2001 4.5 5 SPEED TRANS. Fluid Suggestions ? .

[-Nate]

It's been about five years since I drained and refilled my trucks' manual tranny, it's time again, I'm thinking maybe up grade to fully synthetic ATF , any suggestions or cautions ? .

TIA,

 

[Blmpkn]

I went with pennzoil synchromesh.

 

[sgtsandman]

It depends on the individual transmission. Some will take a compatible aftermarket fluid just fine. Others only like the OEM fluid.

For what is worth, Mercon V, LV, and ULV are full synthetic.

 

[-Nate]

THANK YOU BOTH ! .

 

[4x4junkie]

I wouldn't suggest using Mercon V (or it's variants) in a 2001 manual trans.

I have had Royal Purple Synchromax in my 1990 for I think close to 50K miles. Though I wish I could give you a better review on it's shift quality but unfortunately someone before I got it infact did put Mercon V in it (it's clunky & stiff and kinda sucks at times, but was way worse before I put the RP in it). I will say I did notice a fairly consistent 1 MPG increase going from a change of standard Mercon fluid to the RP though (from about 20 to 21 MPG hwy, this with big offroad tires).

 

[-Nate]

Thanx ! what is "RP"? .

As it turns out I was a little concerned about the factory specified Mercon so I mixed in some Mobil 1 'C' (Diesel) rated multi-vis engine oil and Lo ! it now shifts better than it has since I bought it with 90,000 miles .

I need to update my threads with pictures, I finally got another cell phone and am back to taking pictures for sharing .

I have questions about the ABS and NO2 sensor .

 

[19Walt93]

Ford only sells Mercon/Dexron III spec fluid as dedicated transfercase fluid for stupid money. Valvoline Mercon/Dexron III works fine and is cheaper.

 

[4x4junkie]

Thanx ! what is "RP"? .

I have had Royal Purple Synchromax in my 1990 for I think close to 50K miles. Though I wish I could give you a better review on it's shift quality but unfortunately someone before I got it infact did put Mercon V in it (it's clunky & stiff and kinda sucks at times, but was way worse before I put the RP in it). I will say I did notice a fairly consistent 1 MPG increase going from a change of standard Mercon fluid to the RP though (from about 20 to 21 MPG hwy, this with big offroad tires).

Ford only sells Mercon/Dexron III spec fluid as dedicated transfercase fluid for stupid money. Valvoline Mercon/Dexron III works fine and is cheaper.

Correct, other than the Valvoline is now labeled "Dex/Merc". It is the same fluid though. OP however was looking for synthetic options.

 

[19Walt93]

Some manual transmissions don't like synthetic, depending on the syncros and blocker rings. If shifting problems appear after changing to synthetic fluid, just drain it and refill with conventional fluid.

 

[-Nate]

"I wouldn't suggest using Mercon V (or it's variants) in a 2001 manual trans.

I have had Royal Purple Synchromax in my 1990 for I think close to 50K miles. Though I wish I could give you a better review on it's shift quality but unfortunately someone before I got it infact did put Mercon V in it (it's clunky & stiff and kinda sucks at times, but was way worse before I put the RP in it). I will say I did notice a fairly consistent 1 MPG increase going from a change of standard Mercon fluid to the RP though (from about 20 to 21 MPG hwy, this with big offroad tires). "

This comment has been stuck in my mind because the tranny has been clunky since I bought the truck but now is shifting so much better I think I'll leave it in .

Ford says to use the Mercon so why don't you think it a good idea ? .

 

[4x4junkie]

Not sure if you were asking me or 19walt93, I think he was saying the synthetic might not be a good idea (I've always advocated for Dex/Merc, previously Mercon).
I honestly don't know for sure because mine had Mercon V in it before I got it (which also happens to be synthetic). I believe it's the Mercon V additive package that causes the hard-shifting though, not the fact its synthetic. As I mentioned above, the shifting did get better with the Royal Purple synthetic, but it's still is not near as quick-shifting as the M5OD in my 1994 Ranger (which has always had regular Mercon in it).

 

[-Nate]

Okay gotcha both .

I don't speed shift so as long as it shits quickly & smoothly I'm happy .

It didn't use to like to go into first gear, now it does .

More to come soon, I'm still tinkering away and try to wade through 600 + unread E-Mails .

 

[00t444e]

I went with pennzoil synchromesh.

This 100%, way better than any ATF.

 

[-Nate]

Thanx ! is it a specific weight ? .

 

[Manscout]

I went with pennzoil synchromesh.

I approve of this statement. My 5 speed loves this.