5-speed tranny fluid change

[basto]

I got a a 93 Ranger v6 3.0 (the Vulcan) with a 5sp transmission. There's a small leak coming from the drain plug and the rear end of the transmission is mucked up with what appears to be transmission fluid plus road dirt. I never find any fluid on the ground and I can only see a drop after driving for a few miles.

So I decided to check the fluid level and opened the filler plug. I didn't exactly park completely level (stupid I know) and about half a pint or so of tranny fluid poured out. Considering how strong the flow was though I get the feeling the transmission may have been overfilled by the previous owner - front end lifted up when filling? I've heard that this may lead to transmission fluid being expelled through the top of the transmission (around the shifter) or a vent tube? Some of the fluid I leak seems to come from the top of the tranny following the tracks of the muck - could be the rear seal though. Some most definitely leaks fro the drain plug - would teflon tape fix that?

Here are my questions:

Considering I lost a bit of fluid should I be concerned about moving the car a couple hundred yards to get it on level ground to check and replace fluid (I rather push uphill than burn the trans)? Is Mercon really the right stuff to use in the manual trans? I bought some Valvoline ATF that claims to be Mercon and Dexron compatible - can I use this or should I buy stuff from Ford? Lastly, if my rear seal is leaking can I replace it without dropping the trans (ie disconnect the prop shaft, drop the cross member after supporting the trans and pull the rear part off)?

Oh well, since I'm asking so many questions already I may add a few more on the diff... I checked the fluid and it looks yellowish, smells good and feels right (not watery or so). I assume that's not Mercon... What weight gear oil do you use for the diff and do I really have to pry the cover off or may I as well siphon the fluid out and replace then as a short term maintenance?

Thanks in advance. BTW thanks to those who helped me fix my parking brake warning light and resulting inspection failure dilemma!

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

the M5OD is notorious for leaking fluid from the shift rail plugs. the 3 rubber plugs way up by the shift tower on the back of the transmission. the best way to seal them up is to remove them, clean the area and the plugs, and reinstall them with RTV sealant. if the transmission is indeed overfilled...it may have vented the excess fluid. the vent for this gearbox is simply the lack of a seal around the shifter. so if it did vent...it would spew out the top.

teflon sounds like the way to go for sealing the drain plug. i cant remember if the plugs use a copper gasket or not...but if they do you should replace those while the plugs are out as well.

you wont hurt a thing by driving the vehicle a short ways minus a little bit of fluid....especially if it was overfilled from the get go. and yes mercon ATF is the right fluid for this trans. do not use any other fluid or you will kill this gearbox in short order. any mercon compatible ATF will be fine...no need to buy from ford.

if the truck is a 2wd, replacing the trans rear output seal is a sinch. the driveline will slide out after unbolting it (a little fluid will probably run out when you remove it). after that, replacing the seal is just like replacing a wheel seal or any other seal.

the differentials take standard gear oil. the viscosity isnt overly important....just as long as it says "gear oil" on the bottle. the fluid should not be yellow in color...it sounds to me like you have water in your differential. if thats the case you should replace the fluid IMMEDIATLY. people have been known to extract the old fluid with a pump through the fill hole....but if you have water in the fluid i would pull the diff cover to ensure you get ALL the contaminated fluid out. the cover is sealed with ATV.