics. If you want to use synthetic, just pour it right in. That applies for motor oil, ATF, gear oil, etc.

...or you can use regular (conventional) Mercon. As long as you keep the trans full and the fluid fresh, the trans should live a long happy life.

 

[Original_Ranger84]

Synthetics can cause leaks by cleaning up the the places that were already leaking but got clogged up by stuff.

or leaking in places that already leaked...

 

[Red Ranger]

Synthetics can cause leaks by cleaning up the the places that were already leaking but got clogged up by stuff.

or leaking in places that already leaked...

That's what I've always heard. Since I don't see any leaks, and no spots on the floor under the truck, I might try running a synthetic. After all, after 145,000 miles I'm sure it's way past due.

 

[bcost882]

i use the valvoline durablend half reg half synthe. i like it i need a lighter weight but otherwise it is nice. and i like how supposedly the manual tranny fluid will last forever. i need to do mine. too bad no funds. military and wife hahaha

 

[modelageek]

My manual states to use 3.8 quarts Mercon ATF.

Thanks,

I think the manual says 2.8 quarts.( fill it till it comes out of the filler hole. I have read a lot about this topic and have gotten different opinions. this is what I have concluded. DO NOT USE GEAR OIL. I suspect that my tranny fluid had never been changed. I drained and filled it with coatal mercon(cheap) Drove it around for a few months. Then I drained and filled it with castrol mercon V. The mercon V seems to help the shifting a lot. My reasoning for doing it this way is that i figured the tranny was dirty since never be changed. reguler mercon has more additives and detergents then mercon V and it is cheap. Then i replaced it with the V. you can get a hose and funnel and fill it thru the engine bay. You don need to get a pump.

 

[modelageek]

Synthetics can cause leaks by cleaning up the the places that were already leaking but got clogged up by stuff.

or leaking in places that already leaked...

think of the molecules in oil as Balls that kids would play with. Dino oil has all different size balls(molecules), from golfballs to beachballs, Synthetic oil has one size ball(molecules) they are all golfball size.. The smaller ball can leak into areas that the bigger ball can not

 

[Red Ranger]

I think the manual says 2.8 quarts.( fill it till it comes out of the filler hole. I have read a lot about this topic and have gotten different opinions. this is what I have concluded. DO NOT USE GEAR OIL. I suspect that my tranny fluid had never been changed. I drained and filled it with coatal mercon(cheap) Drove it around for a few months. Then I drained and filled it with castrol mercon V. The mercon V seems to help the shifting a lot. My reasoning for doing it this way is that i figured the tranny was dirty since never be changed. reguler mercon has more additives and detergents then mercon V and it is cheap. Then i replaced it with the V. you can get a hose and funnel and fill it thru the engine bay. You don need to get a pump.

Yep, your right 2.8 quarts. Had to go back and look. I was going to do this today, but some stupid idiot backed into the kids Grand Prix last night. Now it's time to pound out the dent in the door and change the window. I shattere big time, but didn't fall out.