What type of oil do I need for my Transmission?

[OilPatch197]

1987 Ford Ranger with the 5 speed. I need to know if I need to use a GL-5 rated gear oil or a GL-4 gear oil.

 

[LearjetMinako]

Most likely a GL-4. Something about the syncro's and GL-5 that don't mix. But I do know their are some oils that are GL-4 & GL-5 compitable. So make sure to check the bottle.

 

[OilPatch197]

Uh Oh!



The reason I asked was I am planning on changing my manual transmission fluid to full synthetic for easy shifts during the cold winter.


(Just checked the NAPA bottles, it is 80w90 conventional with muti GL ratings so I am safe)

Looking at fully synthetic 80w90 oils, I see Mobil One is about $20 bucks a quart, but it is a GL-5 oil.

Anyone can recomend a good synthetic or Semi-synthetic GL-4 compatible manual tranny oil?

Last winter it takes FOEVER for my 2.0L engine to warm up in the cold, and even longer for the transmission oil to get to temp, and it is very hard to shift in the cold. (transmission also whines in cold weather)

 

[Exploder_Chick]

Oh! Oh! I know! I'm at work and my computer is telling me 80w-85w-90 gear oil. It services GL-4 and 5. =D

 

[LearjetMinako]

There are some that are multi-GL compatible. I know Royal Purple 75w-90 and Valvoline are. But QuakerState is not. If it says on the bottle that is supports GL-4, then is should be good.

For my manual tranny, I use Royal Purple SyncroMax. It is designed for trannies that take an ATF or motoroil. It has been great stuff. Shifts are consistant, and never really hard in the winter. Plus, Royal Purple line of products is full synthetic.

 

[OilPatch197]

There are some that are multi-GL compatible. I know Royal Purple 75w-90 and Valvoline are. But QuakerState is not. If it says on the bottle that is supports GL-4, then is should be good.

For my manual tranny, I use Royal Purple SyncroMax. It is designed for trannies that take an ATF or motoroil. It has been great stuff. Shifts are consistant, and never really hard in the winter. Plus, Royal Purple line of products is full synthetic.

Sounds great, how long have you been using SyncroMax? At the Royal Purple site, I need a product called "Max-Gear" I am kinda (???) about Royal purple products, going to do some research.

 

[LearjetMinako]

I have been using the RP SyncroMax since 100K miles. I now have 120K miles on the odometer. Before, I was using Mobil 1 full synthetic ATF at 80k miles. But the shifts felt hard engaging. Once I switched to RP SyncroMax, the shifts softened up.

I also have been running RP motor oil since 90k miles. No problems at all, and the engine runs and idles better. I use only full synthetic through out the drivetrain. With Royal Purple products being the major one. Only the rear diff still has Mobil 1 75w-90 full synthetic, but will be changed out for RP at 150k miles

Just to let you know. Royal Purple products are expensive, but worth it if you are looking for more of everything. Napa carries most of the product.

 

[exbass94]

I would not use RP Synchromax in this case only because it is meant for transmissions spec'ed for ATF or motor oil (would be fine for the M5OD), but OilPatch's trans is spec'ed for gear oil.