How often do you change fluid in your M5OD?

[FritzTKatt]

I use a pump myself, but I kind of like the idea of taking the top plate off. Until you spill atf all over your carpeting...

 

[wildbill23c]

Hmm, I believe the TK-5 actually uses manual transmission gear oil and the M50d and newer ones use ATF correct?

Guess once the weather warms up I'll go out and do a service on it, I just don't want to put the wrong fluid in.

 

[racsan]

i probly change mine every 30/50 thousand miles, i use pennzoil syncromesh fluid, have a M5OD. change the transfer case fluid about the same time but use mobil 1 sythetic atf.

 

[wildbill23c]

Hmm, seems simple enough. Just hoping that I can get the fill plug and drain plug out, otherwise if the fill plug is stuck, I'll call it lifetime fluid LOL.

 

[racsan]

...i think its a 22 (or 24) mm size, i have a combination wrench i use on mine, shouldnt be too tight, either get the right size socket and a breaker bar or a good 12" cresent will do, just dont overtighten...its a steel plug going into a alloy case.

 

[Mark_88]

I think I took mine off with a socket or open end wrench...11/16 or so...and they shouldn't be too hard to remove...like some rear end plugs I've encountered.

Last time I did mine I used a spray bottle and just squirted it in till it ran out...but that was just a top up...and check the bottom plug for filings...should be some on it...

Also can run a magnet through the bottom of the pan (needs to be smaller than the plug, obviously) and you can get them on springy wands that you can insert into the transmission...but don't poke it in too hard or too far...

The M5OD on mine used ATF...can't remember if it was Mercron (SP) II or III...been a while

 

[wildbill23c]

My TK5 howls in overdrive, so I'm not sure what I'm going to find when I drain the fluid. I'm guessing I've got a bearing issue, but not worth tearing into given the truck isn't worth anything more than scrap price. All other gears are fine. Was going to change the fluid in everything and see if that helps at all.

 

[Mark_88]

Well, as much as everyone scoffs at "additives", I used some TransMedic in mine about 8 years ago and it stopped whinning for a few years...when I had to top it up last time that was what I put into the transmission to top it up...that I could tell it needed just by the noise it was making last year...the noise disappeared.

Could just be that the noise would have disappeared with regular ATF...but for about $2 more than a bottle of ATF the TransMedic may have helped...or may not have...

 

[wildbill23c]

Hmm, I may try that, but I think the previous owner had been driving it for who knows how long with it low on fluid, I added almost 3/4 of a bottle last year, haven't checked it since, so maybe it leaking fluid somewhere.

Could have sworn the TK-5 used regular gear oil, at least that's what everything shows that I've found.

 

[simpler=better]

Every 30k-50k, I also use the $10 pump that fits the bottle (it's worth the $$ in time saved).

Last changes was Wolf's Head synthetic ATF, no noticeable difference than the regular ATF but the price was good and I have faith in synthetics

 

[kennyjames]

Regular Dexron III/Mercon ATF and shaffers oil additive